Here are Memorial Day ceremonies planned in and around Thurston County

Originally established during the Civil War as Decoration Day, Memorial Day honors and mourns those who have died in military service for the U.S. armed forces. From 1868 to 1970, the federal holiday was observed on May 30. Since 1971, it is observed on the last Monday of May, which this year is May 27.

Here are some of the public events planned to mark the day.

Memorial Day at the Capitol Campus: Two permitted events will bring people to the Capitol Campus on Memorial Day. Hundreds are expected to attend a Memorial Day ceremony from 10 a.m. to noon at the Legislative Building, featuring speakers, a military band and honor guard. Then from noon to 2 p.m., the Olympia Thunder Run will bring motorcycles to the Vietnam Memorial on the Capitol Campus. That ceremony will feature speeches, a bagpiper and a bugler. Visitor parking on the South Diagonal will be closed until 2 p.m.

Memorial Veterans Council ceremony at American Lake VA: This ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Monday is titled “Leaving No Story Behind” to acknowledge that veterans were not meant to shoulder their stories and grief alone. The Veteran Rites group and American Lake VA Suicide Prevention Team have put the program together to remember, honor, grieve, and celebrate friends and family members lost during and after service. There will be an opportunity to share stories. The gathering will be at Picnic Point at American Lake VA. Active duty, veterans and veteran family members, Gold Star mothers, survivors of veteran suicide loss, and service animals (please no family pets) are invited. The site is ADA accessible with a shelter, portable bathrooms, and access to greenery and the lake. Feel free to bring flowers, photos, or items of significance and remembrance of loved ones. The group also will take prayer requests, call in names, or share stories of loved ones should you not be able to attend or be able to speak. Food, drinks and snacks will be provided after the ceremony; those who feel called can bring a dish to share. Bring a camping chair for seating. For more information, to submit a remembrance or get directions, go to the Veterans Rites webpage.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Memorial Day ceremony: JBLM will host a Memorial Day Ceremony at Camp Lewis Cemetery at 11:30 a.m. Monday on JBLM Lewis Main. During the ceremony a wreath will be placed adjacent to the Camp Lewis Cemetery flagpole honoring the soldiers, airmen and civilians who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the United States. The I Corps Band will provide music, and an Army and Air Force Honor Guard will present the colors. A salute battery will fire a 21-gun salute to honor fallen comrades, followed by the playing of Taps. Visitors who want to attend the JBLM ceremony will be required to obtain a pass from JBLM Visitors Center at exit 120 on Interstate 5. Signs will direct attendees to the cemetery.