TRAVERSE CITY -- Communities across the country are taking time to honor those who fought for our freedom this Veterans Day and in Traverse City it was a somber reminder of the ultimate sacrifices made. 169 crosses line the Open Space in Traverse City. The Veterans for Peace group put up dozens of crosses to honor Michigan soldiers who died in the Iraq War. The group says all military members who contributed to defending the United States will be remembered forever. World War II Veteran John Lewis says, "this is to bring attention to the ultimate cost the real cost of war, the shattering of lives, people dying." And Vietnam Veteran Merc Ryan says, "it's just sad and this is the best way I know how to honor them and thank them for what they have done." Each cross displays the name, picture, hometown, date of death and circumstances of death of those killed.