Memorial Day has become the gateway to summer, as the shops open and the crowds descend. But first and foremost it is a moment to remember those who have fought and died for this country.

On Friday, May 27, students in Chilmark, Tisbury and Edgartown will carry flowers to the sea to commemorate Memorial Day. Chilmark students begin at 9 a.m. and head to Menemsha, Tisbury students begin walking to Owen Park at 12:30 p.m. and Edgartown students walk to Memorial Wharf beginning at 1 p.m.

On Monday, the raising of the flags ceremony begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven. The Memorial Day parade starts off at 10 a.m., at the American Legion Hall post 257 on Martin Road and heads to the Oak Grove cemetery in Vineyard Haven and then down the Avenue of Flags. The ceremony will include a laying of wreaths, the singing of the Star Spangled Banner and guest speaker Chief Robert Reimer from Coast Guard Station Menemsha.

Later on Monday, from noon to 4 p.m., the Tisbury town picnic will take place at the Tisbury waterworks. There will be grilling, picnicking, pony rides, chalk art, games, free ice cream, dinghies and music by the Flying Elbows.