Hundreds gathered at St. Raymond's Cemetery in the Bronx Monday to remember soldiers who died in service to this country.

Many in attendance say they have relatives who are veterans and the Memorial Day service has become a tradition for their families. They say it is also important to remember and stand by those currently serving in Iraq.

Historians say the Memorial Day holiday began near the Bronx in upstate Waterloo in 1866. According to experts, it originally honored Union soldiers who died during the Civil War.