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On Monday, city leaders, veterans, and community members gathered at the Â鶹´«Ã½-Madison County Veterans Memorial Park for the annual Memorial Day Ceremony and Laying of Wreaths. 

Â鶹´«Ã½ Police Chief Kirk Giles says the turnout for Monday's ceremony goes to show how much the community appreciates those who lay down their lives for our country. 

“Just look around you and see all of these different organizations,� Chief Giles said. “It’s the community who turns out for things like this because it’s so important for us as a nation to not take those freedoms for granted.� 

Army veteran Willie Pullom says it's an honor to have an event like Laying of Wreaths to honor his fallen comrades.

“On this day, we should honor and cherish those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and we still have ladies and gentlemen out there in harm's way,� Pullom said. 

The now president of the Redstone Sergeants Major Association says he wouldn't change his 30 years serving in the U.S Army for anything. 

“I would do it all over again if I had to,� Pullom said. 

The president of the Vietnam Veterans of America Bobby Langford also served in the Army for 30 years. He says he had many relatives who also served in the military. On a day like Memorial Day, Langford gets the chance to honor and remember them. 

"Most of them have gone on but I think of them all the time,� Langford said. “If it hadn't been for them, I wouldn't be who I am today."

Members of the young marines helped lay more than 40 wreaths at Monday's ceremony. 

Jayden Williams joined the young marines because of his family. He tells WAAY 31 helping those in the community on a day like Memorial Day is a privilege. 

“I’m honored that I get to help these veterans that have lost people and also served and just to know that they’re entrusting me to carry their legacy,� Williams said.

Pullom says you should take a moment to say thanks to those who dedicated their life for your freedom. 

“Be thankful for the service members and what they offer because you have no idea what they do for you behind the scenes,� Pullom said.