Photos: Memorial Day events across north Georgia

Residents across Georgia spent Memorial Day remembering and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the military.

While many spent Monday on vacations, cookouts, and at the pools, some took time to put the true meaning into the U.S. federal holiday.

Here is a look at some of the events:

Alpharetta held its Memorial Day tribute at City Hall. Residents heard from former U.S. Army Ranger Grant McGarry. The combat veteran served five deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. McGarry reflected on the day he made the decision to go into the military during his senior year of high school. Since McGarry's return to the U.S. in 2012. He co-founded the Darby Project, which provides individual transition support to U.S. Army Rangers.

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In Cobb County, hundreds came together at the Marietta National Cemetery to honor those who gave their all for their country. Families honored members of each of the Armed Forces in an emotional ceremony. Volunteers placed flags on each grave.

"I am a Vietnam vet and the reason I am here is to honor those who I couldn’t bring home," said Donna Rowe, Cobb Veterans Memorial Foundation. "Honoring all of the people in here who gave their lives in service to their country and in our family, there’s a lot of military."

It was an important reminder of what matters this holiday.

"Today is about our dead. Today is about those who have lost. Today is the day about the Gold Star families," said Rowe.

In Covington, Myra Pearrell captured her husband, retired Pastor John Pearrell, playing "Taps". The Taps Across America initiative asks those who can play, to do so at 3 p.m. local time to honor the fallen military members on Memorial Day. 

Pearell tells FOX 5, the wind picked up around the home, raising the flag in the air as he started to play.

In Dacula, community members gathered for the 30th annual Dacula Memorial Day Parade. People there lined the streets near Dacula High School to pay tribute to those who answered the nation's call and gave their lives.

In Dunwoody, the Parks and Recreation Department held a Memorial Day ceremony. City leaders and community members gathered for the DeKalb Veterans Memorial at Brook Run Park. Participants heard from Major General William Dyer about the importance of this day. General Dyer says it’s important to remember those who lost their lives by coming together despite our difference. 

In Americus, Georgia, 18-year-old Army Pfc. Luther Herschel Story was finally laid to rest. The soldier made the decision to stay behind as the 9th Infantry Regiment retreated from advancing North Korean troops. Story’s actions in the Korean War on Sept. 1, 1950, would ensure he was remembered. He was awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military honor, which is now displayed alongside his portrait at the National Infantry Museum, an hour’s drive from his hometown of Americus, Georgia.

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Story's remains were found in April and were buried on Memorial Day. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp attended the service.

"As we take time today to honor all who gave their lives for this country, Marty, Lucy, and I were especially moved to witness the memorial service for a true American hero - CPL Luther Herschel Story, U.S. Army. He was finally laid to rest at home in Georgia where he belongs," Kemp wrote on Twitter Monday.