Memorial Day ceremonies held across the Bay State

UNDATED (WHDH) -- Celebrations were held all across New England on Monday to commemorate what Memorial Day is truly about.

It was a day of remembrance.

The recipient of two Purple Hearts led a parade in Danvers.

Reading’s ceremony drew crowds of all ages.

“It was a little bit different when I came home in 1968 from Vietnam. Quite a bit different actually. Today, it's very fortunate that we have so many people,” said Frank Driscoll.

Almost 2,000 veterans are buried in Reading and each name was read aloud Monday.

“This is what we call Veterans Hill. These are all veterans that were in a conflict, and there's 200 of them buried here,” Driscoll said.

“That hill used to be just a few flags. Now it's almost covered,” said Marjorie Behen.

It was also a family reunion for the Reebenackers, who have gathered there each Memorial Day since 1954 to remember their father. Maurice Reebenacker was a marine in World War I.

“You almost feel compelled to be here,” Noel Reebenacker said.

It was a day of remembering the decades of sacrifice.