FORT SMITH (KFSM)—Many people came out to the Fort Smith National Cemetery Monday (May 30), to remember those who gave their lives fighting.
Edward Wester and Shannon Grant lost their brother, Army Spc. Lyle Wyman Rymer II, while he served in Iraq in 2005; he was just 24 years old.
His brothers traveled from Missouri and Tennessee to visit his grave.
“A lot of people believe that it`s just a holiday and barbecue, but to people like us, we know what it really means,” Wester said. “We`re just thankful for the fact that we got to come here today and see him."
Several others also came out to the Fort Smith National Cemetery to pay tribute to those who have fought for our country.
“We’re just paying respects to them and honoring what they did for our country,” Sherry Roughly said.
“I just think we need to realize what it took to get us the freedoms that we have today,” A.Z. Hudson said.
Hudson and his wife said they visit the cemetery almost every year. He said it's important to appreciate those who served and remember freedom is not free.
“Right there is evidence that it didn`t come at a cheap price, and we need to remember that,” Hudson said.
As for Wester and Grant, they said the loss of their brother is something that replays in their mind all the time.
“It`s not just on holidays; It`s not just on Memorial Day. I think about him every day, every day,” Wester said.
Rymer graduated from Roland High School in 1999. He’s survived by a wife and two children.