BUCKHANNON – All gave some, and some gave all – and on Monday, we celebrate those who gave all with Memorial Day celebrations.

Locally, folks can gather at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 30 for a Memorial Day Service at the Heavener Cemetery. This event is organized by the Upshur County Honor Guard and is located right off the Hall Road.

Mary Albaugh, American Legion Post 7 Adjutant and past Post Commander, reminds folks of the importance of remembering those from the past and their sacrifices for our freedom.

“It goes all the way back through all the wars,” Albaugh said. “There are so many, and we have to teach our children to honor those who served especially those who lost their lives. It is important to teach children the meaning of the flag and how it should be placed.”

Albaugh said American Flags have been placed on the graves of known Veterans in the area at all cemeteries in anticipation of the Memorial Day Weekend.

Another way to honor Veterans this Memorial Day is to visit the Walk of Valor banners hanging at Jawbone Park. The banners honor local and other Veterans connected to local people, both living and deceased.

Create Buckhannon and volunteers hang nearly 600 of the Walk of Valor Banners in Jawbone Park every year to honor Veterans.

On Monday, May 31, folks are invited to gather at the Upshur County Courthouse at 3 p.m. Michael Wilson will sound “Taps” as part of the Taps Across America, which calls for everyone to remember and honor Memorial Day.

Those wishing to travel a little further from home can attend the 154th annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday at 10 a.m. in Grafton. This celebration is the longest continuous observance of the holiday in the United States. The Grafton National Cemetery will be open during the parade.

Stonewall Resort in Lewis County is also hosting a lakeside fireworks display, which will launch at 9 p.m. Sunday, May 30, and all visitors and residents are welcome to enjoy the colorful show and pay tribute to those who have made the utmost sacrifice.

Memorial Day was initially referred to as Decoration Day, originating after the American Civil War in Arlington National Cemetery on May 20, 1868. Unlike Veteran’s Day, which is meant to honor all Veterans, Memorial Day is a sacred day of commemoration set aside to honor all fallen United States service members. It was named an official federal holiday when it was created by an act of Congress in 1971.

So, take time to honor those fallen Veterans who fought to assure the freedoms we enjoy as U.S. citizens, while teaching the younger generation why Memorial Day is important and why we need to honor others on Memorial Day and enjoy this weekend with close family and friends.