It was an early Memorial Day as some local soldiers paid tribute to those who died in combat. However, the United States holiday is something those worldwide understand.

LTC Willem Van Der Borg has 18 pilots from the Netherlands training at Fort Rucker. While their day of remembrance is May 4th, it doesn't stop him from honoring fallen soldiers this Memorial Day.

"Three years ago, I was in Afghanistan and living shoulder to shoulder. It's very chilling if you're in an airfield and dead comrades are brought in," says LTC Van Der Borg.

Memorial Day was first observed in the late 1860's as a way to honor fallen Union and Confederate soldiers.

The traditional observance of Memorial Day has diminished as some Americans have forgotten the meaning and traditions.

"Those that truly don't understand the meaning of the holiday perhaps haven't had the opportunity to attend a Memorial Day ceremony or perhaps to be exposed to true meaning of the holiday, which is to honor those that have given their lives to us," says COL Richard Beckinger, Cmdr., 1st AVN Brigade.

Whether it's coming to a memorial like the one here, or just paying tribute at your home, honoring fallen soldiers is something that transcends U.S borders.

"It's a feeling. How do you pay respect? What can you do? Nothing," says LTC Van Der Borg.

"Freedom isn't free and we should recognize those that ensure that we have the liberties we do have. Were it not for them, we could have a totally different country," says COL Beckinger.

The National Moment of Remembrance Resolution was passed on December 2000. It asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans to observe a moment of remembrance and respect. It suggests either taking a moment of silence or listening to TAPS.