Memorial Day weekend is a holiday that has seen a few changes.
In fact, even the name was changed.
Originally known as Decoration Day for the flowers and flags placed on the graves of the war dead, it began shortly after the Civil War. The holiday was marked with solemn ceremonies and time to reflect about those who died protecting this country.
In the late 1960s, Decoration Day became Memorial Day. The last Monday in May was chosen as the day to observe the holiday.
Whatever you call it, this is a day to count the blessings that have been fought for by the veterans of this country.

Memorial Day events
n American Legion Post 775, Richmond Heights-Willoughby Hills, will host a ceremony at 11 a.m. Monday at the Veterans Memorial at the Richmond Heights City Park, 26789 Highland Road. The public is welcome.
n The City of Willoughby Memorial Day parade and ceremony will be 9:30 a.m. Monday.
The parade will begin on Erie Street and proceed West to Euclid Avenue to Park Avenue, then to Hughes Avenue and conclude at the cemetery on Sharpe Avenue. A ceremony at the cemetery will follow the parade.
n Munson Township will host a ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Monday at the Maple Hill Cemetery, 13480 Auburn Road.
n Newbury Legion Post 663 will host Memorial Day services at 10:30 a.m. at the Newbury School Auditorium before a parade to Center Cemetery, where a service will be performed at noon. The program at Newbury School will be indoors and will honor veterans past and present.

Veterans need help stuffing vehicles
Veterans Helping Veterans stuff vehicles on Memorial Day will be Monday up town in Burton or at the open house at American Legion Atwood Mauck Post 459, 14052 Goodwin Ave., following the Memorial Day service in the park at 11 a.m.
Items collected will benefit veterans in hospitals and nursing homes. This event is sponsored by the American Legion Post 459 Auxiliary.
The wish list includes personal care items; covered soap dishes; white socks; white undershirts, underwear in medium to 2-X sizes; puzzle books, books, magazines, candy and gum. For details call 440-834-0764.

Ford Tri-Motor rides available
Take a ride back in time on the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Ford Tri-Motor plane at Burke Lakefront Airport, 1501 North Marginal Road in Cleveland, Wednesday through June 2. The restored 1929 Tri-Motor will be available for rides. Tickets for adults will be $70 for those booking early or $75 at the gate. Children’s tickets will be $50. Call the International Women’s Air and Space Museum at 216-623-1111 or EAA Chapter 50 at 419-239-8292 or book online at www.airventuremuseum.org/fordtrimotor
Proceeds will benefit IWASM and EAA Chapter 50.

To submit items for this column or the online listings, send them to: The News-Herald, Attn.: Larece Galer, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; fax to 440-975-2293; or via email to LGaler@News-Herald.com.