At the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, anyone can walk up and down the rows of gravestones to honor those who served and sacrificed.
But on Monday, a special opportunity was available to remember and honor those who died serving our country.
The cemetery held its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday. Thousands of people attended, filling the cemetery roads up with cars, golf carts, and walkers.
Many were simply there to say "thank you" to our veterans, but some were just after some time with loved ones buried at the cemetery.
"This is the most peaceful place I think I've ever been," said Regina Murguia.
Hours before the crowds, a few dedicated souls came to remember loved ones lost to war and those who served and survived, forever carrying wounds and memories with them as well as their family members.
"Oh yes, you don't ever get over it," Murguia said. "I was married for 37 years."
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For Murguia, Memorial Day morning was a chance to spend an emotional few minutes at her late husband John's grave.
"It's just hard, its 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."
Murguia's husband passed away nearly five years ago. He was shot in both legs while serving in the Army in the Vietnam War.
"(His death) was due to Vietnam, even though it was 40 years later," she said.
And while she visits often it was important to be here on this day, not just for her husband but all who are buried at the national cemetery.
"They've all sacrificed," Murguia said.
It's just as important to the Christopher family to be at the cemetery on Memorial Day. It's a chance to spend some time at their mother's grave and salute their fellow veterans, as well.
"Those who have served in the military probably have a similar view as me," said Gary Christopher Sr., "I'm sure they're glad to see this respect given to those who have fallen."
Whether as a family or in a solemn silent moment, it's a chance for thousands to simply say thank you and remember the sacrifices of others.
"They were all in the service, they didn't have to go," Murguia said.
Every grave stone featured an American flag placed by it, a tradition at DFW National Cemetery.
In one section, local third graders left hand written notes thanking service members for their sacrifices.
