I have attended a Memorial Day Parade and ceremony almost every year without fail. It gives me a good feeling to see the parade pass by with people lining the street and waving their American flags to honor our fallen heroes.

Randolph and East Randolph alternately host their annual Memorial Day Parade and ceremony. I look forward to seeing members of the American Legion and VFW displaying their colors as they march, the fire department personnel that we rely on so much, the high school marching band, floats, riders on horseback, kids in pony carts, farm tractors all shined-up and, of course, a bunch of fire trucks with firefighters throwing out candy to children along the parade route.

Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day originated during the American Civil War when citizens placed flowers on the graves of those killed in battle. Decoration Day only recognized fallen soldiers of the Civil War until World War I.

Memorial Day was not an official holiday until 1968, which explains why my mother continues to call it Decoration Day. Observed on the last Monday of May, we honor all men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.