Hundreds marked Memorial Day at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis on Monday as wreaths were laid on the graves of fallen service members.

The service, hosted annually by the Department of Veterans Affairs, also featured a moment of silence, a rifle volley and the playing of "Taps."

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, among others, were in attendance. Law enforcement professional Dr. Everett Doolittle gave the keynote address.

Speakers said Memorial Day is a holiday filled with pride and pain — a chance to reflect and remember the brave men and women who risked their lives for the nation's freedom, some of whom are buried here.

Monday's ceremony focused on the Vietnam War, as this year marks 50 years since the fall of Saigon.

Among the speakers was a Vietnam veteran who talked about the importance of taking care of veterans when they return from service.

Walz's remarks focused on unity.

"Here in Minnesota it's no secret we're very closely divided politically, 101 to 100, and we're still debating, which is the privilege we've been given by those who surround us," Walz said. "Thank you for letting those millions of others today who are living the lives of free people because of the sacrifices that were here."

Each year, volunteers place nearly 200,000 flags on the graves at the cemetery in advance of Memorial Day.

The holiday honoring those who died while serving started in the years after the Civil War and became an official holiday in 1971. In 2000, Congress passed the National Law of Remembrance. It encourages everyone to pause for one minute at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day to reflect on service members' sacrifices.