Plenty of people are turning out despite the rain to honor those who have lost their lives defending America’s freedom on this 139th anniversary of Memorial Day.

VFW and American Legion members in Sherman, along with Daughters of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the Confederacy were just some on hand at the West Hills Cemetery Monday morning.

The message is of sacrifice is meaningless without the remembrance of the soldiers who died for their country.

"There's been an insurgence of patriotism whether you believe in the war or not. Guys that came before us," said Mark Thomson, Sherman American Legion Post 29 member and the 4th District Commander.

At 3 o'clock Monday, the American Legion and others across the nation will pause for prayer and reflection.

A tribute to those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom was also held in Ardmore.

Dozens of veterans, lawmakers, and citizens gathered at the veteran's center for the annual Memorial Day ceremony.

For the first time ever, the Patriot Guard Riders were on hand to kick off the event with a ride through the oval.

Ardmore Public Schools presented David Caps with an honorary diploma. He left high school to serve in the air force during World War II.

Plainview principal Tim Parham delivered the keynote speech.

"With freedom comes a price… so many people have given their lives the past 100 years for us to be in the place we are today…. No better place than U.S.A.," said Parham.

The ceremony was sponsored by the Carter County Veterans Council.