Memorial Day is a time to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in serving our country and a day to spend with friends and family. There are numerous observances across the metro Sunday and Monday.

Nearly 1,000 people flooded Playland Park in Council Bluffs Sunday night for the Patriotic Pops in the Park. The Omaha Symphony gave a free concert.

Dr. Raymond Carpenter was among those who enjoyed the show. "This is great, this is great to have a chance to get out and just listen to some great music."

Like many in the crowd, Dr. Carpenter is a veteran. For him, Memorial Day takes on a special meaning. "I think of it as a day when we stop, remember and thank those that gave the ultimate sacrifice."

Children came for fun and food while their parents came to take in the sounds of the symphony led by conductor Ernest Richardson. "The most important thing for me is to put together a program that features a moment when we can think about the people who gave their lives for our country."

There was no more poignant moment than when the honor guard came forward, the American flag was flying and the Star Spangled Banner was played.

Every veteran has a story, but telling them is not always easy. "Difficult no, moving yes," said Dr. Carpenter. It's those stories that have made this country great. "I can appreciate what these people did. I've stood the long watch. I understand what it means to put everything on the line."

The 44th annual Kingdom of Drazi (Izard spelled backward) Parade and neighborhood block party was held earlier in the day on Izard Street. The parade route was short, just about a block, but it was full of kids and pets in their red, white and blue.

The party was meant to bring neighbors together and of course no parade would be complete without some parade royalty. The newest neighbor was crowned next year's gnik (king spelled backwards).

Omaha's Memorial Day ceremony will be held at Memorial Park beginning at 11 a.m. Monday. American Legion Post #1 will hold its annual service at 10 a.m. at Forest Lawn Cemetery on Mormon Bridge Road and Young Street that will include a flyover by the Nebraska Air National Guard. Channel 6 Sports Director Dave Webber will be part of the patriotic music.

At 11 a.m. Monday, a Memorial Day observance will be held at Prospect Hill Cemetery at 32nd and Parker. Ralston's Memorial Day service begins at 11 a.m. Monday at Ralston City Hall, 77th and Main streets.

The Omaha-Council Bluffs branch of the 276th Fleet Reserve Association will have its annual Memorial Day service at the USS Hazard at Freedom Park along Freedom Park Road and North 25th Street East just off Abbott Drive in Omaha, starting at 10:30 a.m.

Treynor, Iowa will dedicate a veteran’s monument at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the Veteran's Plaza near the Treynor Community Center.

Boys Town National Research Hospital's Memorial Day Run begins at 8 a.m. Monday at Boys Town and there is a grand opening ceremony at noon Monday for a new military history museum at 2002 N Street in Omaha.