Americans will honor those who have served in the military during Veterans Day events where flags will wave, patriotic music will be played and speeches will pay tribute to sacrifice.

``Military service equals sacrifice. And the sacrifice reminds us that freedom is never free -- it is earned,'' said retired Lt. Col. Connie Christensen, president of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 23 in Fort Lauderdale.

Christensen tended the wounded as an Army nurse at two military hospitals in Vietnam during the early 1970s. On Wednesday, she joined a force of veterans, active duty Coast Guard personnel and college students to erect a 240-foot-long, 8-foot-tall Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall in North Lauderdale.

The replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall in Washington, D.C., etched with the names of 58,175 troops killed in action, is on display for ceremonies from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Bailey Memorial Gardens, 7801 Bailey Rd.

Ben Badger, a former Marine who fought in Vietnam during the 1960s, said he will participate to honor troops of all wars, especially those serving now in Iraq and Afghanistan.

``It's too easy for people to forget why others are willing to fight and die for them. If we don't protect our freedom then we have nothing,'' Badger said.

Most city-sponsored events to salute veterans will be Wednesday, on Veterans Day, when many city offices and most schools will be closed.

Events include a pasta night meal for veterans hosted by the Dania Beach Lions Club; a 21-gun salute and a collection drive for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan in Sunrise; the placement of flags on graves at Hallandale Beach Cemetery; a patriotic tribute with uniformed veterans in Pembroke Pines; and a flag ceremony and rifle salute in Coconut Creek.

Christensen said no veteran can accept accolades for their service without commemorating the loss of brothers and sisters who died fighting for flag and freedom.

``It's up to us to be a voice for those who can no longer speak for themselves,'' Christensen said. ``Veterans only truly die when they are forgotten.''

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