For years, North Dakota was one of a handful of states without a national veterans cemetery, but on a somber, damp morning Saturday that ended.

David Egbert served in the U.S. Air Force during 1960s and the rain wasn’t enough to stop him and others from attending the dedication.

“It's great, I live here in Fargo and I plan to be interred here someday,” Egbert said.

The pomp was moving to many sitting inside a tent.

“I went into the Air Force right after high school and I feel it was the greatest thing I ever did,” Egbert said.

Republican senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer spoke at the ceremony.

“To the living I would say, honor our heroes by living like free people, celebrating freedom not comprising it,” Cramer said.

Hoeven was instrumental in bringing the national cemetery to North Dakota.

“It's not just for our veterans, it's for all of us who love our veterans and the family members who want to go and honor them,” Hoeven said.

Governor Doug Burgum and Congressman Kelly Armstrong, R - ND, also shared a few words.

In addition, Minnesota Democratic Congressman Colin Peterson took the podium to honor those who served.

“These are men and women that have given their everything for this country and without them we wouldn't have the freedoms that we have,” Peterson said.

Towards the end of the ceremony, gold star families were asked to come up. It was a walk David Francavilla wishes he'd never have to make.

“It's amazing to think how many years have passed, five decades, and here we are dedicating a cemetery so no veteran will be forgotten,” Francavilla, who works for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, said.

Francavilla’s brother was in the U.S. Marine Corp. when he died in Vietnam.

“It's a tremendous honor to serve with the military, but yet on the same side there are costs and that's why we're here,” Francavilla said.

To die serving in our country's military is truly the ultimate sacrifice one can pay for the red, white, and blue.

The cemetery will serve the needs of 30,000 veterans, their spouses, and family members.