There were parades all across the country this Memorial Day weekend, but at Saratoga National Cemetery on Monday, hundreds came out for an event with a more somber and humbling tone.

Monday marked the 19th annual Memorial Day Program at Saratoga National Cemetery. Lt. Col. Dave Panzera of the 109th Airlift Wing was this year’s keynote speaker. Many family members and friends of veterans who sacrificed their lives for the country were also there.

One veteran, Jim Joyce, talked about the loss of his friend.

“Today’s a very sad day for me," said Jim Joyce, an Army veteran. "I lost someone very influential in my life ... in Vietnam, and I’m here for him -- not only for him, but for everyone else, also. Especially for him.”