The observance of Memorial Day will once again be commemorated by the members of Marysville American Legion Post 178 with a ceremony and a meal.

Legion members will be placing flags at the Marysville Cemetery before the official remembrance ceremony May 30, starting at 11 a.m. at 8801 State Ave.

Last year, more than 200 flags were placed in memory of the police officers, firefighters and military members who had passed on.

Each year’s ceremony typically includes an invocation by the Post chaplain, the Marysville-Pilchuck High School Naval Junior ROTC parading the colors, and a 21-gun salute from Marysville Legion members, also in memory of the veterans. The M-PHS Band will be putting in its first appearance at this year’s ceremony, under the direction of John Rants, and will provide backing for M-PHS JROTC Cadet Cheyanne Froehlich when she sings the national anthem.

The Post always strives to complete the ceremony by 11:30 a.m., so that attendees can make it in time for the open luncheon that follows at its Legion Hall, located at 119 Cedar Ave., where the general public can meet and speak with local veterans.

Although there’s no charge for anyone to grab a plate of salad, cold cuts or cake, donations won’t be turned away either.

On May 30, Arlington American Legion Post 76 will stage its own annual downtown Memorial Day Parade and a Dedication Ceremony at the Arlington Cemetery, located at 20310 67th Avenue NE.

At 6 a.m., hundreds of flags will be raised at the Arlington Cemetery to honor the men and women who have died serving the United States.

The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. at the Arlington Post Office, and makes its way down North Olympic Avenue to Legion Park.

Local youth and veterans groups, as well as the Arlington High School band, will be participating in the parade.

Following the parade, a ceremony featuring the high school band will take place at 11 a.m. at the Arlington Cemetery, where flags will be retired at 5 p.m.