While such words are uttered at countless ceremonies commemorating those who gave their lives, perhaps few realize the true meaning of sacrifice.

Matthew B. Aaron, a retired Naval captain who flew in combat missions during Desert Storm, recalled his colleagues who died for their nation.

Aaron, the keynote speaker at the annual Lycoming County Memorial Day Service, told the gathering before him, “I served with some fine people.”

He recalled completing his training in July 1990, just before the U.S. became entangled in the conflict with Iraq, but it wasn’t until one of his comrades died in battle that he had wht could be described as a wakeup call.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent The Marine Corp color guard poses for a photo during the annual Memorial Day service at the Lycoming County Veterans Park. The service included speakers, vocal presentations and laying of wreathes at monuments within the park.

“It made Desert Storm real to me,” he said.

His friend would not be the only comrade that would become a casualty of war.

Aaron tearfully remembered others with whom he served and later lost their lives.

“Freedom is not free,” he said.

Today, Aaron serves as president and CEO of Special Olympics Pennsylvania and feels the leadership skills he learned in the military serve him well in his civilian work.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent The Korean War Veterans color guard presents the colors during the annual Memorial Day service at the Lycoming County Veterans Park. The service included speakers, vocal presentations and laying of wreathes at monuments within the park.

He proudly noted that the Special Olympics serve 15,000 people across the state with disabilities.

Charles “Chuck” Stutzman, a retired Naval officer and chair of the Veterans Memorial Park Commission, reminded the audience that it is important to remember those who were lost in wars.

Frank Hartzel, a chaplain and Air Force veteran, gave the invocation and the benediction at the ceremony.

“It’s a great day to come together,” he said. “To honor those for their service.

“May we never forget. May we always remember.:”

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent The Marine Corp color guard poses for a photo during the annual Memorial Day service at the Lycoming County Veterans Park. The service included speakers, vocal presentations and laying of wreathes at monuments within the park.

The Korean War Veterans of Lycoming County carried out the rifle salute and taps.

The 1st U.S. Artillery Battery D Camp 505 fired off a cannon.

Local veterans groups performed the traditional laying of wreaths before the Veterans Memorial Park war monuments marking the different American conflicts.

Nick Biddle sang The National Anthem and musical selections celebrating America.

The park honors all Lycoming County residents of the military.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Guest speaker Matthew B. Aaron Capt. USN retired and President and CEO of Special Olympics Pennsylvania addresses the crowd during the annual Memorial Day service at the Lycoming County Veterans Park. The service included speakers, vocal presentations and laying of wreathes at monuments within the park.

Stutzman recognized the late Charles E. Smith, a U.S. Marines Corp. veteran who served with the park committee.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent A wreath is laid at the World War II memorial during the annual Memorial Day service at the Lycoming County Veterans Park. The service included speakers, vocal presentations and laying of wreathes at monuments within the park.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Taps is played at the conclusion of the annual Memorial Day service at the Lycoming County Veterans Park. The service included speakers, vocal presentations and laying of wreathes at monuments within the park.