LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) – It was a day of solemn remembrance for the men and women in uniform who gave their lives for our freedom. The Kentucky VFW District 6 held two observances of Memorial Day, the first at Cave Hill National Cemetery, the second at Zachary Taylor National Cemetery.
"We pause to remember their stories of valor, of heroics, of great sacrifice. Stories of citizens from all walks of life, who wore the uniform of the American soldier," Lieutenant Colonel Robert Wagner, Senior Personnel Management Officer at Army Reserve at Fort Knox said.
Dozens gathered at Cave Hill and Zachary Taylor cemeteries to remember the fallen service members. Attendees included those just learning the meaning behind Memorial Day, like Jack Talbot.
"Our family came out here to honor those who have died in combat and to learn more things about Memorial Day," Talbot said.
And others, who have felt the loss of war firsthand, like Major Michael Meissel.
"I am a critical care nurse in the Army Nurse Corps," Major Meissel said. "I have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, two separate deployments, and I have had the privilege of working in the emergency treatment area."
Major Meissel who now serves as Program Director, AMEDD Enlisted Commissioning Program based at Fort Knox, shared some of his personal experience serving overseas.
"I would find myself standing on the flight line with multiple units in the area, saluting the fallen passing as their units escorted them to board their last flight out of the area 9:19 we called it an angel flight, as we pray their spirits would be with God who would give them rest and give their families strength through guaranteed future struggles," Meissel said.
Meissel spoke on the importance of remembering the fallen, while not forgetting the great sacrifice made by their families.
"Gold star families, their pain endures, I'm not sure I've ever met a family member who hasn't, thought about their lost loved one every day as they continue their lives and I think as a nation, as a military, we need to recognize their continued sacrifice," Meissel said.