For Peter Ackermann, a retired U.S. Navy captain, Memorial Day brought back memories.
"I've toured the world, been on both sides of the ocean, sailed the seven seas, seen a lot of countries. I was able to compare them with us and find out how fortunate we are to have the freedoms that we have," said Mr. Ackermann, a resident at the Georgia War Veterans Home in Augusta.
Mr. Ackermann was one of many veterans who gathered Monday to pay tribute to those who have given their lives in service of their country.
At the Memorial Day ceremony held at the home, speaker Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Barr told the audience he was wearing his Army combat uniform instead of his dress uniform out of respect "for a new crop of veterans who are currently serving in harm's way and defending our nation."
Chief Warrant Officer Barr said too many Americans look at Memorial Day as just another day off work, and he reminded the audience that those serving in the military do not get the day off.
Other veterans at the Georgia War Veterans Home also reflected on the significance of the day.
George Edward Elmore, a retired Army corporal who served in the Korean War, said Monday's holiday "means honoring the fallen men and women who have served our country and honoring the ones that are still living."
Grady Boltin, a retired Army corporal, said Memorial Day reminded him of friends who did not make it out of combat alive.
Later, at the All Wars Monument at Fourth and Broad streets, veterans gathered for the CSRA Veterans Memorial Day Ceremony.
The speaker, Col. John Dewey, of Fort Gordon, spoke about the history of Memorial Day and the need to honor the men and women who have given their lives for the United States.
Douglas P. Hastings, a retired Army sergeant major who was in the audience near the monument, said such ceremonies are important.
"Memorial Day to me is one of the few days out of the year where we take the time to stop and recognize those that made it possible to celebrate the gifts they gave us every day of the year," he said. "Every day, the things we experience, the benefits we have, and the joys of liberty and freedom, we got from their sacrifice."
In North Augusta, veterans gathered at Wade Hampton Veterans Park for a ceremony held by American Legion Post 71.
Army Staff Sgt. Craig Showers, of the Fort Gordon Warrior Transition Battalion, told them the holiday was special.
"This day is a sacred day to reflect on the soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen who came before the men and women who currently defend this great nation," he said.
He encouraged those present to thank veterans every day and to get involved, either by donating or volunteering with a veterans group.
Staff Writer Crystal Garcia contributed to this story.
Reach Jonathan Overstreet at (706) 823-3708 or jonathan.overstreet@augustachronicle.com.
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