The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it.

Those famous words from President John F. Kennedy ring true especially on Memorial Day, a time for the country to join together and pay tribute to those who died fighting for our great nation.

“Some volunteer to serve knowing death may be the outcome,” said Sgt. Major Art Larson, retired, in delivering the keynote address during Warren County’s annual observance Monday morning at the airport. “The respect we give the fallen speaks to the value that we place on their service.”

Larson served two tours in the jungles of Vietnam and served alongside soldiers who didn’t return home. He pointed out the attention to detail the military takes in ensuring fallen soldiers are laid to rest with the honor they deserve.

Larson also talked about the Defense POW/ MIA Accounting Agency, an organization within the U.S. Department of Defense which works to recover the remains of soldiers still overseas.

“There are some who have still not made it home,” said Larson.

Larson emphasized the damage inflicted during World War I which ravaged the landscape of Western Europe and resulted in a combined 8.5 million deaths. But amid the ruin emerged a sign of hope.

“The red poppy would grow from the devastation,” said Larson in saying the poppy serves as a powerful symbol of remembrance.

American Legion Post 173 Commander Kenny Sweeton served as master of ceremonies during the roughly 50-minute observance that included two songs by Mary Wanamaker, “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America.”

County Executive Jimmy Haley read the names of Warren County’s fallen war heroes. There are 131 known Warren County residents who have died during military service, with 74 of those coming from World War II and the most recent being Jeremy Brown, who died May 9, 2010 in Afghanistan.

The ceremony included a 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps.”