It wouldn’t be Memorial Day weekend in Suwanee if it didn’t start with a performance of military marches and patriotic tunes.

In what has become a firmly rooted community tradition, The Gwinnett Community Band will kick off the Memorial Day weekend at Town Center Park with a free concert that honors those who serve and have served in the United States military.

On Friday, May 25, the concert will begin immediately following a 7 p.m. demonstration jump — weather permitting — by Silver Wings, the Command Exhibition Parachute Team of the U.S. Army Infantry based at Fort Benning.

The Gwinnett Community Band, led by music director Jack Randall, is a nonprofit group of adult musicians from throughout the Atlanta area, who perform for public enrichment.

The band provides ongoing performance opportunities for enthusiastic amateur musicians.

“This is definitely the most patriotic event we do,” says Events Manager Amy Doherty. “It recognizes the 68-year-old veteran as well as the 18-year-old who just enlisted. It makes you realize just how many decades of people have served our country.”

Bring chairs, blankets, friends and neighbors, but no alcohol please. Also, please bring canned goods for the Gwinnett Municipal Association’s Can Do project; the food will be donated to the North Gwinnett Food Co-op.

Parking is available at Town Center as well as along Main Street.