GREENSBORO, N.C. — Since 1971 the last Monday in May has been recognized as a holiday to remember and honor those who have died while serving our country.
For 20 years Al Stewart and the Black Cap Military Veterans Group have honored fallen soldiers on Memorial Day at Country Park.
This was the first time the ceremony was rained out.
But, that did not stop the group from supporting those currently serving while remembering those who served before them.
"We've got the color guard and speakers from Fort Bragg. We always treat them to a lunch afterwards and so we just starting lunch a little early today," said Stewart.
Stewart served in the military and participated in multiple overseas missions.
Although Memorial Day is to honor those who served that are no longer with us, Stewart says it's just as important to honor those currently serving.
Since many have lost someone they served beside or know someone who has.
"These are the guys that stand between us and no freedom. We are thrilled to have them here and we're thrilled to be able to have lunch with them," said Stewart.
Command Sergeant Major Corey Wilkens has served in the U.S. Army for more than 20 years.
He was the speaker selected for this weekend's Memorial Day ceremony.
"It is incredibly important to understand the sacrifice that those that have come before us starting from two centuries ago in the Revolutionary War, these patriots that did it for freedom to give us the greatest country in the world, and those that have laid on their lives for that," said Command Sergeant Major Wilkens. "We as the current military in the army pick up that torch and continue to run with that and if we don't understand and remember the sacrifices and honor the sacrifices of those who came before us, then we'll probably be missing the mark."
Although Memorial Day is a solemn holiday, both say the day should also include a feeling of gratitude for those who made that ultimate sacrifice.
"Enjoy it, have fun, but just understand that that gratitude comes and has came with a cost and be thankful for it every day," said Command Sergeant Major Wilkens.
There is another event planned for Monday, May 29th at the Field of Honor at Triad Park in Kernersville. That event will begin at 11 a.m.