COEUR d'ALENE - Dennis Scieszinski wants Americans to remember why this country celebrates Memorial Day, so Monday, he made it clear what it's not about.

It's not about the start of summer vacations.

It's not about picnics and barbecues.

It's not about a paid holiday and a day off work.

What it is about, he said to about 40 people gathered at Veterans Park on a cold, rainy morning, is remembering those who died in war "to keep our country free."

"It's a sacred day for all war veterans," said Scieszinski, past commander of VFW Post 889 in Coeur d'Alene.

Because the general public doesn't know the real reasons behind Memorial Day, Scieszinski said it's important to remind them, to help them understand.

"Sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance," he said.

With wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, he said the public has no excuse not to remember Memorial Day.

"But they don't because it does not directly affect them." he said.

Those who have fallen in defense of their country and the freedom of its citizens deserve better, Scieszinski said.

"I remember them every day," he said. "Memorial Day is every day for me, for you, for a lot of us."

It was the second Memorial Day celebration at the PFC Robert J. Gordon Veterans Memorial Plaza at Hayden City Hall. Around 75 people turned out for the hourlong ceremony in the rain to honor solders past and present, with Mayor Ron McIntire among the guest speakers.

Honorary speaker Roy Weaver, veteran and World War II Japanese prisoner of war survivor, told the crowd that it was the sacrifices of every single veteran that has kept America safe, and should not be forgotten.

"We are not honoring war," he said. "We are honoring peace."

The crowd mingled and chatted after the ceremony, which concluded with Amazing Grace played on the bagpipes and a gun salute by the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary.

"I thought it was terrific, it's definitely worth standing out in the rain for," said Robert Young, who made the trip from Spirit Lake to catch the ceremony. "It's a chance to reflect on the ones who gave their all and the ones who didn't come back. It's real emotional for me."

Earl Crain of Coeur d'Alene, a Korean War veteran, played "Taps" at the Memorial Day ceremony on Monday.

It brings him to tears when he plays it, he said, but it heartened him to see a crowd of about 100 turn out at Forest Cemetery despite a constant downpour.

"There was a time there the military couldn't even be seen with a uniform on," he said.

Chick Berry of Spirit Lake came to Monday's Memorial Day events in Coeur d'Alene to honor her father, who fought in World War II.

"I didn't really know him," she said.

She said her father, John Shields, was a professional musician who joined the Oregon National Guard in the mid-30s. When the Guard was federalized, he and the rest of the 41st Division battled Japanese forces in New Guinea.

She said she was 3 when her father left for the South Pacific, and 5 when he died.

"I have no firm memories of him at all," she said.

The war ended when Berry was 7.

"I don't really remember that too well. My mother tried to insulate me against all things military. She just couldn't face what happened to our family and never did," Berry said.

"It's something I wish more Americans would understand that not only were so many people lost and still are being lost, but the casualties don't end with their death. There are families that are casualties, too."