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For Memorial Day, see photos of how Bradenton has paid tribute over the decades

Bradenton Herald

Florida has one of the highest veteran populations in the country, and many live in Manatee County.

As the Bradenton area marks another Memorial Day and pays tribute to those who have given their life for their country, here is a look back at photographs from years gone by.

From parades to ceremonies to planting flags in the Sarasota National Cemetery, residents have turned out to events to show their support for the military.

A man and woman place flags and flowers on veterans’ graves for Memorial Day 1979.
A man and woman place flags and flowers on veterans’ graves for Memorial Day 1979.
A veteran at a graveside Memorial Day Services in 1978.
A veteran at a graveside Memorial Day Services in 1978.
Too sick to attend the Memorial Day 2018 service, Gloria Erickson instead brought her “sweety” in spirit, in this boot camp photograph. Richard Langlois fought in Vietnam in 1966.
Too sick to attend the Memorial Day 2018 service, Gloria Erickson instead brought her “sweety” in spirit, in this boot camp photograph. Richard Langlois fought in Vietnam in 1966.
Various military and veterans’ groups bring memorial wreaths to place during the Memorial Day 2001 program at the Veteran’s Memorial on the Manatee River.
Various military and veterans’ groups bring memorial wreaths to place during the Memorial Day 2001 program at the Veteran’s Memorial on the Manatee River.
Members of the VFW Post 10141 sit at the Memorial Day 2016 service held at the Veteran’s Monument in Bradenton.
Members of the VFW Post 10141 sit at the Memorial Day 2016 service held at the Veteran’s Monument in Bradenton.
Marianne Barnebey sings “America” during the 2011 Memorial Day service at the Veterans Monument on Bradenton’s riverfront.
Marianne Barnebey sings “America” during the 2011 Memorial Day service at the Veterans Monument on Bradenton’s riverfront.
Woodlands Village resident Nancy Bender wears a hat she made specially for during the 2011 Memorial Day observance at the facility.
Woodlands Village resident Nancy Bender wears a hat she made specially for during the 2011 Memorial Day observance at the facility.
An Honor Guard readies their rifles during Memorial Day ceremonies at Manatee County cemeteries in 1980.
An Honor Guard readies their rifles during Memorial Day ceremonies at Manatee County cemeteries in 1980.
Jean Morone helps her granddaughter Vada Morone place a flag at the gravesite of Vada’s great-grandfather, U.S. Army Veteran and Korean War Veteran Ernest L. Morone, during the “Preparing for Memorial Day” service at Manasota Memorial Park in East Bradenton on Saturday, May 24, 2014.
Jean Morone helps her granddaughter Vada Morone place a flag at the gravesite of Vada’s great-grandfather, U.S. Army Veteran and Korean War Veteran Ernest L. Morone, during the “Preparing for Memorial Day” service at Manasota Memorial Park in East Bradenton on Saturday, May 24, 2014.
Dozens of American Legion Riders ride along 15th St. E. while under police escort as they head to Manasota Memorial Park for a pre-Memorial Day service in East Bradenton on Saturday, May 24, 2014.
Dozens of American Legion Riders ride along 15th St. E. while under police escort as they head to Manasota Memorial Park for a pre-Memorial Day service in East Bradenton on Saturday, May 24, 2014.
DeSoto Young Marines Staff Sgt. William Robinson and PFC Steven Ruch raise one of the flags surrounding the Veterans’ Memorial before the annual service in 2011 on the riverfront of the Manatee River.
DeSoto Young Marines Staff Sgt. William Robinson and PFC Steven Ruch raise one of the flags surrounding the Veterans’ Memorial before the annual service in 2011 on the riverfront of the Manatee River.
Donna Cummings places flags in remembrance of Florida soldiers who have died in the line of duty in front of the American Legion Christopher R. Cobb Memorial Post 312 for Memorial Day 2011.
Donna Cummings places flags in remembrance of Florida soldiers who have died in the line of duty in front of the American Legion Christopher R. Cobb Memorial Post 312 for Memorial Day 2011.
Matthew Roig, 3, plays with his American flags as his sister participates in the Memorial Day 2006 service at Sutton Park in Palmetto.
Matthew Roig, 3, plays with his American flags as his sister participates in the Memorial Day 2006 service at Sutton Park in Palmetto.
Veteran Preston Huse bows his head for the invocation at the Memorial Day 2016 service held at the Veteran’s Monument in Bradenton.
Veteran Preston Huse bows his head for the invocation at the Memorial Day 2016 service held at the Veteran’s Monument in Bradenton.
Gumecindo Cruz and Gavin Cruz of Southeast High’s JROTC carry a wreath during the Memorial Day 2016 service held at the Veteran’s Monument in Bradenton.
Gumecindo Cruz and Gavin Cruz of Southeast High’s JROTC carry a wreath during the Memorial Day 2016 service held at the Veteran’s Monument in Bradenton.
Sarah Riffel of Lakewood Ranch High’s JROTC stands with the honor guard at the Memorial Day 2010 program at the Veteran’s Memorial on the Manatee River.
Sarah Riffel of Lakewood Ranch High’s JROTC stands with the honor guard at the Memorial Day 2010 program at the Veteran’s Memorial on the Manatee River.
Dan Suca plays Taps during the closing of the annual Memorial Day 2011 service at the Veterans Monument on Bradenton’s riverfront.
Dan Suca plays Taps during the closing of the annual Memorial Day 2011 service at the Veterans Monument on Bradenton’s riverfront.