One Rockland County town kicked off Memorial Day early Saturday with a parade to honor those who died defending their country.

The annual Congers Memorial Day Parade was packed from start to finish as marching bands, local emergency response teams and others marched down the streets.

Men and women who have served in the military were also honored by the community.

Kevin Kilduff was 21 years old when he served over a year in Vietnam. After he was honored, he told News 12 he is very proud but wants people to remember those who didn't make it back home.

"I'd like to see our kids know a little bit more of the history…” Kilduff said. “[To know] what some of the people that went before them did," Kilduff said. "And that freedom is not free. It's a costly price we pay sometimes."