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SHANNON TANMore than 800 people gather at Serenity Gardens Memorial Park to honor those who answered the country's call to serve. The ceremony followed a parade.
LARGO - She bends over his grave, carefully arranging silk flowers in a vase.
Then she straightens the miniature American flag planted next to her husband's resting place at Serenity Gardens.
"There's nothing better than being a Marine," James Harding would tell his wife, Susan.
Harding, 48, served two tours in Vietnam. He died of complications from Agent Orange in 1999.
Every month, Susan Harding, 43, visits his grave. She makes sure the flag is still there.
"It's what he believed in," said Harding of St. Petersburg. "And ultimately, that's what he gave his life for."
On Monday, more than 800 people gathered at Serenity Gardens Memorial Park for a ceremony honoring veterans and those serving in the U.S. military. Many also watched Pinellas County's only Memorial Day parade, which started at the Southwest Recreation Complex and ended at Serenity Gardens.
Residents watched as firefighters, members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and clowns waved as they made their way down Wilcox Road. Downtown Largo Main Street members handed out miniature flags, and others threw beads and candy.
Dorian Garsky Jr., 2, was the proud recipient of a string of blue beads and a lollipop.
"He's like, "Wow, I just come out of my front door to get this,' " said his mother, Dee Garsky.
Many people came wearing red, white and blue. Several tied ribbons and flag scarves around the necks of their golden retrievers and collies. One woman even wore an American flag bikini top.
Members of VFW Post 10094, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and cemetery staff decorated veterans' graves with flags before the service.
"I got to thinking about all these flags out here representing passed-on members of the armed service," said Grand Marshal Fred Lavery, 82, who served in World War II and the Korean War. "When the call of our country was heard, these comrades answered."
Vietnam veteran James Orndoff, 57, pointed out that more and more people were attending the memorial service every year.
The Largo resident urged audience members to tie yellow ribbons around the trees in their yard and display the American flag.
Vance Lackore, 71, a Korean veteran, even bought copies of the Bill of Rights to hand out to people and information on how to vote.
"It is our job to fight against apathy and ignorance, which seems to have a foothold in our culture," said Lackore of Madeira Beach.
Every day should be Memorial Day, said keynote speaker U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young.
"War is war is war," Young said. "And the families who are left behind - it's still war for them."
At Veterans Memorial Marina Park in downtown Safety Harbor, about 30 people gathered for a Memorial Day ceremony. After a gun salute, the American Legion veterans closed in prayer and then lifted high the U.S. and American Legion flags.
Robert Searles, 76, part of Unit 6 of the Underwater Demolition Team during the D-day invasion of Normandy, said the ceremony brought back memories of his comrades who lost their lives in the line of duty.
To him, however, every day is an occasion for remembrance. "Every Memorial Day is every day of the week," he said.
Staff writer Bryan Casanas also contributed to this report. Shannon Tan can be reached at shtan@sptimes.com or 445-4174.