Karen Maures walked alongside her son Andrew Lopes to pay respects to another son, Petty Officer Anderson Lopes. 

"It was an honor to see my son place the flag on Anderson's grave," said Westtown resident Karen Maures. 

The family is part of a proud, military-serving family. Andrew Lopes has been in the Junior ROTC program for three years, and is going to start with the Army next month. Older brother Anderson was in the Navy, and another brother is in the Marines. Maures' husband was a Marine as well, and is currently in the Army Reserves.

While the pride and love of country runs strong, so does the pain of losing Anderson.

The memorial salute was a tough, heartful moment. But Lopes is not alone, getting support from fellow Junior ROTC cadets and leaders right by his side.

"The cadets are saluting and reading what's on the gravesites, so they're reading names, service, and dates," said Minisink Valley High School JROTC teacher and retired Lt. Col. Jon Brooks.

The Minisink Valley High School students performed the ceremonial salute for gravesites at the Orange County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, making an impact for both those who come as visitors and the cadets.

"Going through and learning so much more, so much more symbolism behind it rather than just going through the motions of a program is so important," said JROTC LET 4 member and Minisink Valley High School Senior Siera Mitts.

"Beautiful. I mean, they're really honoring those veterans," said Middletown resident and retired Corporal John Mirra. "Although my wife isn't a veteran, but they put a flag on her tomb, which I like. It's nice."

It's a repetitive process, gravestone after gravestone, but it matters so much. One visitor, Patricia Browne, was able to watch cadets put a flag and salute for her late father, a moment she was happy to witness. That flag, along with more than 3,000 others at the cemetery, are a reminder of the sacrifices men and women have made.

"Not a lot of people remember what Memorial Day is about, and it's about remembering those who served our country and risked their lives for our freedom," said Maures.