For about two decades, Mercer County has recognized veterans, past and present, for bringing honor and distinction to themselves and their community.

At this year's Mercer 500, 525 flags were raised, each with the name of a serviceman or woman, or a person who gave back to the community.

A ceremony was held at Mercer Citizen's Cemetery to commemorate the sacrifices of every Mercer veteran or fallen soldier.

Aaron Sines, director of the event, wants to make sure the community always remembers the sacrifices made for our freedoms.

"There's so many people that have just done so much for our country and I think, you know, in today's day and age, a lot of us lose sight of that," Sines said.

The community got to enjoy a parade, participate in a 5K and search for their family's names on the flags.

"The people are looking at the name tags, like families come and try to find their loved ones that they you know, have an honor of," Sines said. "So all week you see people just checking the flags, and there's nothing better," he said.

Sines ultimately hopes the event keeps patriotism alive.