Against a backdrop of American flags, thousands of people turned out to honor fallen soldiers on Memorial Day at Valley events reflecting the diversity of war and of those who died.

Monday, area cemeteries and parks filled with patriotic tributes. Some speakers urged Americans to remember the true meaning of the holiday and the sacrifice behind it.

At one service, Fresno Mayor Alan Autry encouraged the audience to practice the freedoms veterans have won, such as participating in debates about the war.

"There's not one soldier I ever met who said, 'Don't do that,' " he said. "That's how we honor them, when we engage in that debate."

Autry said Americans can thank veterans by ensuring they have adequate health care and that children learn about the nation's history.

Autry made the comments at Fresno Memorial Gardens, where more than 1,400 flags fluttered along cemetery roads during the Avenue of Flags service. About 1,000 people attended the event honoring all veterans.

Each year, the Avenue of Flags is dedicated to a person or organization in thanks for noteworthy service to the country and community. This year's honoree was Police Chief Jerry Dyer.

Rep. George Radanovich, R-Mariposa, also dedicated the event to Sgt. Steven Packer, 23, of Clovis, who will be buried at the cemetery today. He was killed May 18 in Iraq by an improvised explosive device while searching for three missing soldiers.

Reminders of the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan surfaced several times.

Autry acknowledged some wonder whether the Iraq war is worth the sacrifice. His answer: "Your family member and your loved one did not die in vain. As long as there are freedom-loving people in the world, their spirit will last forever."

They were words Sgt. Cruz Corchado of Fresno wanted his three children, ages 6, 4 and 10 months, to hear. A drill sergeant in the Army Reserve, he came to the event in uniform and said he was raising his children "to know the cost of freedom."

Corchado has several friends serving in Iraq.

"I worry sometimes, but I know they got the best training and they've got good leadership out there and that at the end of this, they're in God's hands," he said. "But most of all, I'm just proud of them."

Also in Fresno, more than 200 people flocked to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Day ceremony at the Nisei War Memorial in Roeding Park.

Spectators lined both sides of the walkway leading to the memorial as the Hanford West High School Junior ROTC marched flags to the front, followed by dozens of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

It was one of the biggest crowds in recent years, said Ken Takeuchi of VFW Sierra Nisei Post 8499. Takeuchi led the ceremony, which has honored Japanese-Americans and others killed in war for 56 years.

The Rev. Toshikiyo Yukimoto of Tenrikyo Fresno Central Church said the holiday has become synonymous with the day community pools open, the first summer barbecue and big sales at department stores.

"The true meaning of Memorial Day has been lost by a majority of people," he said. "Many people forget that Memorial Day is an annual holiday to honor all armed forces killed in the service of our country."

Tad Araki, 82, of Selma, was in the audience. His brother, Masashi Araki, was 21 when he died in Italy during World War II. His name is etched on the park's stone memorial.

Tad Araki's 8-year-old granddaughter, Ashlyn Araki, also of Selma, hugged his waist after the ceremony. A Girl Scout with Golden Valley Troop 305, she participated in the ceremony.

When Araki said that his brother died, Ashlyn asked how.

"Fighting for America," Araki answered.

At Visalia District Cemetery, a crowd of several hundred included Army veteran Augustine Chavez.

Chavez, a Visalian and staff sergeant during World War II, wore his tan uniform and saluted as the flag moved to half-staff at the memorial service.

"It's my duty as a patriot to advocate for things that made our country great," said Chavez, 88, who signed up for military service when he was 21.

He hung his head and spoke about friends who died in combat and those he outlived.

But a smile crept onto his face as he scanned the crowd -- a sea of young and old, men and women in uniform. He said: "It makes me feel real good in my heart that people are still concerned about our country."

For some, Monday was more than a day to honor those who have died in service to their country. Bill Main of Visalia walked cemetery roads lined with about 1,530 casket flags.

Main, an Air Force veteran who served as a staff sergeant during the Korean War, visited family buried at the cemetery. He brought roses and marigolds handpicked from his yard.

Main placed a red rose on the headstone of Charles L. Main -- his grandfather.

"He liked red roses," Bill Main said. "I remember."