Sen. John Cornyn gives keynote address at Sun City Memorial Day celebration

AUSTIN, Texas - Memorial Day is more than just another day off.

For many families, they remember the ultimate sacrifice made by their loved ones. The ones still here, they recall stories while they served.

"It's just a religious and heartfelt feeling that people can serve in the military and be honorable,” said Robert H. Simmons, Army veteran.

Simmons served in the Army from 1952 to 1979. He recalls working to help people during Operation White Star.

"We were training their people so they can take care of themselves. We were an armed peace corps in actuality. We showed them how to build things, plant things," said Simmons.

He was the one of many veterans with stories, at Williamson County's annual Memorial Day ceremony to honor the fallen. The program began with a presentation from the color guards from East View and Georgetown high schools. U.S. Senator John Cornyn was the keynote speaker, and stopped in Sun City before another stop in San Antonio.

"We don't mourn on Memorial Day, we celebrate it. We miss our loved ones who have given that last measure of devotion, but we also celebrate them and their sacrifice because they have given us a remarkable gift," said Cornyn.

That remarkable gift is freedom. Cornyn says on this day he thinks of his father who served

"He was a prisoner of war. His story was like that of so many others. Some of them did not come back, who we remember today," said Cornyn.

Memorial Day is a day to remember those who as Lincoln said, gave their last full measure of devotion.

"These brave soldiers, sailor, airman and marines have served proudly as the backbone of our national security, the foundation of our freedom, and the guardians of our liberty," said State Senator Charles Schwertner, (R) District 5.