Memorial Day is a special time to reflect on those that gave their lives to defend the freedoms and standards we believe in as Americans.

Concord is especially patriotic this time of year as so many events in Concord's history helped shaped the very foundations for our democracy. Here is a peek at what's coming up this Memorial Day, Monday, May 28.

First off, at 8:30/9 a.m. on Rideout Field, citizens will gather together in order to experience some recreationalist activities and then parade as one down through Concord center to the annual flag raising ceremony at Kenneth Dunn Square. Speeches will be given by Town officials as well as dedicated veterans and members of the Town.

Later in the day, at 11:30 a.m./noon, a second celebration is going to bring itself together on the corner of Garrison and Ash Street. This parade will troop first to St. Bernard's and Sleepy Hollow Cemeteries holding a short recreationalist ceremony at each location along with various speeches and presentations of thanks to the fallen.

The parade will then hold at the Knoll in Sleepy Hollow Cemetary to honor those that gave the ultimate sacrifice to defend our shores and ideals abroad. The parade will then wrap up by heading down to Monument Square and conclude with the reading of Roll of Honor, listing the veterans that have died in service of our country from Concord. This will conclude Concord's official Memorial Day celebrations at around 1:15 p.m.

Weather for the day is supposed to be nice, with only a slim chance of thunder storms and highs of 77.

For those looking to throw a party and looking where to get the supplies, check out this article on grilling in Concord based on a recent reader's choice poll.

The Concord Rotary Club is focusing its Memorial Day efforts out of Town this year as they will be heading over to the Bedford VA Hospital from 10 a.m. until noon. For more information on this and other rotary events surrounding Memorial Day, including grave clean-ups, contact Dick Hale at 508-878-6577.