Hundreds of people lined the streets of downtown Easton Monday morning as the city held its annual Memorial Day observance.

The day began with a parade from the Easton cemetery to the Free Bridge and then back to Centre Square. The parade included the Easton Area High School Band, police and city officials, and local church, scouting and veterans groups.

The yearly tradition includes the mayors of Easton and Phillipsburg meeting on the bridge and dropping a wreath into the Delaware River. 

In the square, state Rep. Bob Freeman talked about the importance of Memorial Day, and how it needs to be more than just another holiday.

"It is said 'Poor is the country that has no heroes, shameful is the one who has them but forgets,'" Freeman said.