Memorial Day weekend ceremonies across the Philadelphia region are honoring service members who gave their lives while serving the country. One ceremony in Pennsauken Township brought together community members to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. For Jacquelyn Dixon, a Gold Star mo ther from Lindenwold, Camden County, the support means a lot. “It makes me feel good. It helps heal the pain that we have inside of us. It really does,” Dixon said. Dixon’s son, U.S. Army Specialist Anthony Joseph Dixon, was killed in action while serving in Iraq in August 2004. He was 20 years old. Dixon said her son decided to serve after the Sept. 11 attacks because he felt called to help. “He gave his life because he believed in what he did. And he loved serving. He loved his family, he loved God and he loved serving his country,” Dixon said. During the ceremony, Anthony Dixon was remembered alongside other fallen service members. “Some gave all and all gave some. Anthony gave all so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we enjoy,” one speaker said during the event. As families gather for barbecues and celebrations this holiday weekend, Dixon said she hopes people will take a moment to remember those who died serving the country and the families they left behind. “Just take a moment. And be thankful. Because of those that did give their lives, be thankful for them and the families that they left behind,” Dixon said. Dixon said knowing her son’s sacrifice is still remembered brings her comfort. “It’s a blessing to just know that he will never be forgotten. Never ever,” Dixon said. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication. ...read more read less