Two local Memorial Day ceremonies continue the tradition of recognizing those who died in service.

One October day in 1864, Emma Hunter, Sophie Keller and Elizabeth Myers visited the local cemetery in the small central Pennsylvania town of Boalsburg.

The Civil War was still raging, and the three had decided to decorate the graves of two men from the town. According to the National Archives, Amos Myers was killed in action at Gettysburg. Reuben Hunter died of illness while in service.

Other stories tell of similar instances as the war wound down then came to an end. Residents of a community would take it upon themselves to pay respects to soldiers or sailors who died in the war. Humble beginnings, but the notion that we as a nation should honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the country grew quickly.

Two notable Memorial Day observances take place in Monterey County on Monday, May 25. Both are open to the public and free to attend.

Ceremonies for the Avenue of Flags in Moss Landing officially begins at 10am, with a reading of names of service members laid to rest at the Castroville Public Cemetery. The reading will be followed by the firing of a salute and the playing of “Taps.”

The California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery holds its annual services beginning at 11am with patriotic music, followed by guest speakers. In keeping with tradition, participants will recognize the fallen through the laying of wreaths.

Following the Civil War, the idea of a “Decoration Day,” as it became known, spread. By 1868, formal calls went out for a day of remembrance.

Although Memorial Day services spread throughout the late 1800s and became established by the early 20th century, it did not officially become a national day of recognition until 1968. In 2000, Congress passed an act encouraging Americans to observe Memorial Day with a voluntary and informal moment of remembrance.

As was the case of Reuben Hunter of Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, not every death is in a consequential battle. And not every death came in actions history judged well. But all fell in service to the country.

Avenue of Flags 10am Monday, May 25 at Castroville Public Cemetery, 8442 Moss Landing Road, Moss Landing. (831) 633-5186, castrovillecemeterydistrict.org. Memorial Day service 11am Monday, May 25 at California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery, 2900 Parker Flats Road, Seaside. (831) 393-9371, calvet.ca.gov.