PHOTOS: Calverton National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony

Hundreds came out on Monday to Calverton National Cemetery, eternal resting place of roughly 230,000 veterans who gave their lives, to remember them and countless others who died while serving in the United States armed forces.

Keynote speaker Command Sgt. Maj. Sylvia Laughlin, reminding those present they should never forget "past, present and future veterans," said that while cookouts and an informal introduction to summer are not a bad thing to celabrate over the long weekend, the public should never forget what the true meaning of Memorial Day is.

"Gently remind others that yes, you can barbecue," she said. "But take a few minutes to remember those who gave you the freedom to barbecue."

With weather in the 80s, many of those present took respite in the shade.

Bronx resident Sylvia Powell-Brabham, paying respects to her brother, fallen Air Force veteran Alrfed J. Powell - who served in the Korean War - said the weather could have been worse.

"It beats rain," she said with a smile.