Memorial Day tribute on board Wisconsin

NORFOLK, Va. - People across the country will take time this Memorial Day to reflect and remember our heroes. This morning, many gathered onboard the Battleship Wisconsin to commemorate the day.

It's a day to remember those who lost their lives protecting yours and mine.

"[They] got to be brave," said retired sailor James Ripley. "Got to be. They just mean so much to us."

"It's a time to come together, to remember and reflect on what America stands for," said Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim.

Since 1865, right after the Civil War, Americans have gathered to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

"It's such a beautiful, honorable day for the City of Norfolk to show this kind of respect for all of our veterans," said retired sailor Gene Biesecker.

Onboard the USS Wisconsin, a battleship used for three wars, veterans, family members and the community stopped to say "thank you".

"Today we have an opportunity to honor our veterans who have honored us by serving so courageous in the face of great conflicts," added Mayor Fraim.

The names of fallen servicemen were read aloud. They're gone, but not forgotten.

"It's just like something happened to one of your family members," added Ripley. "Of course you are all family. When I was here (USS Wisconsin) there were 3000 guys and we were fortunate nobody got hurt."

Today is their day. A day where the only thing that matters is the red, white and blue.