News-Argus/Bobby Williams

Jonathan Griffin, a member of the Mount Olive Police Department honor guard, raises the American flag to half staff during a Memorial Day service at Maplewood Cemetery in Mount Olive on Sunday afternoon. Jack Alphin, a retired National Guard major, spoke at the event. About 80 people attended the ceremony. At right, the sun shines on the grave of a veteran and through the flag that honors his service. Across the nation today, thousands of veterans, families and friends gathered to pay their respects and to say thank you to the men and women who have sacrificed their lives to protect their country.

For more information see Veterans share stories of service, loss, courage.