As we come to Memorial Day weekend, we remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country during military conflict. Besides the services with local veterans organizations and the cookouts, I also love to re-watch some of my favorite war movies featuring American soldiers doing their duty. Here’s just a few of them.

1945 – ‘The Best Years of Our Lives’ – William Wyler’s look at three servicemen readjusting to civilian life upon returning home from World War II, but it’s just as much about who didn’t come home and the lasting impact that had on the guys who were there.

1979 – ‘Apocalypse Now’ – Francis Ford Coppola’s seminal Vietnam War movie is as much a journey into the depths of the human psyche as it is a horrific action adventure into the depths of the jungle featuring some of the best performances and craftwork of any movie.

1998 – ‘Saving Private Ryan’ – Steven Spielberg’s WWII drama follows a troop of soldiers behind enemy lines to rescue the last surviving brother of a family of servicemen is best known for its graphic portrayal of war, including the frighteningly accurate depiction of the Omaha Beach assault on D-Day.