Each year at the beginning of Memorial Day weekend, the Island’s school children participate in March to the Sea tributes that culminate in students tossing flowers into the sea in honor of military service people everywhere.

In Edgartown, students leave the school on Friday at 1 p.m. and walk to Memorial Wharf, stopping at the World War II and Korean War memorials along the way. Upon arriving at the wharf, a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance is held and principal Shelley Einbinder welcomes attendees.

Seventh grade students then read Walt Whitman’s poem O Captain! My Captain and the eighth graders read the Gettysburg Address.

In Tisbury, beginning at 12:15 p.m., students are led by the school band, parading down Spring street and then on to Owen Park. Eighth graders Zachary Biorci and Leela Khelalfa lead the ceremony at the park. Fifth grader Isaac Rendon and instrumental music teacher Kathleen Cadorette play Taps and eighth grader Lucas Martins sings the National Anthem. Coast Guard members from Station Menemsha will serve as the color guard during the march and ceremony. Island veterans will be present and JoAnn Murphy, a retired sergeant in the U.S. Army, will offer comments about the importance of Memorial Day.

In Chilmark, students leave the school at 9 a.m. and travel to Coast Guard Station Menemsha to hear firsthand about life in the military and the significance of Memorial Day. Afterwards, they walk down the hill to Dutcher Dock where they will read haikus and stories about what the day means to them. Fourth grader Lorenzo Doyle is scheduled to play Taps on the baritone.

The traditions continue throughout the weekend, with the Chilmark Community Church commemorating the holiday on Sunday with a special service and blessing of the fleet, beginning at 9 a.m. in front of the Texaco station in Menemsha.

The Memorial Day parade takes place Monday, stepping off at 10:30 a.m. from the American Legion Post 257 on Martin Road in Vineyard Haven and proceeding to the Avenue of Flags in Oak Grove Cemetery. Refreshments will be served at the Legion Hall after the parade’s return from the cemetery.

At noon on Monday, the annual Memorial Day picnic begins at Tashmoo Waterworks at 400 West Spring street in Vineyard Haven. The event features live music, games and free ice cream provided by the town of Tisbury. Bring a picnic lunch and something to cook on the grills that will be on-site.