SIDNEY, Ill. (WCIA) — Memorial Day events kicked off this weekend — with people remembering those who gave their lives serving the country. In Central Illinois, a crowd of people took time to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice at Mt. Hope cemetery in Sidney.

Cars pulled up peacefully — a solemn silence before the Memorial Day event began in Sidney. The village’s American Legion Post organized the event, placed flags on the grounds and performed as the color guard.

“It’s an honor to come up to see all these other veterans that are still alive,” Michael Shepard said.

Shepard served more than three years for the U.S. Coast Guard patrolling the Mississippi River. He joined the honor guard three year ago when he moved to Sidney.

Shepard — one of many — was moved on this emotional day. The ceremony featured the National Anthem, speeches and a blast from the past.

Jim Wood brings his Civil War era cannon every year to be shot in honor of specific veterans, like one he has a personal connection to.

“One is my buddy that was in Vietnam and got killed,” Wood said. “We went to school together and he was from Sidney here. In fact, he lived just across the river here.”

Four shots were fired, including one by WCIA’s own Brandon Merano.

“Makes me proud. Makes me sad, but it makes me proud,” Wood said. “I get reverent really. Because when you’re around that, it makes you want to honor people.”

Other celebrations in Champaign County included Grandview Memorial Gardens. Woodlawn Cemetery also held one in Urbana — and there was a wreath laying ceremony at Savoy Veterans Memorial.