While Memorial Day ceremonies were taking place all over the country Monday, one in the Brazos Valley had an extra special reason for its location.

Hundreds of veterans and citizens gathered at Camp Hearne, a former prisoner of war camp during World War II. Congressman Chet Edwards delivered the keynote speech at the one-time POW camp, which is slowly being restored and rebuilt.

"It's not only a tribute to the greatest generation of Americans that served in World War II, but it's going to be a living classroom to teach future generations of youth about Americans' role in World War II," Edwards said.

An historical marker was unveiled at a recently renovated barrack which housed German soldiers during the war.

Camp Hearne is located on Highway 458 near the Robertson County Fairgrounds.