BUSHNELL, Fla. — Memorial Day is a time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, and in Sumter County, visitors at the Florida National Cemetery paid tribute to fallen service members and their families.

In preparation for one of the cemetery's busiest days of the year, veterans and volunteers prepare the grounds weeks, and even months, in advance.

What You Need To Know

  • Hundreds of people showed up at the Florida National Cemetery for Memorial Day

  • Memorial Day is one of the Florida National Cemetery's busiest days

  • Many of the people who prepared the grounds for Memorial Day were veterans

Marine Corps veteran Arcel Sabiloma was at the cemetery to pay tribute to his fallen brothers and sisters.

“Being a service member, especially being a Marine, we have that connection automatically,” he said.

Sabiloma served as a Marine before working at the Florida National Cemetery. At one grave, he helped bury Medal of Honor recipient and fellow Marine Duane Dewey. Even though Sabiloma didn’t know Dewey personally, he said burying him was personal.

“I served in Afghanistan — that was my last tour of duty," he said. "That’s what resonated with me on how I ended up over here. This is why I wear this bracelet, it’s a memorial bracelet that one of my buddies was killed during our Afghanistan deployment."

Josimar Hall is another veteran who works to maintain the cemetery grounds. He works with the families in the burial process. While it's not an easy job, he said it's an important one.

“It’s emotional, but it’s also rewarding knowing you’re helping families grieve and them knowing their loved ones are being taken care of,” Hall said.

As Sabiloma and Hall prepared the finishing touches before the Memorial Day ceremony, Justin Harvey paid a visit to a loved one.

“Right here, I’m at my grandparent’s gravesite," he said. "My grandfather is a sergeant in the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam."

Harvey said it wasn’t in his plan to join the Marines, but after witnessing the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, he said he knew he had to serve his country. Afterward, he experienced PTSD from the Afganstian War, but says working at the Florida National Cemetery helped.

“I get to see my grandparents every day," he said. "They might not be here in person, but I can visit them anytime I want, just like I did as a child."

Harvey said reflecting on those memories is a big part of what Memorial Day is about, and at the Florida National Cemetery on Monday, hundreds of people gathered to do just that. 

“At one point, every single one of us signed on the dotted line," Sabiloma said. "We were willing to do whatever it takes for whatever our nation needed us to do."