The Ames Memorial Day parade on Monday morning was a special day for many veterans and civilians. Students and veterans shared a similar understanding of what Memorial Day means to them.

Jim Madden, a 20-year veteran of the Air Force, said Memorial Day “means everything.”

Madden said he remembers attending Memorial Day parades as a child, looking forward to seeing the bands and getting candy.

“As I get older, it means more,” Madden said.

He said after serving 20 years in the Air Force, he has developed a deep sense of appreciation for the holiday. Madden has been a member of the American Legion since 1971.

“When they read off the names of people you know, it’s something special,” Madden said He said he enjoys the cemetery program every year.

“The expressions of people and how they react to what’s going on is really interesting,” he said.

After his time in service, Madden retired and began working for the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Madden was raised in Auburn, New York, where he played in the Drum and Bugle Corps.

“I’ve been marching all my life,” Madden said with a laugh.

Air Force service is becoming a tradition Madden’s family. His daughter is on active duty, and his son retired after serving for 20 years. His son is now a Junior ROTC instructor at Iowa State. Madden gave advice for younger generations who wish to enter the military. “I have to say to get an education first. That’s the most important thing. But everybody has a duty to serve when needed and to show appreciation to those who served before us,” Madden said.

Madden emphasized that young people do not have to be in the military to make a difference.

“It doesn’t have to be in the service, but do what you can,” he said.

Amy Jensen, a recent graduate in hotel, restaurant and institution management, and Megan Meyers, a recent graduate in early childhood education, said they enjoyed the parade as well.

Jensen, Meyers and Madden all have similar thoughts about what Memorial Day means.

“Take time to do what you like to do, while remembering the people who made it possible for you to do those things,” Meyers said.

After the parade, the Ames Patriotic Council hosted a program at the Ames Municipal Cemetery to honor veterans.

“We come here today to honor those who gave their lives and those who offered to,” said Ann Campbell, mayor of Ames. “We gather from the smallest cemeteries in America all the way to Arlington National Cemetery.”