Staff photo / Bob Coupland Cortland hosted its annual Memorial Day service Sunday at Cortland Christian Church. Disabled American Veterans Chapter 11 commander Frank Gillespie, left, and chaplain Kevin Patterson lead those who attended in prayer for those who made the ultimate sacrifice serving their country.

CORTLAND — The memories of those men and women who gave their lives serving the country were remembered Sunday as the Cortland community came together for an early Memorial Day service.

Because of heavy rain Sunday afternoon, the service was moved inside to the Cortland Christian Church. It was supposed to be at the Cortland Veterans Memorial.

Frank Gillespie, commander of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 11, said he was surprised to see more than 50 people gathered inside the church despite the weather.

“I am pleased to see so many attend and share their holiday with us. Memorial Day is more than a backyard barbecue and families getting together. Today we remember and honor the men and women who died protecting this country,” Gillespie said.

Kevin Patterson, DAV chaplain, said Memorial Day is a day to remember and memorialize those who lived and died to preserve our liberty and freedom in our nation and our world.

“They sacrificed to give this nation its greatness and richness. Let us remember those who died in service to our country whether on the land, in the air or in the sea. Because of them, our lives are free,” Patterson said.

He asked people to comfort and support the families whose loved ones are gone.

“Let us remember and honor those who served not only today, but every day,” Patterson said.

Members of the DAV Honor Guard passed out to those in attendance veteran cards to remember all those who served and their sacrifices.

Lt. Colonel James Johnson Jr. of the U.S. Army, a Cortland native now living in Phoenix, Arizona, was the main speaker.

Johnson, who has more than 40 years of service in the U.S. Army and Ohio National Guard, served during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He has served in numerous leadership positions both nationally and overseas and received numerous medals of honor.

Johnson said over the years, more than 1.1 million Americans have died defending the United States in wars and combat actions since the American Revolution.

He shared the names of many local heroes and national heroes who gave their lives defending the nation and asked all to remember them on Memorial Day.

Johnson said among those local heroes are Sgt. Robert Carr of Fowler, a Champion native, who was killed in action in March 2007 in Baghdad, Iraq when the armored vehicle he was in was struck during battle.

He said there were 2,036 service men and women who lost their lives 85 years ago during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Johnson said today there is support for the service men and women who continue to lose their lives during operations in the Middle East/

“These men and women answered America’s call to serve and protect and made the ultimate sacrifice,”Johnson said.

He said it is important for Americans to be together and reflect on what others have done so they can have the freedoms enjoyed by many today.

“We need to all reflect and remember the legacy of the fallen. American flags should be flown proudly and frequently. Many parents, spouses and children continue to grieve for their loved ones. No one can replace these fallen heroes. We want these families to know that the sacrifices of their loved ones will not be forgotten. Take the moment to remember the sacrifices so many made so we can enjoy our American way of life. Remember the legacy of those who did not make it back,” Johnson said.

He said without a U.S. military, the world would be a far more oppressive and darker place.

Johnson asked people to remember the American service people in all branches of the military.

He said families need to teach the next generation what Memorial Day and supporting military families means.

“Tell their stories and speak the names of those who served with courage, service and sacrifice,” Johnson said.

Gillespie said it is important for people to remember what the holiday is about.

He said Memorial Day is a solemn sacred day of remembrance for the brothers and sisters in arms who never made it home.

“We need to ensure that their stories and bravery are never forgotten by the country they died protecting,” Gillespie said.

“Remember those who did not make it and never came back home. Please do not forget what the holiday truly means,” Gillespie said.

While the DAV Honor Guard did a rifle salute and Garey Watson played taps, the Cortland Community Band played patriotic songs.