Remembering those who sacrificed everything for us this Memorial Day

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Army Veteran Eric Nunez is hoping people remember that Memorial Day weekend isn’t only about BBQs and beaches.

“My father was Sergeant Rudolph Nunez, and he was a Special Forces Long-Range Recon Patrol Airborne Ranger, and he was killed in action on 13 June 1966,” said Eric Nunez, Army veteran.

Memorial Day weekend Trolley schedule: service changes to expect

It happened when Nunez was only four years old. His father Rudolph gave his life while fighting for the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. The American hero left behind a wife and three young children.

Nunez said he will never forget his father’s sacrifice for our country.

Where to go on Memorial Day weekend in San Diego?

“I think in a lot of ways it’s the thing that formed who I am today, and I think always having his medals around and his accomplishments made me aware of what he sacrificed,” Nunez said.

He wants people to remember that it is vital to remember the importance of Memorial Day.

Record travel expected this Memorial Day weekend

“It is meant to memorialize those who gave their life in the service of their country and protecting the United States and everything it cares for,” Nunez commented. “I think this is one of the things that is probably lacking a little bit in our country today is to understand the cost of freedom and how important that price is to pay. We should honor those people who actually stood up and are willing to pay that price for our freedoms.”

On Memorial Day, Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in Point Loma is holding a special commemoration ceremony at 10 a.m. The public is invited and encouraged to arrive by 9 a.m. Monday for parking and shuttle buses.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.