“Freedom is the most expensive gift we enjoy.”

That was the message Richard “Monk” Pogwist delivered Friday during Carbon County’s Memorial Day service. The event was held in Josiah White Park in Jim Thorpe.

“I want to remind you, Memorial Day is a solemn, reflective day dedicated to honoring and mourning the United States military personnel who died while serving,” Pogwist said. “... As we observe Memorial Day, we do more than simply carry on a tradition dating back to 1866, we also fulfill a commitment to some very special people. Who were these individuals that we pause to honor and praise? They were ordinary human beings just like us, but what they accomplished was extraordinary. They answered the call of duty, thereby giving us tomorrow and all the tomorrows of our future.”

Pogwist urged those to pass on the importance of Memorial Day to younger generations, who seem to forget just what the day ultimately means.

“Studies have shown that only about 25% of Americans know the true meaning of Memorial Day,” the Vietnam veteran said. “Memorial Day is about remembering. It’s easy to forget the price that was paid for our freedoms.”

State Rep. Doyle Heffley said that the families of the fallen carry a “sacred debt” that Americans can never fully repay.

He pointed out that on average, 22 veterans a day commit suicide, and stressed that we as a community must do better to help these veterans.

“We must listen without judgment, check in on our veterans and ensure that they know they are never alone,” Heffley said. “On this Memorial Day, let us renew our promise to remember the fallen, care for the living and carry forward the values they defended. May we live lives worthy of their sacrifices.”

Several state and county officials also provided comments on the importance of Memorial Day, while a musical selection was performed by Angela Nardini.

Following the comments, a gun salute by members of area veterans’ organizations was held and taps was played.

The annual Carbon County service kicked off a weekend of services, ceremonies and parades recognizing the men and women who died defending this country.

Brad Hurley, representing state Sen. David Argall’s office, told everyone to visit a cemetery this weekend.

“Pack those cemeteries and support those memorial services by these veterans organizations ... that’s the best way you can honor the veterans there,” Hurley said.