A Memorial Day ceremony was held Sunday at the Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Local leaders and hundreds of people from all over Central New York came out to show their respect.

Many also visited the graves of loved ones. Organizers say events like this should make people stop and think about the true meaning of this weekend.

"Among the BBQ's, picnics, and openings of pools, I'd like them to remember the men and women — some they knew, some that weren't family members — that made the ultimate sacrifice and are no longer with us. That's what it's all about," said Onondaga County Veterans Service member and Vietnam War veteran, John Roseberry. 

The Armed forces held a wreath laying ceremony and honored Gold Star Moms who lost their children in service.