Under a bright blue sky and the morning sunshine, folks lined the parade route for the annual American Legion Post 623 parade in Beech Creek.

Just before the start of the parade, the Army National Guardsmen and American Legion Commander and other Legion dignitaries performed a short memorial ceremony and wreath laying at the Baptist Cemetery in Blanchard, and then the fire siren blew signaling the 10 a.m. start of the parade.

The annual Memorial Day Parade marchers and floats would pause long enough for a 21 gun salute at the Church of Christ Cemetery in Blanchard and at the Veterans Memorial Bridge in Beech Creek before continuing to its final destination at the American Legion grounds in Clinton County.

Floats carrying ball teams, Lions Club members, church and political groups and others were decorated with bright colors. Many float riders tossed candy to their roadside friends and parade observers all along the parade route.

ASHTON PETERS/FOR THE EXPRESS Members of the Army National Guard lead the Beech Creek Memorial Day parade on Monday morning.

Central Mountain High School Marching Wildcats looked sharp in their band uniforms. Flags and baton twirling groups and dance teams marched with wide smiles while doing their routines set to music.

Fire apparatus from all across the region joined in the parade and in the celebration marking Memorial Day, held to honor and commemorate those who have served and died defending our freedoms.

ASHTON PETERS/FOR THE EXPRESS At right, a group of Little Leaguers along with their coaches, friends and family are pictured on a float at the annual Beech Creek American Legion’s Memorial Day parade on Monday morning.

ASHTON PETERS/FOR THE EXPRESS Members of the Howard Area Lions Club are pictured in their float during the parade.

ASHTON PETERS/FOR THE EXPRESS An antique car is all decked out in red, white and blue for the parade.

ASHTON PETERS/FOR THE EXPRESS A pair of ladies are seen in their red, white and blue attire for the parade.

ASHTON PETERS/FOR THE EXPRESS A group of young ladies from Turbulence showcase their skills.

ASHTON PETERS/FOR THE EXPRESS A volunteer for Faith Chapel United Methodist Church is all smiles in her chicken costume.