Memorial Day weekend is the traditional start of summer but its primary purpose is not signaling the great vacation period but remembering those who paid the ultimate price during times of war.

Ceres will be remembering those sacrifices during a short Memorial Day celebration at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 30 at the Ceres Memorial Park.

The public is welcome to attend the ceremony, which will be held near the cannon.

The ceremony is being organized this year by the Ceres Post of the American Legion. Last year the Veterans of Foreign Wars post was the lead group.

Memorial Day is a federal holiday for remembering the people who died while serving in the country's armed forces. The holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, was formerly known as Decoration Day and originated after the Civil War to commemorate the soldiers who died in the war. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who died while in the military service.

The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation's largest veteran's service organization, committed to mentoring and sponsorship of youth programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans.