CLEVELAND — Across the state, Ohioans gathered on Memorial Day to honor the true meaning of the holiday: remembering those who gave their lives while serving their country in the U.S. military.

Dozens attended a ceremony Monday at the Cuyahoga County Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Public Square to remember, honor and thank the brave men and women who died protecting their country.

“The soldiers that have lost their lives and the sacrifices that were given are not to be lost. They did it so that we can continue to live on,” said Maj. Christopher Zurawski with the United States Army Reserve.

Pictures of approximately 9,000 soldiers cover the monument’s walls. More than 1,000 of those soldiers died in battle.

“It is something to ask for someone to give their life for you. So as citizens, we are in a debt that we cannot repay,” said Greg Palumbo, executive director of Cuyahoga County Soldiers and Sailors Monument. “It makes me feel great to see so many people out here. Everyone has been touched by someone who has served.”

Sandy Mates’ husband served in the United States Navy, and she was among those who attended Monday’s ceremony to show her gratitude to U.S. military members.

“I came here to support the people we’ve lost and that are still in the service,” Mates said.

Amid the barbecues, trips to the beach and boat rides on Lake Erie, ceremonies like the one in Cleveland aimed to remind Ohioans that Memorial Day isn’t about getting a three-day weekend, but about being grateful to those who protected the freedom to spend time with family and friends.

“When you look around, a lot of people are serving. It touches every family,” said Zurawski. “Our whole goal is to protect the freedoms and do it to preserve the future generations and to prevent these battles from happening ever again.”