Mobile National Cemetery hosts ceremony

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Memorial Day has a different meaning to different people.

For some, it's a chance to get away and focus on 'you' at the beach.

For others, it's an opportunity to think about how to cook the perfect steak.

For many that spent this hot morning outside, like Coast Guard Captain Tom Maine, Memorial Day is a time to think about others.

In February, four Coast Guard aviators died when their helicopter crashed into Mobile Bay.

"It was three months ago today that we lost 6535 and her crew in Mobile Bay." Maine said, "We lost four good friends and brothers and fathers and sons. And that's what we commemorate today."

Our lives are not only shaped by our ancestors who have gone before us, but are also impacted by complete strangers who died serving this nation.

Howard Bakeman feels like the day shouldn't only be treated as a vacation.

"You want to go to the beach, fine. Maybe you don't have any relatives. I got one; I got a great-great-grandson laying across the street over there. He was killed in Iraq," said Bakeman, who is a World War II veteran himself.

He said Memorial Day should also be treated as a day of reflection and a time to give thanks.

"Spend five minutes [at the cemetery], tell 'em thank you,” said Bakeman.

Maine echoed that, and said taking the day to relax and enjoy the freedom American troops have fought and died for.

"Remember that what this day is really about is remembering those who've sacrificed just so we can do that,” said Maine.