Memorial Day is often referred to as the first weekend of summer but it is also a time to remember those who died serving our country.

In between barbecues and time at the pool, Romans have several opportunities to participate in ceremonies honoring those who served in the armed forces.

Maj. Gen. William Terry Nesbitt, former Adjutant General, Georgia National Guard, will be the guest speaker at a service in Shannon beginning at noon, according to Hartwell Nolan.

According to Nesbitt’s biography on the Georgia National Guard website, he is “an infantry officer with over 40 years of service which include service in the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in the Republic of Vietnam and a number of command and staff positions including Chief of Staff, Headquarters, Georgia Army National Guard and Deputy Commander of the 48th Infantry Brigade.”

Nesbitt and his wife, Letha, have two adult children and two grandchildren. They are members of the Oostanaula Baptist Church of Calhoun where he serves as a deacon.

The annual service will be near the flagpole at 1 Memorial Drive.

“We hope to have a great crowd,” Nolan said.

For more information, call Nolan at 706-295-5245.

Other events include:

Grady Mabry American Legion Post 506, at 21 Peachtree St., will have a Memorial Day program at 11 a.m. with retired Senior Master Sgt. William A. Roan, USAF, speaking. Dinner will follow. For more information call Sporty at 706-291-0713.

The Lindale American Legion Auxiliary will meet Monday at 5 p.m. at the American Legion post on Eden Valley Road. Dinner and fellowship will follow the meeting.

Staff writer Kim Sloan contributed to this report.