ORLANDO, Fla. -- Rain could not stop people from honoring the fallen this Memorial Day in Central Florida.
Local lawmakers, community organizers, veterans and service members gathered inside the Orange County Courthouse for the annual War Memorial Ceremony.
Through music, singing and poems, those who gathered remembered those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs shared a personal story of a soldier lost -- her son's best friend.
"My first year in office as mayor, those of you that were here will remember that we lost a very close friend of the family’s,” said Jacobs.
“It’s my last year. And I wanted to make sure we remembered Michael,” she added, wiping away tears.
Orlando mom Maria Baez remembered as well. Her own son served in the Marines, one tour in Afghanistan. But he came home. She knows not all get to hug their service members again after they’re deployed.
“These holidays are very important to us, very special because we remember the fallen heroes,” Baez said, holding a fistful of flags. “And the price that America pays for our freedom.”
Later in the ceremony, a young boy dressed in fatigues walked slowly down the aisle, clutching a red, white and blue wreath. Jacobs and others laid the wreath on a tall stand before the room, squeezing each other before Winter Park High School Brass Quintet launched into Taps.
“As I was here, all I did was thank God that my son came home,” Baez said. “Love our soldiers, love our country and teach our children and grandchildren that this is the greatest country in the world.”
FLAGS PLANTED AT MEMORIAL CEMETERY
Memorial Day ceremonies began early for one group of people from the American Legion in Orlando.
Members of American Legion Post 331 planted hundreds of flags Sunday at Taft Memorial Cemetery.
It’s one of two cemeteries sponsored by Post 331.
They said passing rain from Alberto’s outer bands was not about to stop them from carrying on a tradition.
AT NATIONAL CEMETERY, FAMILIES VISIT LOVED ONES
Cape Canaveral National Cemetery was packed even after Memorial Day observance, with families visiting their loved ones.
Constance Williams and her daughter Joy are used the cemetery being empty. On Monday, others like her were here for the same reason -- remembering.
"Remember the good times, and the bad times -- we didn’t have many," Williams said. "The only bad time I had was when he went to Vietnam."
Constance and Malcom were married for 57 years. He served in the Air Force until he retired 23 years later. A heart attack claimed his life in 2015.
“I come here ever yday on the second," Williams said. "I’m here today for Memorial but I’ll be back on the second.”
While Constance admits she missed him every day, stopping by for a visit with her lawn chair and talking to him gives her comfort and the strength to put a smile on her face for her three children.
GROVELAND BANNERS HONOR HOMETOWN HEROES
Drive along State Road 50 in downtown Groveland and you'll see seven banners.
Each banner memorializes a hometown hero -- including Eric Ramirez.
Groveland officials say the 31-year-old joined the National Guard in 2000.
They say he was weeks away from returning home to his wife and two children when his commitment was extended due to the terror attacks of Sept. 11th.
Eric was killed on patrol in Iraq on Feb. 12, 2004.
"He got along with everybody, very patient, super kind and just somebody that I always looked up to," said Adel Ramirez, Eric Ramirez's brother.
Eric's brother and sister accepted their brother's banner photo during the Memorial Day program Monday at the community center.
The Groveland Historical Society paid $1,200 for the banners that went up at the beginning of the month.
Eric's sister says they make sure their kids know the meaning behind the holiday.
"It’s not just about Eric, it's about all the soldiers. But this is something that we don’t take lightly. We educate our children because we're going to continue Eric’s legacy," said Xochil Elmore, Eric Ramirez's sister.
Reporters Julie Gargotta, Sarah Panko and Krystel Knowles contributed to this story.