TYLER — Memorial Day is a day to honor those who've lost their lives serving our country.

On Monday, the Tyler Memorial Cemetery, a service was held to honor those past and present who have served.

The service was special to everyone who attended.

But for one veteran, Jackie Stringer, having it held in this cemetery was especially meaningful.

"My wife is buried here and I know so many people who are buried in this area right here," Stringer said.

Stringer served in WWII.

He comes from a family of military servicemen, and today, he remembers one family member in particular.

"My brother got killed in the service in Italy," Stringer said.

He said this day is important to him, because it's a day he can spend remembering the people he lost.

"You don't forget them but you remember them more on days like this," Stringer said.

The ceremony included a veterans parade, a rifle salute, and an address from Smith Co. Sheriff Larry Smith.

"I want you to know that I'm deeply honored to stand here today on this hallowed ground commemorating the sacrifices of those men and women who have laid down their lives in service to this great nation," Smith said.

He said the day isn't just a day for words, it's a day for action.

"John F. Kennedy, a Navy veteran of WWII, and a purple heart recipient, once said, 'As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them'" Smith said.

For Stringer, he simply asked for people to use the day to remember those who lost their lives to bring freedom.

"It's a day to spend a little bit of time thinking about what you've got here, and what some of them have really missed because they are not here anymore," Stringer said.