To some, Memorial Day is a three-day weekend marking the beginning of summer — to many, however, it is an important reminder of those who died serving the United States.

In honor of the 173rd observance of the national holiday, Ames community members sat along Ninth Street on Monday to watch the annual Memorial Day Parade.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 674, the American Red Cross and the Boy Scouts of America, among other groups and organizations, took part in the parade.

“We are here to honor the uniformed men and women who understand the concepts of duty, honor and country, and who are fulfilling these concepts no matter where they are in the world,” said Lt. Col. DeWayne Knott, a parade marshal.

Memorial Day was proclaimed in 1868 and was originally called Decoration Day because the graves of fallen soldiers were decorated with flowers. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday to be held on the last Monday in May.

“Our soldiers are examples of someone who believes in something so much, you are willing to die for it,” said Ames Mayor Ted Tedesco during a speech following the parade at the Ames Municipal Cemetery. “Some people believe freedom and democracy are not ideals to achieve, but evils to be destroyed.”

During the program, veterans from World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War and the Afghan War, along with their families, were recognized.

When at war, there are two fronts — the battle front and the home front, Knott said.

“There are no classes that train you how to wait, especially when they have no idea where their loved ones are or if they are safe,” he said. “There are heroes that are left at home who carry a heavy burden. Those who wait for a letter or a phone call or an e-mail. They also have a tough duty.”

Harriet Sheldahl, former president of the Ames Patriotic Council, also explained the 13-step process of folding the American flag.

“In the Armed Forces of the United States, at the ceremony of retreat, the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle fold and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nations honored dead,” Sheldahl said. “The next morning, it is brought out and, at the ceremony of reveille, run aloft as a symbol of our belief in the resurrection of the body.”

Members of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 37 played a large role in the organization of the day’s event.

“I’ve been intimately involved in the parade and organization of the speeches,” said Sandy Deacon of the American Legion Auxiliary. “I think it’s wonderful to have the community out here.”

Tedesco said it is important to commemorate people of different religions, races and ancestry who are defending the nation.