Memorial Day: Reflect on the true meaning Published May 26, 2016 By Col. Jim Ryan 157th Air Refueling Wing Commander PEASE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.H. -- This weekend Americans pause to observe Memorial Day, a day to remember those who have died in the service of this great nation. For some, Memorial Day is simply another day... a long weekend to barbecue and spend time with family and friends. For those who understand the true meaning behind the holiday, know that Memorial Day acknowledges the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedom and way of life. Once known as Decoration Day as a tribute to fallen Civil War union soldiers, today across our country, local towns will hold ceremonies to pay tribute to the scores of Airmen, Coast Guardsmen, Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers who gave their lives protecting the freedoms we enjoy today. Regardless of what activities you have planned, I ask that you take a moment to honor the brave Americans who gave their life in the defense of our country. If able, I encourage you to participate in ceremonies, parades and events within your respective communities. Thank you for your extraordinary dedication to the mission and the contributions you make every day to our nation and this state. Please extend my thanks to your family and loved ones as they support you and your service. I wish you and your families a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day! The events below represent a list of local Memorial Day observances. Check with your local towns on additional Memorial Day events. Memorial Day Hometown Parade in Bedford, N.H., on Sunday, May 29 at 1 p.m. For further information, click here. Memorial Day BBQ and Parade in Bow, N.H., on Monday, May 30 from 2 to 4:30 p.m., the parade starts at 5:30 p.m. For further information, click here. Memorial Day Parade in Concord, N.H., on Monday, May 30 at 9:00 a.m. For more information, click here. Memorial Day Parade in Derry, N.H., on Monday, May 30 at 11 a.m. For further information, click here. 69th annual Memorial Day Parade in Durham, N.H., on Monday, May 30 at 10 a.m. For additional information, click here. Memorial Day Parade in Exeter, N.H., on Monday, May 30 at 10 a.m. Additional information found here. Memorial Day Parade in Fremont, N.H., on Sunday, May 29 at 9 a.m. For more information, click here. Memorial Day Parade in Greenland, N.H., on Monday, May 30 at 10 a.m. Click here for additional information. Memorial Day Parade in Henniker, N.H., on Monday, May 30 at 10 a.m. For additional information, click here. Memorial Day Parade in Hudson, N.H., on Monday, May 30 at 2 p.m. To learn more, click here. Memorial Day Parade in Manchester, N.H., on Monday, May 30 at 2:00 p.m. For more information, click here. Memorial Day Parade in Nashua, N.H., on Monday, May 30 at 10:30 a.M. For additional information, click here. Memorial Day Parade and Honors in Newton, N.H., on Monday, May 30 at 11 a.m. For more information on this year's event, click here. Memorial Day Parade and Auxiliary's Bake Sale in Peterborough, N.H., on Monday, May 30 at 8:30 a.m. For further information, click here. Memorial Day Parade in Plymouth, N.H., on Monday, May 30 at 10:30 a.m. Click here for additional information. Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade in Salem, N.H., on Monday, May 30 at 10 a.m. For further information on this event, click here. Memorial Day Parade in Somersworth, N.H., on Monday, May 30 at 11:30 a.m. To learn more, click here. Memorial Day Parade in Stratham, N.H., on Monday, May 30 at 1:45 p.m. For additional details, visit here. Memorial Day Parade in Windham, N.H., on Monday, May 30 at 9:30 a.m. For additional information, click here. Memorial Day Parade and Observance in Wolfeboro, N.H., on Monday, May 30 at 10 a.m. For further information, visit here.