SIDNEY, Ill. (WCIA) — The Memorial Day events commenced this weekend, allowing people to honor those who sacrificed their lives for the nation. In Central Illinois, a gathering took place at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Sidney to remember these heroes.

Vehicles arrived quietly, filling the scene with a respectful silence before the Memorial Day ceremony commenced in Sidney. The village’s American Legion Post was responsible for organizing the event, which included the placement of flags around the site and the participation of the color guard.

“It’s an honor to come up to see all these other veterans that are still alive,” Michael Shepard said.

Shepard, who spent over three years with the U.S. Coast Guard patrolling the Mississippi River, joined the honor guard three years ago upon moving to Sidney.

Shepard — one of many — was moved on this emotional day. The ceremony featured the National Anthem, speeches and a blast from the past.

Jim Wood brings his Civil War era cannon every year to be shot in honor of specific veterans, like one he has a personal connection to.

“One is my buddy that was in Vietnam and got killed,” Wood said. “We went to school together and he was from Sidney here. In fact, he lived just across the river here.”

Four shots were fired, including one by WCIA’s own Brandon Merano.

“Makes me proud. Makes me sad, but it makes me proud,” Wood said. “I get reverent really. Because when you’re around that, it makes you want to honor people.”

Other celebrations in Champaign County included Grandview Memorial Gardens. Woodlawn Cemetery also held one in Urbana — and there was a wreath laying ceremony at Savoy Veterans Memorial.