CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On Memorial Day at Sharon Memorial Park, generations gathered to reflect and look to the past to honor those who came before, many of them giving their lives fighting for our country.
Staci Collins, who comes from a long and proud line of service members, attended Monday's service.
Collins spoke with Eyewitness News Reporter Stephanie Coueignoux.
"Everything we have -- all of our freedoms -- are a blessing from their sacrifice," she said.
She brought her daughter, Maggie, to the service, because while Memorial Day is about honoring the past, it is also about looking to the future.
"We need to portray that to our children - to pass that legacy on so that she can in turn pass that along to her children," Collins said.
A legacy Maggie is already starting to grasp.
"I'm proud that they were brave enough to go out there and fight for our freedom," she said.
For Sgt. John Young, seeing parents teach their children about the significance of Memorial Day fills him with hope.
"It's heartwarming and one of the most patriotic things we can do. In my opinion, the least we can do for those who have given their lives and their families who will always suffer because of it," Young said.
A sacrifice 1st Sgt. Robert Groulx said the American flag stands for each and every day.
"I am so proud. I understand so many people - so many Americans....have given up their life for that flag," Groulx said.
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