By Melissa Garcia

AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) – People across Colorado are remembering military members who were killed in action.

Four members of the submarine, the USS Colorado, returned home to Denver on Sunday, one day before Memorial Day 2016.

The members took part in a special ceremony to raise the United States flag over the Capitol building.

CBS4’s Melissa Garcia caught up with people honoring fallen heroes at the Colorado Freedom Memorial in Aurora near Buckley Air Force Base.

Christina Guines was at the memorial remembering those who never made it home from war.

“You just want to hug them and say, ‘Thank you,’” said Christina.

She and her husband, Mark, reflected on lives lost.

PHOTO GALLERY: Colorado Freedom Memorial

“(It’s) very important for us to keep in mind what they have done for us,” Mark said.

“It’s amazing how many people fought for this country,” said Christina, as she looked at the names on the memorial tribute wall.

The 12-feet tall glass monument names the nearly 6,000 Coloradans killed or missing in action in all wars.

Christina was honoring not only her father’s service during World War II, but also the many others who’ve fought for our country.

“I followed his footsteps,” said Christina. “And I just loved the military.”

Christina herself served in the Navy in a time of war, unloading body bags and coffins that were returning to Delaware from Vietnam.

Even though it’s been 33 years since she lost her father, Christina said that for some reason, this Memorial Day Weekend has been tougher than ever before.

“They say grieving is rough,” said Christine. “I still miss him. He was my mentor, he was my best friend, I mean, he taught me everything.”

She hopes that others too will take a moment on Memorial Day to remember the ultimate sacrifice made by so many.

“If it wasn’t for (those) men and women, we wouldn’t have the freedoms we have today,” she said.

A small stone plaque with the names of additional fallen heroes to be added to the memorial stands next to the monument wall.

LINK: Colorado Freedom Memorial

Melissa Garcia has been reporting for CBS4 News since March 2014. Find her bio here, follow her on Twitter @MelissaGarciaTV, or send your story idea to mkgarcia@cbs.com.