Memorial Day is so much more than a three-day weekend.

It’s a day meant for remembering and reflecting upon those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for this country.

That said, there are a few things to keep in mind as the weekend approaches.

Paying respects

Auburn-area veterans once again prepare to commemorate Memorial Day with a band of ceremonies Monday, beginning at 9 a.m. at the War Memorial at the New Auburn Cemetery, 1040 Collins Drive. This ceremony includes a fly-over of local aircraft, a white dove release, remarks by Placer County Supervisor Jim Holmes and Auburn Mayor Mike Holmes, a wreath-laying, a rifle salute and the playing of “Taps,” according to Bonnie Potter, president of the Placer County Council of the Navy League. Brief ceremonies, with a wreath laying and the rendering of honors, begin at 10 a.m. at the Old Auburn Cemetery, 170 Fulweiler Ave., at 11 a.m. at the Newcastle Cemetery, 850 Taylor Road, and noon at the Maidu Indian Cemetery, on Maidu Drive off Auburn-Folsom Road.

For additional information, call Potter at (530) 823-2820.

Volunteers posting flags

Those in attendance of Monday’s ceremonies might notice small American flags posted at the graves of veterans. The American Legion Post 84 spearheads this project with the help of area Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Volunteers spent Thursday afternoon out at the New Auburn Cemetery, and are scheduled to post flags at the Old Auburn Cemetery starting at 9 a.m. today.

Emilie Grabowski and her son Eddie, a second-grader earning his Wolf Badge, were among those planting flags Thursday.

“I served in the military, my father served in the military,” Grabowski said. “I feel it’s our way to actually recognize the military. It’s sentimental for me.”

Cemetery hours

Grounds of both the Old and New Auburn cemeteries will be open from 8 a.m. to dusk through the holiday weekend. Offices at both cemeteries will be staffed from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Monday in order to help locate graves and assist families, said district manager Sue Burkett.

Burkett said visitors would be able to access the New Auburn Cemetery grounds through the Collins Drive gate, off Mount Vernon Road. The Blocker Drive entrance is closed.

Call (530) 885-5922 for cemetery information.

Community picnic

Sierra Reach Ministries in Applegate once again plans to celebrate Memorial Day with its annual community picnic, which will be held 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday at 18015 Applegate Road. The picnic is free, and all are welcome to partake in the festivities, which include hot dogs and plenty of other food, jump houses, a rock wall, live music, outdoor games and other entertainment.

Call (530) 878-2705 for more information.

Drive safe

Wherever you’re headed during the holiday weekend, local law enforcement wants you to arrive safely.

Memorial Day weekend is a maximum-enforcement period for the California Highway Patrol, meaning all available officers will be patrolling local roadways between 6 p.m. Friday and midnight Monday, looking for speeding motorists and drunk drivers.

“Memorial Day Weekend can be a safe and fun weekend for everyone,” Captain Rick Ward, commander of the Auburn CHP area, said in a recent press release. “Just use sound judgment and plan ahead to keep you and your family safe for your drive home on the highways.”