First of all, it was so nice to cover the Memorial Day celebrations and observances under blue skies and warm temperatures.

Other coverage highlights:

—Christopher Armstead, Americanism officer at Legion Post 36, did a marvelous job getting everything organized for the parade and observances.

—The crowds, especially the Newagen and Southport observances that I covered, were well attended and respectful.

—Grand marshal Jim Singer was an excellent choice. He has done so much for veterans in the region, especially starting the Veterans Banner project. And he did a great job placing the wreaths.

—Speaking of the wreaths, the new touch of having the Girl Scouts hand the wreaths to the grand marshal was great.

—As always, the speakers' messages, from Steve Murray at Newagen and Gerry Gamage at Southport, were thought-provoking and meaningful. I am sure the other speakers did a fine job.

—Missed seeing former Legion Post 36 Commander Dave Patch in the parade. He told me he was going to be away on Monday.

—Nice to see and talk with friends before and after the parades – Smith Climo, Brendan Kane, Evelyn Sherman, Robert Mitchell, Ham and Helen Meserve, Nancy Harriman and Barry Sherman, who has been in charge of the veterans' contingent for the parades since 1970. Public events are great for catching up with people during everyone’s busy lives.

Hope you enjoyed the day and took part in remembering those who died for our freedom. I hope to do so in the years to come, whether or not I am covering them for the newspaper.