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Thousands Gather for Memorial Day Ceremony at National Cemetery

The Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery was open to the public for a Memorial Day ceremony Monday morning.

Ceremony highlights included keynote remarks from Colonel Bruce R. Cox, a Fort Worth native, music from the U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division Band, the color guard, a rife salute and a wreath placement.

Hundreds are expected to gather at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery for a Memorial Day ceremony.

Before the ceremony started, many families traveled to the cemetery to remember their loved ones lost to war.

Regina Murguia was visiting her late husband, John, who died five years ago.

"It's hard to come out here," she said. "It's just so pretty out here and it's beautiful and you feel so peaceful when you're out here."

Army veterans Gary Christopher Jr. and his father also visited. They said they appreciate the appreciation for veterans.

"Those who have served in the military," Christopher Sr. said. "I'm sure they're glad to see this respect given to those who have fallen."

Your Memorial Day Photos 2016

The cemetery spans 638 acres and is one of six national cemeteries in Texas.

Memorial Day was originally coined “Decoration Day,” which served as a time to remember those who died or were wounded in battle. National cemeteries around the country paid tribute and honor our veterans.

Many visitors said this was the most crowded they've seen the cemetery in many years.

"This is by far the most people I’ve seen out here in a long time," said Cheri Henrise. "Actually, I can't ever remember that it's been this crowded.

Henrise came to the cemetery to honor her high-school friend, Pfc. Eric Lincoln, and Iraq War combat veteran. He died in 2010.

"He should be celebrated, his life should be celebrated," Henrise said. "He should be remembered, like everyone here should be remembered."

Henrise said she visits his grave every year because it's important to her that his life be remembered.

"I just remember the good times that we had. I don’t really say much, there’s a bench right there, and I just sit and think."

The recent storms meant the grounds at the cemetery were very wet and the grass was soggy.

Because of that, it appears there was more limited parking inside the cemetery gates this Memorial Day than in years past, because of a risk of cars getting stuck.

Hundreds of families parked up and down nearby side streets and walked, some up to a mile in the heat and high humidity to pay their respects for lost loved ones, friends and strangers.

"It got hot here really fast," said Lonnie McCloud. "But it's worth the long walk. It's very much worth that walk."

JR Rodriguez brought his 8-month-old daughter Julia to see her grandfather for the first time.

Toby Soliz fought in Korea for the U.S. Army, and died many years ago.

"It makes me feel good, and I'm honored," Rodriguez said. "I'm honored to see a good veteran, a good man. Bringing her in his presence is a good thing."

Many carried flowers to the cemetery, others flags, some, just a prayer in their heart.

"For every teenager it should be important to know who has died for our freedom in past years, and to honor those people," said 16-year-old DJ Kurthenbach, who attended the ceremony and honor the sacrifices of the veterans.

Lonnie McCloud's brother is a U.S. Army veteran who served in Iraq.

Jerrel Mitchell died last month after a sudden heart attack.

The funeral here at DFW National Cemetery last month was a quiet affair.

But now--just a few weeks later--Jerrel's family is joined by thousands of others, all united in their desire to pay their respects and celebrate the lives of these American heroes.

"I'm just happy to be here, to support everyone that's out here," McCloud said. "I feel at peace."

And on the long walk back to his car, McCloud said he was struck by a thought that will stay with him for many months to come.

"I’m looking at all these nationalities, everybody that’s American, and all these people that fought just to make sure we have the freedoms that we have," he said. "And that’s wonderful, that’s beautiful."

Online: Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery

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