Memorial Day Sunrise Service honors veterans at Woodward Park

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- People were up early on Memorial Day honoring our fallen heroes at events across the country, including some right here in the Central Valley.

A sunrise service took place at Woodward Park in Northeast Fresno.

The service honors all men and women who died in their service to their country.

The 34th Annual Memorial Day Sunrise Service is sponsored by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 933.

"It will be invoking a lot of memories in our hearts, in our minds," said Paul Kaser, secretary of VVA. "The names, the faces of people we knew and the people we've lost through all the wars, not just Vietnam. This is for everybody."

While this holiday can be spent barbequing or shopping for discounts, one veteran said, for those who've served, it's a tribute to those who never made it back home.

"It's an honest expression of our concern for the families, for those who are lost and for the souls who were lost defending our freedom," said Jim Doyle, a past VVA president.

The service included various speakers from different military and veteran organizations.

Lisa Baily, with Blue Star Moms, left the group with the message: "Walk the walk."

"To remember the fallen and to live like an American because of the fallen, in the freedom that we have, it's just overwhelming, heartwarming, moving and so emotional," she said.

One by one -- the names of fallen heroes were said aloud. It was a moment of grief shared by military families.

"It's a healing and a bonding, and it's important to hear that name," Kaser said. "That person is still alive in a way."

The service ended with the singing of "Taps." It was a solemn reminder that all gave some, some gave all.

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