Cities throughout metro Atlanta held events on Monday to honor America’s soldiers.

Roswell City Hall hosted one of the area’s largest annual ceremonies, which began Monday morning.

The ceremony began with the presentation of colors and the national anthem. Then, Rep. Tom Price led the crowd in the pledge of allegiance.

This is the 15th year for the Roswell Remembers Memorial Day Celebration.

At this year’s event, the parents of 20-year-old U.S. Army Specialist Gary Lee Nelson III presented the laying of the wreath at the Faces of War monument in the Memorial Garden. Nelson died April 3 from injuries he suffered while serving in Iraq.

“It’s a big price to pay. The price of freedom is not free,” Gary Nelson II said.

Many families in attendance were there to honor Nelson and others who have fought for the U.S.

“It’s not a vacation. It’s a day to respect those who served our country,” retired U.S. Army Capt. Frank Payne said.

Dacula also hosted its 19th annual Memorial Day parade, with the theme “Their sacrifice, our gratitude.”

Volunteers carried pictures of fallen Georgia soldiers.

In Gainesville, a local soldier who lost both legs in Afghanistan earlier this year was honored at the city’s annual parade.