It takes a special person to commit their life to serve this country and put themselves in harm’s way.

Some make it home, while others make the ultimate sacrifice.

On Monday, the Nesquehoning VFW Post 8008, family members and friends gathered to honor their fallen brethren during a parade and service in the borough.

The event kicked off with a parade before ending at the VFW Post 8008 home for the main service.

Christine LeClair, director of the Carbon County Veterans Affairs office, was the main speaker for the event.

“We’re here today to honor our heroes, to remember their achievements, their courage and their dedication and to say thank you for their sacrifices,” she said. “Thinking of these heroes, who join us only in spirit, a person can’t help but feel awed by the enormity of what they have encountered in their short, yet heroic lives. We stand together in the midst of patriots and the family and friends of those who have nobly served and remember how they laid down their lives so that we could remain free.”

LeClair, who served two tours in Iraq and one in Central America, spoke about the values and qualities all military personnel share and how the men and women who gave their lives for this country made the ultimate sacrifice defending what they love.

“Our gathering is just one small spark in the flame of pride that burns across the nation today and everyday,” LeClair said, reminding residents that Memorial Day is a solemn holiday and the words “Happy Memorial Day” should not be said.

In addition to LeClair, the service included readings by students Jilliann Yablonsky, Marielys Berrios and Serenity Bosque and comments by VFW member Christa Acciarito, who highlighted several men who never made it home.

“They left their home to defend our country, either never to return or only to return for their eternal rest,” Acciarito said. “These were sons and brothers, whose parents answered the front doors of their homes to two uniforms and the worst news they could imagine.”

Theodore Dacey, chaplain of the VFW, read the roll call of the 19 veterans who passed away since last Memorial Day, while a member of the VFW rang a bell after each name.

The ceremony ended with a gun salute and playing of taps.

On Sunday, the Nesquehoning UVO also participated in a prayer and gun salute at the outlying cemeteries in the borough.