Memorial Day is known as the official start of summer as residents all over Long Island fire up their barbecues and celebrate a day off from school and work. But in the morning, before the rains drenched the blacktop streets and the green parks, communities honored the memory of our nation's fallen heroes.

Memorial Day was first proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic and was first observed on May 30 of that year.

Since then, the country has set aside the day to honor the memory of those who answered the country's call and paid the ultimate price for freedom.

In Mineola, paraders marched from Wilson Park west on Westbury Avenue, north on Roslyn Road, then west on Jericho Turnpike before concluding with a ceremony at Mineola's Memorial Park, where wreaths were placed in front of the Veteran's Monument.

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States of America Private Adolph Block Post #1305 Commander Manny Grilo spoke about the price veterans have paid for freedom and the price servicemen and women are currently paying in the war on terrorism.

Also addressing the audience was American Legion Post #349 Commander Sal Cataldo, Mineola Deputy Mayor Larry Werther, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman and Councilman Angelo Ferrara, New York State Senator Michael Balboni and Nassau County Legislator Richard Nicolello. Other dignitaries attending the ceremony were village trustees Linda Fairgrieve, Lou Santosus and Paul Cusato as well as District Court Judge Scott Fairgrieve. Mayor Jack M. Martins could not attend the ceremony because he was out of town.

As always, the Mineola Fire Department, Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Mineola Auxiliary Police took part in the parade, making sure everything ran smoothly.

This year, the World War II veterans who lost their lives were particularly remembered. This June 6 marks the 60th anniversary of the D-Day Invasion.

On June 6, 1944, Allied forces invaded the shores of France, which were occupied by Germany. The invasion would be key to the Allied defeat of Nazi Germany. The price for the victory was high as the casualties for the invasion would reach into the thousands.

Each moment of freedom the nation enjoys is a testament to the honor of those who died in World War II as well as the United States' other military conflicts. Memorial Day serves as a time to remember them all and say thank you.