As the Marine Corps hymn played out of the loud speakers at Woodland Cemetery, those who came to the annual service seem oblivious to the humidity and heat on Sunday.

They came out of their obvious sense of patriotism.

This was Wanda Shafer’s fifth time to come to the ceremony.

She had three family members in the military, including two brothers and her father.

“This is very humbling,” Shafer said. “The patriotism in this town.”

Besides Monday’s Memorial Day parade, the Woodland service is one of the highlights of the special weekend.

Keynote speaker was Rodney McFarland, who has spoken to the audience on times past.

“We are here to honor the fallen soldier, most of whom paid the ultimate sacrifice,” McFarland said.

He recalled the Memorial Day began as a way to honor Civil War veterans back in 1868.

“We remember those who made our freedom possible,” he said.