Memorial Day is a holiday on which Americans honor our military dead. Observed originally by the Confederates following the Civil War, the idea of an annual tribute was soon embraced by the entire country in 1868.

The holiday now also marks the unofficial start of summer and offers a multitude of events in which we honor not only those who died in defense of our freedoms but also celebrate friends, family, and community.

Here’s a look at some of the Fresno area Memorial Day events taking place over the long weekend.

Saturday

Clovis Memorial Run — This annual event kicks off at 7:25 a.m. with the National Anthem. There is a pancake breakfast and walks or runs for participants of all ages and abilities. There’s also a large resource fair with more than 20 community organizations providing information on health and wellness for veterans, seniors, and families.

Registration includes a hot pancake breakfast, event t-shirt, and patriotic medal for all event finishers. There’s still time to sign up. Go to this link to register or learn more.

Sunday

Santa Nella Memorial Day Memorial Day — The VA-hosted ceremonies begin at 9 a.m. at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, 32053 W. McCabe Rd.

All are invited to join with veterans and their families. This year’s theme is “To Care for Them.” The event  ceremony will include a moment of silence, wreath laying, rifle volley, and playing of “Taps.”

Remember Our Heroes: Fresno Community Concert Band — This traditional Memorial Day concert starts at 3 p.m. at the Paul Shaghoian Memorial Concert Hall, 2770 East International Ave., in northeast Fresno.

The event will memorialize the service men and women who gave their lives for our country with such music as “In Their Honor,” “With Quiet Courage” and Edward Elgar’s “Nimrod.”

All active and retired military will be admitted free of charge with military ID. Tickets, priced at $17.85, are available at this link.

Monday

Clovis Veterans Memorial District — This annual free event offers a host of ceremonies and activities from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On tap: a patriotic concert featuring the Clovis Community Band, a Gold Star  Remembrance Ceremony, veterans documentaries, story time and crafts in the Community Heritage Center, veterans and community service outreach, and a complimentary lunch.

Nisei War Memorial — The Japanese American Citizens League of Central California will host its 73rd Memorial Day Service honoring Japanese Americans military members who died in service to the United States. The event begins at 9 a.m. at the Nisei War Memorial inside Fresno’s Roeding Park.

Many of the Japanese Americans who served during World War II volunteered after being sent to internment camps because of their Japanese ancestry. “We hope you will be able to join us as we remember these brave soldiers who gave all to prove their loyalty to the United States,” say the event organizers.

Farmersville Memorial Day Parade — The Tulare County community will celebrate courage, sacrifice, and community spirit with a parade on Farmersville Boulevard beginning at 10 a.m. The parade will feature floats, local heroes, and veterans.

Dinuba Memorial Day — Ceremonies begin at 10 a.m. at Smith Mountain Cemetery, 42088 Rd. 100, in Dinuba.

62nd Annual Fresno Memorial Day Service — More than 1,400 full-size American Flags — the largest freestanding display in the West — will again line the avenues of Fresno Memorial Gardens as VFW Post 5057 conducts its official Memorial Day Program.

The event kicks off at 11 a.m. at Fresno Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 175 S. Cornelia Ave. There will be patriotic music performances by the Front Line Quartet and the Fresno Stag and Thistle Pipe Band. The guest speaker is Congressman Jim Costa.

Sanger Memorial Day — There will be a patriotic program, flag presentation, and moment of silence at Sanger Cemetery, 568 S. Rainbow Route, beginning at 11 a.m.. “Let us come together as a community to remember, reflect, and appreciate our nation’s heroes,” say the ceremony organizers.

The Murph Challenge at Warrior Fitness — Warrior Fitness offers its annual Memorial Day workout. The event pays tribute to heroes like Medal of Honor recipient Lt. Michael Murphy (“Murph”), whose courageous actions exemplify the spirit of service. The workout, while challenging, offers modifications for all fitness levels, emphasizing inclusivity and community spirit. The Murph Challenge begins at 9 a.m. and is free for veterans, first responders and Warrior Fitness gym members; $30 for nonmembers. The gym is at 8039 N. Cedar Ave. in Fresno.

California State Parks — California State Parks extends its gratitude to veterans, active, and reserve military members by granting free admission to 142 select state park units on Monday. To receive complimentary admission, veterans, active duty, and reserve military personnel must present a valid military ID or proof of honorable discharge.

Millerton Lake, Morro Bay State Park, Pismo Beach, Oceano Dunes, San Luis Reservoir, and Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park are among those participating in the salute to veterans. View the full list here.