PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — One day before Memorial Day, there was an outpouring of support across the region to honor those who have served our country.

In Cranberry Township, a ceremony was held Sunday afternoon at the Veterans Memorial in North Boundary Park.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #879 hosted the gathering.

(Photo Credit: Cranberry Patch)

Six memorial wreaths were presented by the veterans while two student trumpet players from Seneca Valley High School played in the background.

White doves were also released to remember prisoners of war and those missing in action.

At the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Washington County, a special Memorial Day program was held to remember and honor all of our fallen heroes.

There was a ceremonial playing of Taps as well as a rifle salute. A ceremonial wreath was also laid in honor of all POWs and MIAs.

“I think it’s only appropriate that we always remember Memorial Day and take time out of our lives to spend a few minutes to recognize and remember the folks that have served our country and have given all,” said Ronald Hestdalen, the director of the cemetery.

About 700 people turned out for Sunday’s ceremony.

A special memorial was also held on the USS Requin outside of the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh.

Veterans of the Cold War-era submarine tolled the bell once for each submarine on “eternal patrol.”

They also threw flower petals onto the water so that they may “travel down the rivers to the oceans” where fellow submarines have gone down.

“We’re here to honor those submariners that gave their lives in pursuit of our freedom, but really it’s to honor all men and women that served in the military that paid the ultimate price,” said Lee Bookwalter, a veteran.

The Marine Color Guard performed a gun salute and there was a flyover over of a vintage Stearman World War II-era biplane.

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National Cemetery of the Alleghenies
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