MESA, Ariz. — Memorial Day is coming up on Monday and while many people will spend the day at a barbecue, in the pool or doing something else to enjoy an extra day off, others will spending the day remembering those who paid the ultimate sacrifice by laying their lives down for our nation.
On Saturday, a group of veterans, scouts and other volunteers were out at Mountain View Cemetery in Mesa placing flags on the graves of veterans and working to keep the true meaning of Memorial Day front and center.
"Really, it's to remember those that gave their lives for our country, and, most importantly, not forget what this weekend is really about," Rod Baarstad, a veteran and American Legion member, said.
Baarstad was emotional as he placed flags on graves at the cemetery because being there makes him remember the loved ones he has lost.
"It's a pretty emotional weekend for most of us," Baarstad said. "I've got relatives that are buried here. I have an uncle that's here and it's emotional."
However, it was not a lonely day for Baarstad, as he was joined by man others, including Scouting America scout Jay Flood, and other members of Flood's troop.
"If it weren't for these people, we might not even have the chance to be doing this," Flood said. "My dad was a veteran. He was in the Marine Corps... it still feels good to honor all these other veterans... (and) to keep alive what it is. Yeah, there's hot dogs and hamburgers and barbecues going on, but at the end of the day, Monday is about those that gave their life for our country and I think it's important we keep that going."
Elisa Krcilek, the vice president of Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery, agrees.
"But that freedom comes from the men and women that have given that sacrifice," Krcilek said. "And these young kids today, they need to understand that value and appreciation, whether there's a war going on or not."
Mountain View Cemetery will hold a special remembrance ceremony for veterans who have died in service of our country on Monday at 9 a.m. To find out more information, click here.
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