Few eyes were dry at the American Fork Memorial Day service Monday as the city remembered a fallen hero buried only one year ago.

Ray Garrett, sexton of the American Fork City Cemetery, said the family's tragedy has touched everybody's hearts. Everyone in the city came to show their love and respect at Barnes's funeral, and Garrett said people often forget about the sacrifices soldiers' families have made.

"It's a sacrifice when someone gives their life for this country, but it's also a sacrifice for those they left behind. I don't think we address that enough," he said.

Garrett said the Memorial Day program was intended to honor families that have lost a loved one, and also to remember the many soldiers who have given their lives during a time of war. The names of Barnes and 49 other soldiers from American Fork who have died in wars since World War I were read aloud as small flags were handed out and bagpipes played before a 21 gun salute.

"How can we say thanks?" Garret asked. "We can't. It's impossible."

Barnes's family was invited to speak at the service, about topics including military service, sacrifice and triumphs. Jay Barnes, Nathan Barnes's brother, spoke about the commitment Nathan Barnes had for serving his country. The military service was never about the paycheck, advancement or the thrill.

"For Nathan, the service was always personal," he said.

Jay Barnes encouraged those in attendance to remember soldiers' sacrifices. Those who go to war are willing to serve and die, while their family and friends at home enjoy the fruits of freedom.

"I will forever be grateful for Nathan's sacrifice," he said. "It is a sacrifice I cannot repay, a service I cannot fulfill."

Barnes's sister, Lisa Blake, spoke of sacrifice, saying it is a word she understands now more than ever. Her brother went to war so that others would not have to sacrifice.

"He had big plans, not just dreams, for his future, and he put them all on the line for us," she said.

Blake said the heart of patriotism lies in the willingness to pay others back for the sacrifices servicemen have made. That patriotism was shown in American Fork, she said, by the service provided to the family in the wake of Nathan Barnes's death.

Some of the triumphs that have occurred since the tragedy are a result of a caring and compassionate community, said Kevin Barnes, Nathan's father. The family is grateful for the support the city has shown them since their son and brother's death.

"We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for every good deed and every good thought and every good action and every good prayer," Kevin Barnes said.

Kevin Barnes spoke of the hundreds of Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts that lined the streets from the Alpine Tabernacle to the American Fork City Cemetery the day of Nathan's funeral. The touching display affected many, and Barnes said mothers told him they appreciated the opportunity to teach their sons about sacrifice.

"Those of us that saw that will probably never forget that wonderful sight," he said.

Kevin Barnes spoke to those who have also lost a loved one, saying a grateful nation thanks them for the sacrifice they made for freedom. The Barnes family was honored to participate in the service, but said they are only one of many.

"We are here representing all of those who have lost a loved one during a time of war," he said.

The family of Kelvin E. Feliciano was also honored Monday for the soldier's service for his country. The paratrooper died in Afghanistan in 2003, killed by a roadside bomb, but his family had not yet received his medals and flag. The mementos were presented to Feliciano's stepmother, Sonia Acevedo, who said the ceremony brought back many memories, but also comfort.

Feliciano died serving his country, and doing what he loved, Acevedo said.

"He always played when he was a little boy that he was Rambo," she said. "He was a soldier since he was a little boy."