GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Marine veteran Andy Hefty was supposed to ring a bell to signify the fallen from all American wars during Monday’s Military Service Day portion of the 37^th RiverFest at Spring Park.

But he admitted he could “never miss an opportunity to say something when you have a chance.”

He noticed many of those attending the somber ceremony were young. Hefty wanted them to understand the significance of the day and ensure that future generations would continue the time-honored ritual.

“In the years to come, I hope you remember that you were here in Spring Park and that you had a fun day, and that one day, you will know that the reason you had this wonderful fun day is that there were Americans who gave their life on foreign shores and elsewhere, so that you could have this privilege today,” he said.

“And you, parents who brought children and grandchildren here today, it is so important because we wonder about the legacy of America's youth. Are they going to remember these kinds of days and what the price of freedom is all about? Thank you for helping to bear that legacy and the future of it.”

He then read the wars, and the number of warriors lost, including:

• From 1775 to 1783, 25,000 died during the Revolutionary War
• From 1812 to 1815, 20,000 died during the War of 1812
• From 1846 to 1848, 13,000 died in the Mexican-American War
• From 1861 to 1865, 620,000 died in the Civil War
• In 1898, 2,446 died in the Spanish-American War
• From 1917 to 1918, 116,516 died during World War I
• From 1939 to 1945, 405,399 people died during World War II
• From 1950 to 193, 36,516 died during the Korean War
• From 1965 to 1973, 58,209 died during the Vietnam War
• From 1990 to 1991, 258 died in the Gulf War
• Since 2001, 7,078 people who have died from the global war on terrorism.

“Today, we honor those, and may you enjoy the day that they set aside just for you and their sacrifice,” Hefty said. “They're just all awe-inspiring.”

The ceremony included proclamations from the Green Cove Springs City Council, Clay County Board of County Commissioners and U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean, as well as performances by the Clay Community Band and the National Anthem by Brooke Thomas.

Tributes were delivered by Green Cove council members Ed Gaw, Matt Johnson, Glee Glisson, Thomas Smith and Darren Stutts, as well as a flyover by the Dreamland Squadron from Haller Air Park, the laying of the wreath by veterans from the Camp Blanding Museum, City Manager Steve Kennedy's invocation and the playing of “Taps.”

The rest of the day was dedicated to enjoying the first unofficial day of summer at the busy park.

Thousands enjoyed live performances at the Gazebo, as well as food trucks, vendors, a children’s play area and a display of military vehicles. The annual rubber duck race on the springs and the watermelon-eating contest were highlights of the afternoon, capped by the nighttime fireworks show over the St. Johns River.