As Memorial Day approaches, communities across the Valley and South-Central Pennsylvania are preparing to honor those who have fallen in service to their country. Today, a multitude of ceremonies, parades, and special events will be offered for those looking to pay tribute to veterans.
Phoenix will begin the day with a public Memorial Day commemoration ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona starting at 8 a.m., FOX 10 Phoenix reports. Honoring these who have sacrificed for our freedoms, the Litchfield community is holding a floral tribute at the WWII Memorial on the west side of Litchfield Elementary School that starts at 7 a.m. Playing "Taps" and observing a moment of silence are part of the planned activities.
In Gilbert, Mayor Scott Anderson will be providing remarks at a ceremony hosted at Gilbert Town Hall at 8:30 a.m., which includes a flag and wreath ceremony as detailed by FOX 10 Phoenix. Avondale is inviting residents to a musical tribute accompanied by a moving flag ceremony at Avondale Civic Center Amphitheater beginning at 8:30 a.m. as well.
Meanwhile, according to WGAL, South-Central Pennsylvania offers a wide range of Memorial Day events, including several parades like the Etters VFW Memorial Day Parade at 10 a.m., and the Camp Hill Memorial Day Parade and Service which starts at 9 a.m. They have also planned a wreath laying ceremony at the County of York Veterans Memorial Gold Star Healing and Peace Garden at 11 a.m.
Gettysburg will extend its Memorial Day observances from noon to 4 p.m. with a parade and ceremony, offering a considerable amount of time for attendees to reflect and honor the fallen. Hanover's Memorial Day Parade kicks off the day at 8:30 a.m., while Harrisburg is hosting an Artsfest at Riverfront Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., where the community will gather not only to enjoy the arts but also to commemorate the service of veterans.
