POULSBO — With hostile action in Iraq and Afghanistan reverberating noticeably from its temporary lull, more American soldiers are making the ultimate sacrifice.

Those sacrifices as well as the service of generations gone by will be remembered as veterans from four major conflicts gather to pay tribute on Monday beginning at noon at Poulsbo’s Waterfront Park.

“Mainly Memorial Day was set up for those who have given their lives in various wars,” said Vic Schiavone, adjutant for American Legion Post 245 in Poulsbo.

More than 6,800 Washington service members are currently serving in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and more than 67,000 Washingtonians are serving on active duty or in the National Guard.

“While we will be honoring those who have given their lives, we will also honor those who served and didn’t die,” Schiavone said.

While Poulsbo has not lost any of its sons or daughters in the recent conflicts, two Bremerton soldiers were killed in Iraq in 2004, and 32 service members from the state have been killed in the conflict.

“In some ways, it becomes more important in times like these, because it is more in the public eye,” he said.

Poulsbo has been fortunate not to have lost any soldiers, sailors or Marines in the recent conflicts, but that possibility still exists, Schiavone said.

Three Poulsbo soldiers died in the Vietnam War and 15 lost their lives in the Korean War.

Even though veterans will be honored during the ceremonies, the public is encouraged to attend, he said.

“We will be depositing a wreath in Liberty Bay and people will have an opportunity to pin a flower on it to honor veterans in their lives,” he said.

The wreath will be carried into Liberty Bay by a Coast Guard ship, which is scheduled to take part in the ceremonies.

In addition to having a Coast Guard presence, veterans will be remembered with a 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps.”

Members of the American Legion will be joined by members of the Kingston post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars as this year marks the fifth anniversary of their collaborative efforts on Memorial Day.

“It’s not just a holiday, it’s a time to remember all of our veterans who have served throughout the years,” Schiavone said.