The importance of Memorial Day – What it means for local Veterans

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - Memorial Day is a time for us to honor the brave veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives for our freedom.

There are over 16,000 Veterans in Southeast Idaho, and thousands more across the state, all who are taking the time to remember their fallen friends this weekend.

"We don't want to forget our veterans," Robert "Bob" Skinner, a retired U.S. Navy Veteran, said. "The veterans have fought for our freedom. Some have even died for our freedom. And the veterans write a blank check when they start military service, payable up to and including their life."

Idahoans are remembering the many veterans that are no longer with us. From placing American flags on their graves, to remembrance speeches, and many gathering together to remember the lives of the departed Veterans.

"I'd like to honor Staff Sergeant Daniel Kerr. He was one of our groomsmen that we served with in the Air Force at our first duty assignment was in our wedding, and he served for eight years," Mindi Anderson, a retired U.S. AirForce Veteran reflected. "He came back with a lot of trauma from the war. We could see that he was struggling after he got out of the military. And unfortunately, just over time, it really was too much to bear for him and not getting the resources and the services that he needed. He ultimately ended up committing suicide."

"I went to recruit training with Sean Cordell, he didn't come back from Iraq," Scott Brown a retired U.S. Marine Corps Veteran reminisced. "He was kind of the class clown of the platoon. He was always doing funny things. Wild, out of control things that if the drill sergeant ever found out what he was doing, we all would have got in trouble."

Memorial Day is a day to remember but honoring and reflecting doesn't always have to be somber.

"I don't want Memorial Day to be just, you know, remembering those who have just paid the price," Brown said. "Let's celebrate the individuals themselves and remember who they were as a person, before they were in the service. And, you know, sharing stories of fallen service members is fantastic.

Telling stories, recounting memories, reliving moments; that is what Memorial Day is really about. Remembering our fallen veterans for who they were and the impact they've left on our lives.