Families honor the fallen on Memorial Day despite COVID-19

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- One year after Pikes Peak National Cemetery held its first Memorial Day ceremony, crowds weren't allowed to fill the space on Monday to honor the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Typically over the three-day weekend, the cemetery welcomes hundreds of visitors who come through the cemetery's gates to drop off flags and flowers.

Monday, the cemetery held a private ceremony; everyone followed the CDC's guidelines, including social distancing. The video was also shared on Facebook to allow anyone to be a part of the ceremony virtually.

But for those who are celebrating their first Memorial Day after losing their loved one, Monday was a little lonelier.

People visited with their loved ones, with masks around their faces and at least six feet of distance between other families.

Many say they're glad their heroes didn't live to see this new way of life because they were already too sick.

But on a slightly rainy Memorial Day, following safety precautions was a small sacrifice compared to those who lost their lives fighting for our freedom.