The veterans of the Rockingham American Legion lead the Sandhills Children's Center kids, parents and staff on a Memorial Day Parade in Rockingham on Friday.

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American Legion member Carlton Hawkins explains to the children what it means when a flag is flown at half-mast.

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J.W. English holds his two-year-old-daughter Breyanna after the Memorial Day Parade. For some children, it was their first time seeing a soldier.

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The Sandhills Children’s Center, at 108 Crow Run, Rockingham, spent the first half of Friday celebrating Memorial Day with family and teachers.

The children were joined by veterans from the Rockingham American Legion for a parade that ended in front of the school, around the flag pole.

American Legion member Cartlon Hawkins talked to the children about the importance of the flag, the symbolism and what it means if the flag is hoisted to half-mast.

School staff were joined by Rockingham Police Chief Billy Kelly and some of his officers, as well as Mayor Pro-Tem John Hutchinson.

“We would like to thank our local dignitaries for coming out to join us for this special occasion,” said Director of Center Services of the Rockingham Campus Melanie K. Carnes.

Children got to see a local soldier — who’s also a parent — as J.W. English was present with his wife to celebrate Memorial Day with his two-year-old daughter Breyanna, who waved her flag excitedly.

Carnes asked all the children to thank the veterans for coming out and to thank the parents for sharing in the celebration.

“It means so much to these kids to have you come out here for this,” said Carnes to the crowd gathered around the flagpole. Many children were dressed in patriotic red, white and blue, and flags were passed out to all the children. Some had made hats as well.