SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. - As American flags and red, white and blue decor begin to flood Sussex County, local organizations are preparing to honor our fallen heroes in a number of ways.
American flags were blowing in the wind on the Georgetown circle on Friday. The circle is where a Sussex County tradition will take place on Sunday, May 25 at 1:30 p.m.
"What we're talking about is a service. Basically remembering those who did not make it, those who died in service of the nation," said Holland van Valkenburgh.
Holland van Valkenburgh is a veteran and a member of the Georgetown Kiwanis Club, one of the co-sponsors for the Sussex County Memorial Day Service.
He says Memorial Day is personal to him.
"We want to honor them for the sacrifice that they made, intentional or otherwise. Sometimes they volunteered, sometimes they were drafted," said van Valkenburgh.
This isn't the only ceremony taking place that will honor our fallen heroes.
Murt Foos with American Legion Post 17 in Lewes says for the first time, a service will be held at the Delaware Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro. That's scheduled for Sunday, May 25 at 10 a.m.
"It is the support for everybody. I think it gives people a way, when they come with others who are facing the same walk and journey, of trying to recover and move on from that," Foos explained.
American Legion Post 17 will be hosting a Veterans Tribute Parade on Monday, May 26 at 11 a.m. The parade will begin and stage on Schley Avenue behind the Lewes Presbyterian Church parking lot and the public works parking lot in downtown Lewes.
It will proceed out to Savannah Road, cross over the bridge towards the beach and end at American Legion Post 17. Foos says visitors and friends are encouraged to line the streets and pay tribute.
Foos says she wants everyone to enjoy their weekend but to do one thing before they spring to the beach.
"Take a moment of pause, look at an American flag, make sure you get a poppy and say thank you for your service."
Friday, May 23 is National Poppy Day. The red poppy flower is a symbol of sacrifice of lives in all wars. American Legion Post 17 will be handing people a red poppy flower made out of paper as they ask for donations for the veterans they serve.
A simple gesture to honor a debt that can never be repaid.