MERCER BOROUGH, Pa. (WKBN) – Mercer Borough has welcomed the Valley back to the court square for the annual Mercer 500 Memorial Day Parade.

Earlier this week, volunteers were busy putting up more than 500 American flags that line the borough streets.

Each flag has a dog tag representing one person who served for our country.

Organizers say it is a special way to honor local fallen soldiers and unite the community.

“Mercer is a very patriotic town. We’re proud of our country. And to drive or walk through the flags, listening to the dog tags on them, and just seeing them wave through the cemetery and Pitt Street, it’s truly something magical,” said Aaron Sines, the Mercer 500 organizer.

The Mercer 500 Memorial Day celebration kicked off Sunday night with a concert on the new bandstand. About 200 people showed up as local country artists Chris Higbee and the Kevin Dell Band performed.

“They gave the ultimate sacrifice, so if I can give a little bit of my time and do this for our community, it’s well worth it,” Sines said.

The Jason Michaels Memorial 5K starts at 8:30 a.m. Monday, followed by the parade at 11 a.m.

Tino DiCenso contributed to this report.