Hundreds gathered in Ormond Beach for the annual Memorial Day Remembrance Service at Rockefeller Gardens.
"I'm an extremely proud mom," said Jadon McCauley, who couldn't hold back the tears when speaking about her daughter, Morgan- a turbine engineer for the United States Navy.
"I miss her and I take pride in our country," she said.
The program started with a salute to the American flag, as family and friends of fallen service members shared stories of their loved ones sacrifice.
"If you are or have been a member of the armed forces, or watched a family member go off to war- you understand what this day is all about," said Captain Mark Leary, (USN Retired).
Patricia Sample of Ormond Beach says her late husband Richard gave 26 years of his life to the US Navy.
"I hope young people today realize- it takes a strong character- and we all need to have that- to stand up for what you believe in- whether you enter the services or not," she said.