TIFTON, Ga. — Memorial Day will be observed on Monday, May 28.

The holiday, which was originally known as Decoration Day in the years following the Civil War, became an official holiday in 1971. It remembers and honors men and women who died while serving in the United States military.

Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings or participating in ceremonies.

Memorial Day ceremonies have been taking place in Tifton for the past 40 years, according to Arthur Herin, commander of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 38.

This year, he said, they are looking for volunteers to help place American flags out at graves of veterans at Oakridge Cemetery.

“We’d love to have anyone who wants to come out to help place flags,” Herinsaid.

Participants will gather at the flagpole at the cemetery at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 26.

Some flags have already been placed at Oakridge and other cemeteries in the week leading up to the Memorial Day weekend.

On Monday, Herin said there will be a ceremony at the city municipal courtroom at 10 a.m., followed by a motorcade to place a wreath at Oakridge Cemetery.

The courtroom is at 130 5th Street E.

There is an ongoing effort to replace the American flags downtown in honor of those who died while in service to their country.

Jack Stone, who has been a long-time leading force for veterans’ activities in Tifton, said that the flags run approximately $25 and they last anywhere from five to seven months.

Anyone who wishes to purchase a flag for the downtown area should contact Stone at 229-382-5767.