The deeper meaning of Memorial Day was explored Monday in communities and cemeteries across Carbon and Schuylkill counties.

It's a day set aside to pause and remember.At one resting place, in particular, they solemnly keep track of the numbers.In fact, each year, volunteers walk the acres and place thousands of American flags on grave sites of fallen veterans."There are 72 additional flags this year," said veteran Dale D. Kline, who offered the welcome at the Sky-View Memorial Park Memorial Service, Route 54, Rush Township.According to the park's website, more than 3,200 veterans of all wars rest at the sprawling burial ground at 108 Lafayette Ave., Hometown.Keynote speaker Col. Ron Blickley, a Brockton native, told more than 220 in attendance that the sacrifice of our heroes is not only remembered, but valued.Blickley said the phrase "thank you for your service" has come to reflect the gratitude of Americans who understand the price paid for freedom."We hear it as servicemen and women in uniform go through airports or travel around the US or show their ID card at a grocery store or some other request for identification. It is a way for those who cherish our freedom to recognize those who protect our freedom," he said.Blickley entered the Air Force in 1977 and carved out a stellar, 28-year military career which encompassed 15 duty stations from New Jersey to California and overseas to Turkey.He reflected on the rich tradition of gratitude and why it's important."Americans have been honoring our veterans in a similar way since the Civil War, as we do today, and as we know, will always be part of our American way of life."That's because, he said, "it is a way for those who cherish our freedom to recognize those who protect our freedom."It is a way each of us can remember our servicemen and women in everyday life. Above all, we are here today to honor and remember those who have fallen in defense of our nation, especially those forever entombed in this beautiful cemetery…quiet, serene and peaceful…so different from the wars they witnessed as comrades in arms."Blickley is a graduate of Marian High School and is married to the former Lorraine Zukovich, a 1972 graduate of Tamaqua Area High School.The couple resides on Bernhard Road near Quakake.The Rev. Jim Greaser, retired chaplain LTC, U.S. Air Force, reminded attendees about a time when the term "thanks" wasn't so easy to come by."We remember we turned out backs on Vietnam veterans saying 'you fought the wrong war.' What a dark day that was," said Greaser, who offered invocation.Master of Ceremonies Kline spoke of the significance of the year 2015, or 150 years since the Civil War.In addition, Kline said, 1945 ended what was called the largest of all conflicts in world history, and 1975 saw the end of American involvement in Vietnam.The service was sponsored by the Isganitis, Heckman, Messerschmidt Post 973, Quakake American Legion.Among others participating were: Carmen Forke, commander; Steve Datchko, Dan Datchko, Ed Sabol Sr., Ed Sabol Jr., Jim Shaup and Ron Dietrich.Taps and echo taps were played by bugler Jerome Machey of McAdoo.