The sun is out and it's been nice for several weeks now, but it's the long Memorial Day weekend that many consider the real kick off for summer fun.

Dawson County's public pool at Veterans Memorial Park and the Rotary Island splash park at Rock Creek Park opens for the season Saturday. Admission to Rotary Island, an interactive water park, is always free, while the individual day passes for the pool are $3.

Pool season passes for individuals and families are available.

A service Monday at Veterans Memorial Park will honor local military men and women who served their country honorably and paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Dawson County High School's JROTC will conduct the Memorial Day ceremony, which is a special project of the Veterans Affairs of Dawson County.

Cadets will present the nation's colors, along with the POW/MIA flag.

There will also be a Missing Man Table presentation, the laying of a memorial wreath and a moment of silence in honor and memory.

Originally known as Decoration Day to memorialize soldiers killed in the Civil War, Memorial Day was first observed as a national holiday in 1971.

The Veterans Affairs of Dawson County holds a local service each year.

Retired U.S. Army Col. Paul Wingo will serve as the event's keynote speaker.

The community is invited to attend the 5 p.m. service.