Vicksburg, a city rich in military history, celebrated Memorial Day with a day full of events honoring the sacrifices of veterans.

Downtown events kicked off with a parade of veterans — and more — held along Washington and Jackson streets.

Amanda Huskey said she attends the parade every year, a tradition her family began with her grandmother, PFC Rosalie Prestianni, who served in the Women’s Army Air Corps at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, during World War II.

“She always taught us that freedom wasn’t free,” she said.

Huskey said her grandmother would always take them out to the Memorial Day and Veterans Day parades.

“At first I think she used to drag us down here. I don’t think we had a choice, but then we realized just how much it meant to her,” she said. “Up until we lost her four years ago, she would come down with us.”

Megan and Matthew Reichert along with their children Sophia, 7, and Noah, 5, came to Vicksburg to see the parade as part of a road trip covering various stops in Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas and their home state of Tennessee.

“We’re touring Mississippi,” Megan said. “We have never been to Mississippi before.”

She said they were enjoying their trip so far.

“This actually has been my favorite stop so far,” she said. “I love the small town feel and the downtown.”

Sophia said her favorite part of the parade was seeing everyone go by, and especially the candy.

“People threw bubble gum,” Noah said, adding he likes Mississippi.

Matthew said his children were certainly getting a good dose of military history in Vicksburg.

“This is a good place to be for Memorial Day,” he said.

The words echoed over and over at the memorial service were “All gave some; some gave all.”

The program, held at City Auditorium, featured speaker Brig. Gen. Donna Williams, of Vicksburg. Williams is the Deputy Commanding General – Support at the 412 Theater Engineer Command in Vicksburg.

Williams is the second female general and the first African-American female in the history of the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

“For generations Americans have set aside this special day to honor those service members who are no longer with us,” she said. “Today we honor our fallen heroes, and we will be placing wreaths in the national military cemetery.”

Williams said the graves at Vicksburg and around the nation remind us that freedom isn’t free; it comes at a great cost.

“Today is not about celebrating the beginning of summer season, or a holiday from work. Today is a solemn day of remembrance, a day that should be properly set aside for contemplation and deep reflection,” she said. “Ask yourself, where would you be without the personal sacrifice made by these men and women. The answer is obvious: not free.”

The event concluded with a wreath-laying ceremony held at the Vicksburg National Cemetery featuring a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps by Elias Arrendendo.

Vicksburg National Military park also sponsored two-wreath laying ceremonies and a concert.