ARLINGTON – American Legion Post 76 in Arlington hosted the annual Memorial Day Parade along Olympic Avenue downtown on Monday, with a memorial ceremony afterward at Arlington Cemetery.

Crowds lining the parade route on a sunny, slightly overcast day waved small patriotic flags and cheered for participants that included military veterans, first responders, the Arlington High School marching band, Arlington High School AFROTC, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and other uniformed entrants.

American Legion veterans and members presented the colors to start the parade, and the Boy Scouts raised the flag in Legion Park.

At the end of the 20-minute parade, events moved to Arlington Cemetery for a solemn ceremony to honor fallen military members who sacrificed their lives in service to their country and the community. Mayor Barb Tolbert shared words of remembrance for those who fought and died defending and preserving freedom.