DIXON, Calif. — In Dixon, military families had a peaceful Memorial day, honoring their loved ones at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery.
For many of them, it is an honor to share how veterans have helped shape America into what it is today.
"Pay respect to the men and women that serve this country. It's a need that this country has for military people, and these people paid the ultimate price," said Lawrence Patterson, a visitor from Fairfield.
One of those people is Lawrence Patterson's father, who shares the same name.
He passed away in July of 2008 at the age of 72.
"He started in the army and got out, went back to Detroit. Decided he didn't want to work in the factories, so then he went into the Air Force, served 26 years and retired in Sacramento, California. And this is where we laid him to rest," said Patterson.
Not far from where he is buried, another family sat for a picnic to share memories of their father, Ruben Ramirez Navarrete. He's buried at the cemetery with his wife, which is a tradition for military families.
"My dad was in the Air Force. He served for 20 years. He joined when he was, well tried joining when he was 16, but they wouldn't let him join because he wasn't old enough. He came back and joined when he was 17," said Chris Navarrete, a visitor from Sacramento.
His grandson, now is a grown man in his early 30s, still remembers his favorite moments with his grandfather.
"My grandpa, he loved Burger King and so one of the memories I have would be, quite often we'd go to Burger King on the local base here, which is McClellan, and... we'd always go and I always got a kick that my grandfather would eat his burgers upside down," said Emilio Navarrete.
The fond memories are bittersweet.
"We feel sad that they're gone. We miss them. But we're also happy to be here with family members," said Chris.
And when Memorial Day is over, their loved ones live on.
Patterson said people shouldn't forget the sacrifices made and should be grateful for their service.
"Say thank you to a veteran when you run across one. And it doesn't have to be today. Every day, tell them thank you for their service," said Patterson.
Families said we can all continue to support veterans by making sure they're taken care of and have the proper resources.
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