A somber ceremony was held at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Holmdel to commemorate the soldiers who gave their lives for their country.

Several hundred people gathered at the memorial to pay their respects.

"I think that veterans are the backbone of our country, and it's important that the kids realize how important they are to our country," says Kathleen Lynch, of Warren Grove. Lynch let her children miss school to attend the ceremony with her.

Many veterans and others in attendance headed to a fundraiser for Lt. Brian Brennan in Neptune after the ceremony. Brennan lost both his legs serving in Afghanistan.

"It's our time to reflect," says Iraq vet Kevin Interdonato, of Lakewood. "You try to look at the light side of it, because remembering is not always the best thing."