Across the Valley, several communities spent this Memorial Day together for the first time in a year, honoring our Valley's bravest. 

From scaled-down parades to ceremonies across the area, patriotism was felt for all those we praise and pray for and for the freedoms we enjoy today.

At the war memorial in Poland, Sons of the American Legion Mahoning Valley Squadron 15 remembered the sacrifices made with a prayer from Bishop David Bonnar of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown.

"Today we pause from our work and come together as a grateful nation, at cemeteries, memorials and public squares to remember," said Bishop Bonnar. 

In Youngstown, after a year of cancelations, services at the Smoky Hollow Memorial Day Service returned. 

"My grandfather, 64 years ago, was part of this group, the Golden Eagles, that helped put together this monument and in memory of all those from the Smoky Hollow and all of those throughout the United States, it's just so important that we get together to remember them and the lives that have been lost to give us these freedoms," said Joe Caruso. 

"We thank you with all our hearts. Without you, we wouldn't have our freedom," said John Mascardine, the Chair of the Smoky Hollow Memorial. 

At the Hubbard War Memorial, words, music and tradition make us all remember why this year, from those fallen for our country and those lost to the coronavirus pandemic, makes this all the more memorable of an event.