BRANFORD, Fla. — On a warm and sunny Monday morning, 13 volunteers were dispersed along Suwannee Avenue in Branford with crosses and American flags in hand.

One week before Memorial Day, they were lining the downtown area of Branford to help set up honor markers to recognize local military men and women.

Amongst the volunteers was Enman Nettles, who served the United States from 1963-1966 as a combat engineer. Nettles, who has lived in Branford the past eight years, was volunteering for the third straight year.

“It means a lot to me because my dad has a cross out here, and I have a cross out here,” Nettles said. “The community is very supportive.

“I think they should do this in a lot more places.”

The flags and crosses in downtown Branford will be in place for two weeks, one week before Memorial Day and one week after.

In addition to the markers, there will be two Memorial Day events in the Town of Branford on Monday.

The American Legion Glisson James Post 59 and the Town of Branford’s Memorial Day ceremony will be held on the Branford Greenway at 9:30 a.m. Monday.

Bill Martin, with the American Legion Post 59, will be the speaker for the ceremony.

Martin said deputies from the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office will perform the gun salute for the ceremony and taps will also be performed.

Martin said ice water will be available, but encouraged those planning to attend to bring their own chair.

Monday evening, Branford will be site of a Memorial Day parade put on by the Branford Area Inter Church Ministries. The parade will begin at 6 p.m. from the football field at Branford High School and will travel up to Suwannee Avenue.

Dr. Higman to speak at Memorial Day ceremony

The American Legion Harry C. Gray II Memorial Post 107 and the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 126’s annual Memorial Day ceremony will be held Monday morning in Live Oak.

The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial section of the City of Live Oak Cemetery.

The guest speaker will be Dr. Jerry P. Higman, PhD, MDA, U.S. Army civilian.

Following the ceremony, the Legion is host a free barbecue lunch as well as a membership drive and open house at the Legion Post, 10726 142nd St. in McAlpin. The meal will begin at 1:30 p.m.