WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – It’s not just a day for many of us to get off work for the holiday. Memorial Day is a time to honor fallen members of the military.

“I have so much gratitude and appreciation for what they did,” said North Carolina state representative Ted Davis.

That’s why a special remembrance was held today on the USS Battleship North Carolina.

The ceremony has been held there since 1962 when the battleship became the state’s World War II Memorial as the most decorated surviving battleship of World War II.

“There were many, many who served on the USS North Carolina who did not come back,” said North Carolina U.S. representative David Rouzer.

This holiday is about them, and each of the others who’ve died while serving our country.

That’s why keynote speaker Brigadier General Ralph Rizzo Jr. had people stand up and say the names of loved ones they’d lost in combat.

“We do not say their names enough out loud anymore and we need to remember them,” said Rizzo.

He says we also need to remember those still serving and who have served in the U.S. Navy, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marine Corps.

“I thought of my father a lot,” said Davis.

Davis says his father served in the Army. He says he came to this ceremony and everyone before that since 1996 to recognize his father’s sacrifice and those who gave the ultimate one.

“It’s a real tribute to all those people,” said Davis.

Rizzo says he also hopes the tribute helped people recognize military families too.

“The sacrifices our families make don’t get the same recognition we do who serve in uniform. The times I was away, she was mom and dad,” he said.

Wrapping up this year’s event, officials ended with a memorial wreath presentation to remind people that although it may be a day off work and a long weekend, it’s also a time to reflect and show appreciation for our freedom.

“It reminds you they are the greatest this country has to offer when they raise their right hand,” said Rizzo.

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