William Cruice delivers a keynote address in Ocean City's Memorial Day Ceremony on May 26, 2014.
On a perfect beach day Monday in Ocean City, a couple hundred people gathered at Veterans Memorial Park to remember the men and women who have died in service of their country.
"Today is not about fun in the sun," said Air Force Master Sgt. William P. Cruice, a Vietnam veteran now retired and living in Ocean City.
He said Memorial Day is about remembering those "tested in the crucible in the field of battle," and he listed the numbers of service men and women killed in each war.
"There is only one number you need to remember," he said. "In all wars, over a million of your citizens have given up their lives."
"A man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for a friend. Ladies and gentleman, freedom is never free."
His keynote address was the central part of a ceremony that included Ocean City Intermediate School student Julia Wilson singing the national anthem and "God Bless America," a POW-MIA ceremony and the reading of the honor roll of Ocean City veterans killed in action.
The Sons of the American Legion passed out wristbands that read "Free POW Sgt. Bergdahl."
Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl has been held in captivity by the Taliban since June 30, 2009. Sons representative Frank Hetzel noted that all troops are expected to withdraw from Afghanistan.
"He also has to come home," Hetzel said.
