This year's Memorial Day events will have special meaning because of the fallen soldiers in this year's war with Iraq.
"It is important to remember that that all of us veterans are the same. We all went through the same thing, and we are not policy-makers. We are just doing our job and we deserve respect for that," veteran John Boltman said.
This year's commemoration events begin for Vietnam veterans at 9 a.m. at Heeken Park.
"The people that serve are awesome. Everyone deserves to be recognized, especially those who have fallen before us," Boltman said.
This year, veterans are meeting at 10 a.m. at the Muncie Fieldhouse to begin their parade.
"Anyone who wants to march can attend. Just be there early. It is a first-come-first-serve basis," Boltman said. Boltman is this year's coordinator for the Memorial Day Color Guard march and parade.
The march begins at 10 a.m. at the Fieldhouse and travels down Walnut Avenue.
"We are only recognized twice a year: Memorial Day and Veterans' Day. This holiday is very important to all of us," Boltman said. "It is our day for remembering."
At 10:45 a.m. there will be a ceremony recognizing veterans that died during wars occurring pre-Vietnam at Beech Grove Cemetery.
The main memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. at Beech Grove cemetery. "People today are more patriotic than they were when I came home from the war," Boltman said. "It is nice to see more people show their support."
Boltman served in combat during the Vietnam War as a Marine.
"The parade and other Memorial Day events are tradition in Muncie. We want to invite everyone to attend," Boltman said.
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