New Jersey residents headed to the beach early Monday morning to begin their celebrations for Memorial Day.

The rush to get to the Jersey Shore during the weekend caused major delays on the Garden State Parkway.

MORE: Guide: 2019 Memorial Day Parades in NJ
MORE: Navy veteran reflects on fellow service members Memorial Day

Retired Lt. Cmdr. Jose Ramos tells News 12 it's important to remember the people who served and die for the U.S.

Ramos rose up in the ranks from a Navy seaman and served on ship in countries like the Philippines, Korea, Taiwan and more.