By CHRISTINE L. PRATTStaff WriterIt "comes down to defending the Constitution," according to U.S. Army and Vietnam War veteran Ron Stutzman, who addressed a crowd gathered Monday morning for Memorial Day services at Oak Hill Cemetery in Millersburg.Pointing to the Founding Fathers and the intention they had in penning the document, Stutzman said, it's key to respect the words and their meaning, it becomes apparent why so many have risked their lives to ensure the rights enjoyed by all Americans.While the face of the military has changed over the years, the "valor, dignity and courage" of the men and women who enlist has not.Understanding why they put their lives on the line, he said, is "simple." They believe not that war is good, but sometimes necessary to win the prize of freedom. "The heart of America is freedom. ... Freedom is a wealth no debt can encumber."And it is their love of liberty and country that prompts ordinary men and women to "act in an extraordinary way."While they revere their freedom, they sacrifice their own to serve and relocate to distant shores in order to maintain it for others. And they value the right to live so much they risk their own to make it possible for others, Stutzman said.Memorial Day is dedicated to honoring those who have made those personal sacrifices for others, who should remember those who serve every day.It is important never to forget the meaning of the day, and ensure it's tradition, but help a younger generation understand and respect the sanctity of the rights so many have given their lives defending, Stutzman said."Freedom is so much more than wearing a baseball cap backwards," said Stutzman, stressing the need to "teach the young about the sacrifices made on our behalf."Politics aside, he said, the act of voluntarily serving is noble and noteworthy. "The legacy of our heroes ... their history deserves to be recognized and retold."We gather on Memorial Day to pay homage to them and as a reminder to give of ourselves," he said.As an understanding of our rights is waning, so is the desire to honor God, said Stutzman. "God raises up nations for a reason. ... That is why America is here today. Don't let the men and women die in vain."Reporter Christine Pratt can be reached at 330-674-1811 or e-mail cpratt@the-daily-record.com.