ATLANTA — Cities across the area are holding events today to honor our service men and women with speeches, memorials and music, too.
Dacula held its 26th annual Memorial Day parade Monday morning.
There were people and tents lined up along Dacula Road by 10 a.m., spanning the entire mile-and-a-half parade route that ended at Dacula High School.
More than 10,000 people were expected for what is one of the largest Memorial Day parades in the nation.
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The tradition started in 1994 as way to remember soldiers who gave their lives serving.
This year's parade included more than 150 entries, with the largest and most poignant being the “Fallen Heroes of Georgia,” a place card for each of the state’s 231 service members lost since Sept. 11, 2001, one entry that grows larger each year.
This year's grand marshal was a veteran of the Marine Corps who joined during World War II.
Sgt. Lee Weidman, 94, is from Lawrenceville.
She told Channel 2's Steve Gehlbach that becoming a Marine was one of the best things she has ever done.
"It's one of the best things I did…wonderful experience, the people, everything," she said.
She wants to remind everyone this isn't about those veterans who made home, but those that did not and Gehlbach asked what the younger generations should take from this Memorial Day.
"Hopefully, really, a love for their country," she said.
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Crowds in North Fulton County are also honoring those who died serving their country.
The special ceremony began at 11 a.m. in Roswell. It includes a laying of the wreath and a tribute for veterans who were prisoners of war or missing in action.
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In Cobb County, the Marietta National Cemetery is also honoring veterans. The cemetery is decorated for a ceremony that began just before noon, to honor veterans, past and present.