WYOMING, Mich. -- Wyoming’s Memorial Day ceremony on Monday was a time for people to reflect on the cost of our freedom. It featured with a live band, patriotic speeches, and American flags. But some are saying we're living in much different times than we once did, that our freedom is much more costly than some people believe.
Rick Sturim, a Vietnam veteran, was thankful to see his community take the time to honor those who have gone before him and said it hasn't always been this way.
"I do remember rocks being thrown, getting spit at, and being cussed at," said Sturim.
"It means a lot that a lot of the nation is finally showing a lot of the veterans in a different light," said Sturim.
His wife, Harriet Sturim, a Jewish immigrant, also is thankful for those sacrificed for the freedoms she now has.
"America took us in," said Harriet Sturim. "I owe it back. It's my duty to give back when I can."
At the ceremony, Harriet spoke, adamant that the true meaning of Memorial Day be passed along for generations to come.
"I think each class has to have a flag in each of our classrooms," said Sturim. "I think they owe it to our county, and that's what we need to do to build up our patriotism within our young people."
The Sturim's story is a reminder to all that freedom isn't free.
"The ultimate price was something that, thank God, I did not have to pay," said Sturim. "But I did sign the check, and luckily they did not have to cash it."
