Several communities plan observations and ceremonies for the Memorial Day holiday on Monday to recognize the sacrifices of U.S. troops who died during service.

Retired Navy Lt. Cmdr. John Buckley, of Stanwood, served in 11 campaigns in Vietnam from 1965 to 1974, and had two close friends killed in action.

“In retrospect, I have developed a sanguine feeling, having had the honor of serving with (those who) gave their all,” Buckley wrote in a reflection for the holiday.

“It brings me full cycle to the intent of Memorial Day. It is that the sacrifices of all American war dead shall be perpetually remembered.”

Local veterans groups remind those with U.S. flags to lower flags to half-staff until noon on Monday.

“For flags that are hoisted in the morning, they should be raised briskly to the top, paused for a moment, then slowly lowered to half staff. At noon, briskly raise the flags to the top. For flags that fly 24-7, slowly lower them to half staff at dawn. At noon raise them briskly to the top,” said Tom Thorleifson of Lake Stevens American Legion Post 181.

Here are Monday’s Memorial Day events:

Arlington: A parade begins at 10 a.m. down Olympic Avenue in downtown Arlington; sponsored by the local American Legion post.

Edmonds: The Edmonds Cemetery and Columbarium Board holds an observance from 11 a.m.-noon at the cemetery, located at 100th Avenue West and 15th Street SW. This year’s observance pays tribute to the 70th anniversary of D-Day. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8870’s Fred Diedrich shares his World War II story. Bagpipes, essay winner, and playing of taps. Refreshments after the program. Self-guided tours of cemetery available.

Everett: Veterans groups will gather at 11 a.m. to place flowers on graves at Evergreen Funeral Home and Cemetery, 4504 Broadway. A meatloaf luncheon follows from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Fleet Reserve Association Branch 170, 6802 Beverly Blvd.

Lake Stevens: The Lake Stevens American Legion Post 181 coordinates a community-wide service at 10 a.m. at the downtown Lake Stevens War Memorial, 1808 124th Ave. NE. A speaker, reading of names on the memorial, playing of taps.

Lynnwood: Ceremony is at 11 a.m. at the Lynnwood Veterans Park, located at Veterans Way (194th Street SW) and 44th Avenue W. Service includes bagpipes, speaker, music, wreaths, rifle salute and playing of taps.

Machias: The Lake Stevens American Legion Post 181 coordinates a service at noon at the Machias Cemetery, 12th Street SE and 135th Avenue SE, about three miles south of Lake Stevens. Includes a 21-gun salute and playing of taps.

Marysville: American Legion Post 178 holds a ceremony from 11-11:30 a.m. at the Marysville Cemetery, 8801 State Ave., followed by an open house from 12-2 p.m. with refreshments at the Post 178 home at 119 Cedar Ave.

Monroe: American Legion Arthur Kincaid Post 58 coordinates a service at 10:30 a.m. at the IOOF Cemetery at 21714 Old Owen Road.

Mukilteo: Storytellers will share the history of the area during a Memorial Day program, 11 a.m. at the Pioneer Cemetery, 513 Webster St.

Snohomish: American Legion Earl Winehart Post 96 holds a ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery, 8601 Riverview Road NW. Greg Guedel will be the master of ceremonies with guest speaker Jake Cabuag, past commander of the American Legion Department of Washington. Refreshments to follow.

Stanwood: Frank H. Hancock American Legion Post 92 will conduct honors at 11 a.m. at Anderson Cemetery, 7370-7816 Pioneer Highway. Includes an address by Ret. Air Force Col. Tracey Meck. Open house to follow at Post 92, 26921 88th Ave. NW. Veterans and families invited.

Sultan: Services will be held at 11 a.m. at the Sultan Cemetery, located at the east end of Cascade View Drive. The Martin-Osterholtz Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9417 hosts the event.