Gilbert's American Legion Post 927 Commander Thomas Franklin shared with the packed building a question he and other soldiers have been frequently asked: "Was it worth it?"

"For my last speech as commander, I wanted to share the politically loaded question we are often asked," he said.For Staff Sgt. Stephen Healy, the answer is yes.Leaving college before graduation, Healy enlisted in the Army in 2004."I saw the Iraq War and thought I had to do something," he said.Healy was deployed for two missions to Baghdad during his combat tour. Now with over a half-dozen awards, Healy serves as an active duty recruiter in Stroudsburg."I tell my story and make sure people understand it's more than shooting people," he said.Healy met his wife, Amanda, a year into training where she was also enlisted in the Army. Amanda served for five years, working her way up to the rank of staff sergeant. She is now awaiting the start of military police training to continue her Army career."We respect what each other does," Amanda said."It's nice to stand side by side with someone who respects your goals and what you're doing."The couple drove their young family from Arizona to Monroe County this past year for Healy's new role as recruiter."I missed a chunk of my oldest son Andrew growing up. But now I get to be here for the little one's (Lucas) growing up," Healy said."For Memorial Day it's important to realize that some people can't be here and to respect the reason why they are not present. Once it comes our time to be remembered we want to know that the tradition still stands," he said."Not all of the enlisted are fortunate enough to come back," Healy told residents and Legion members during the commemoration. Healy recited the Soldier's Creed for those in attendance and was met with a standing ovation.Post Commander Franklin wrapped up the ceremony saying, "The American Legion will always be proud of more than the 1 million men and women who sacrifice their lives for this country. We need to ensure America remains the land of the free. Tyrannical regimes have been toppled and genocides have been stopped because of Americans' sacrifices of life and limbs."The 68-year-old post commander enlisted in 1968 and served until 1972. He spent four years in the Air Force traveling through Vietnam, Thailand and South Korea. Franklin lost three childhood friends during the Vietnam War, along with his namesake uncle who served and died as a co-pilot on a B-52 bomber during WWII."Memorial Day means a lot to me," he said. The commander promised post members he would remain active in the post and the Legion Riders.