Gwinnett Daily Post

Memorial Day is more than a day off from work -- it honors those who have died in military service throughout U.S. history. This year, Gwinnett County's cities have several events and celebrations starting today to remember the fallen men and women.

-- Compiled by Staff Writer Meghan Kotowski

FRIDAY, MAY 25

• Suwanee kicks off the weekend with parachuters and a free concert thrown by the Gwinnett Daily Post.

-- When: 7 p.m.

-- Where: Suwanee Town Center Park, at the intersection of Buford Highway and Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road

-- Cost: Free

-- For more information: Visit www.suwanee.com

SATURDAY, MAY 26

• Duluth's annual Veterans Memorial Service will recognize Korean War veterans by presenting them with commemorative coins, plus a "Fallen Heroes Salute."

-- When: 6 p.m.

-- Where: Duluth Town Green, 3167 Main St., Duluth

-- Cost: Free

-- For more information: Visit www.duluthga.net

• Stone Mountain celebrates the military with Lasershow Spectacular, New Geyser Towers, free tickets for military personnel and special patriotic fireworks.

-- When: 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Lasershow at 9:30 p.m. Saturday through Monday

-- Where: Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Drive, Stone Mountain

-- Cost: All active and retired military personnel receive one free Adventure Pass with valid ID. $27 for adults and $21 for children (age 3 to 11), plus $10 parking pass.

-- For more information: Visit festivals.stonemountainpark.com

MONDAY, MAY 28

• Loganville's American Legion Post 233 hosts its annual Ride for America, raising money for the Legacy Fund, providing scholarships for children of fallen soldiers since Sept. 11.

-- When: Registration starts at 7 a.m.

-- Where: American Legion Post 233, 4635 Atlanta Highway, Loganville

-- Cost: $10 per rider, $5 per passenger

-- For more information: Visit www.rideforamerica.org

• The city of Dacula is throwing its annual Memorial Day bash with festivities from morning until late in the afternoon.

-- When: Fun run at 8 a.m., 5K at 8:30 a.m., parade at 10 a.m., park dedication at noon, festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

-- Where: Downtown Dacula, at the intersection of Harbins Road and Winder Highway

-- Cost: Free admission, but pay to play

-- For more information: Visit www.daculamemorialday.com

• The Gwinnett Braves are honoring soldiers with a baseball game against the Lehigh Valley Ironpigs, camouflage jerseys auction and fireworks display.

-- When: 7:05 p.m.

-- Where: Coolray Field, One Braves Ave., Lawrenceville

-- Cost: $7.50 to $53

-- For more information: Visit www.milb.com and search for Gwinnett Braves

• Gwinnett County's Memorial Day is at the Gwinnett Fallen Heroes Memorial in Lawrenceville to honor the fallen heroes who have sacrificed their lives to protect our nation.

-- When: 1 p.m.

-- Where: The Gwinnett Fallen Heroes Memorial located on the grounds of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville

-- Cost: Free

-- For more information: Visit www.gwinnettcounty.com