ARLINGTON — Every day is special for Art Unruh.

But Memorial Day stands out even more for the World War II veteran and Arlington resident.

“I will never forget,” said Unruh, a Silver Star recipient for the time he served as a waist gunner for the U.S. Army Air Corps’ 15th Army Air Force. “I remember back after 9-11 when flags were everywhere. When I speak, I ask people how many they see now. How quickly people forget.”

The decorated 87-year-old will again be on hand at the Paul G. Allen Flying Heritage Collection this Memorial Day — Monday, May 31 — to answer questions and provide stories on his extensive background in the military.

He said he will be talking about his experiences serving on the B-17 “Flying Fortress” in Europe and talking about his book “The Shadow Casters: My Journey Through War.”

In addition to Unruh being in attendance, the Memorial Day event will showcase military vehicles and weapons from the Puget Sound Military Collectors Club.

A Soviet T-34 tank is scheduled to drive and fire at noon. At 1 p.m., a Flak 88 artillery canon will be firing, leading up to a German Hetzer tank driving and firing at 2 p.m.

The event lasts from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Flying Heritage Collection, located at Paine Field in Everett (3407 109th Street SW).

For community members interested in staying closer to home, the American Legion Post 76 will host its annual downtown Memorial Day Parade and a Dedication Ceremony at the Arlington Cemetery (20310 67th Avenue NE).

At 6 a.m., hundreds of flags will be raised at the cemetery to honor the men and women who 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, said Jay Lorenz, vice commander of Post 76.

“We have a very good turnout every year,” Lorenz said. “It’s a short parade, but it’s a way to acknowledge all the veterans and their families in the area.”

Following the parade, a ceremony featuring the high school band will take place at 11 a.m. at the cemetery.

During that ceremony, Cmdr. Ken Trusky of Legion Post 76 will speak.

Flags at the cemetery will be retired at 5 p.m.

Residents interested in volunteering to help the Boy Scouts with flag installation and retirement can contact Lorenz at 425-231-0193.