The ultimate sacrifice: Paying tribute to men and women who died while serving

UNION GROVE (WITI) -- Memorial Day weekend is a time to remember and reflect -- and pay tribute to the men and women who have died while serving -- those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. On the eve of Memorial Day, hundreds did just that in Union Grove. There, Governor Scott Walker was the keynote speaker at a ceremony at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Hundreds packed the cemetery on Sunday, May 25th to remember those who gave their lives for our freedom.

Not far from that service, FOX6 News found Pat Bednar, holding her own memorial among the nearly 13,000 graves.

Her husband, Roger, served during the Korean War. He is laid to rest at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

"Right to the end he was a soldier. It was hard, but he was a good guy. It will be five years in March," Bednar said.

The cemetery is one of the fastest growing of its kind in the country.

"When (Roger) passed, he was the first row here. This has all grown since his passing. When you come out, it's so sobering to see how many have gone after him. Sometimes it's hard to fathom," Bednar said.

A few rows down, Kelly Geibel and her young children shared stories about close friend, Tina Wilson.

"She was kind, loyal and I really miss her. I feel on a daily basis, so many people take our military for granted. They don't understand they really do give the ultimate sacrifice," Geibel said.

CLICK HERE to view FOX6Now.com's online Memorial Day photo gallery of veterans -- and submit your pictures!