Residents mark Memorial Day in Decatur by placing flags on the graves of veterans at the Decatur Cemetery. Photo by Chris Billingsley.

People who want to take a moment this weekend to honor those who died serving our country have opportunities to do so on Friday and Monday.

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– DeKalb County government, along with the Veterans Affairs Advisory Board of DeKalb County, will put on its annual Memorial Day Program on May 26 at the Manuel Maloof Auditorium in Decatur.

Now in its 16th year, his year’s event will be themed “Veterans’ Legacy,” featuring keynote speaker Al Bocchicchio, director of the Atlanta Veterans Benefit Administration Regional Office.

The program also will feature the awarding of two inaugural “Major General Baron DeKalb Memorial Scholarships.”

The event will begin at 11 a.m. on Friday. The Manuel Maloof Auditorium is located at 1300 Commerce Drive in Decatur.

– Avondale Estates will hold a wreath placement ceremony on May 26 at 10 a.m.

The event will be held at City Hall, located at 21 North Avondale Plaza

“The Avondale Estates Garden Club and the Avon Garden Club will join City officials to place a commemorative wreath on the Blue Star Memorial Highway Mark in front of City Hall,” the announcement from the city says. “This ceremony celebrates Memorial Day and honors the U.S. armed forces, past and present. All are invited to attend.”

– Chris Billingsley, a retired Decatur High teacher, will head up this year’s Memorial Day remembrance in the city of Decatur.

Here is the full announcement:

If you would like to help place flags and/or flowers on the graves or memorials in the Decatur Cemetery for those who were killed while serving in the military as part of your Memorial Day Weekend activities, please contact Chris Billingsley at [email protected] or you can show up for any of the following:

Thursday, May 25, 5 p.m. Place Flags On Graves – Meet at the Veteran’s Rock in the new cemetery (enter Church Street gate and drive to area above pond).

Sunday, May 28, 4 p.m. Place Flowers On Graves – Meet at same location described above, Veteran’s Rock.

Monday, May 29, 5 p.m.- Brief Remembrance Ceremony – Afterwards we will pick up all flags and flowers from graves.