Sgt. 1st Class Paul A. Shutter, Pennsylvania National Guard, challenged Americans to remember the losses. And the numbers he revealed are heartbreakingly high.

"They're my brothers and sisters," said the veteran of two tours of duty in the Middle East.Shutter's moving words under bright noontime sun highlighted the Salute to Our Veterans program held Monday at Sky-View Memorial Park in Hometown.The sprawling park along Route 54 is the resting place of over 3,146 fallen heroes, according to veteran Dale D. Kline, master of ceremonies, who welcomed visitors and spoke of the significance of the holiday."That's an additional 57 from last year," said Kline, a reminder that America continues to lose veterans each day.In fact, the mortality totals of those who served, as announced by Shutter, prompted those in attendance to bow their heads.Revolutionary War, 25,000; War of 1812, 20,000; Mexican-American War, 13,000; Civil War, 625,000; World War I, 116,000; World War II, 405,000; Korean War, 36,000; Vietnam, 58,000; and Iraq and Afghanistan, 6,800."A total of 1.3 million of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines," Shutter said.Shutter also encouraged attendees to observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m., enacted by Congress on Dec. 28, 2000. The designation asks Americans to pause in an act of national unity for a duration of one minute, no matter where you are or what you're doing.The time was chosen because it's the point in the day when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday. "The moment" does not replace traditional Memorial Day events but is an act of national unity in which all Americans, alone or with family and friends, honor those who died in service to the country."This is a somber day for military people," said Chaplain Lt. Cmdr. Jim Greaser, retired, who offered invocation and benediction."I give them credit for their courage," said Mary Helen Sniscak Rehatchek of Lake Hauto, whose husband, U.S. Army veteran Bob Rehatchek, passed away on Valentine's Day three years ago at age 72.Rehatchek visits the cemetery every day. But this day was special because Memorial Day also was her birthday."I'm dressed in red, white and blue to honor all of them," she said.The annual event is conducted by Isganitis, Heckman, Messerschmidt Post 973, American Legion, Quakake.The post was begun by World War II veterans over 65 years ago.A salute to the honored dead was offered by the Legion rifle detail and honor guard comprising Carmen Forke, Ron Dietrich, Steve Datchko, Ed Sabol Sr., Ed Sabol Jr. and Jim Shaup.Ed Sabol Sr. placed a wreath in honor of those who gave their all.Taps and echo taps were rendered by bugler Jerome Machay.