Memorial
Day/weekend and associated events in Central Florida.
Please share with others. Post where appropriate. Attend when able.
There are other events before the weekend and
after the Memorial Day/weekend that were on the event list sent out on May
1. If you need the list resent to you,
just let me know.
If you wish to be removed from the email list,
just let me know.
American Legion membership - Special Membership
Drive for all New Member Veterans, Active Duty personnel AND
Renewals! But this is currently offered ONLY by Orlando Memorial Post 19, 5320
Alloway St, Orlando, 32810-5510. Post 19
will pay $10 of your $35 annual dues, a $10 dollar saving, if you join by May
25. Phone 407-622-1807 Membership includes the monthly national
magazine that covers a wide variety of topics for all generations, all service
zones, and all branches of our military.
Support Blue Star Families by shopping – Week of
Sun. May 17 – Mon. May 25 – Macy’s offers 15%-25% discount in return for a $3 donation made
at the register. Proceeds benefit “Got
Your Six” and “Blue Star Families” programs and events for military families.
Florida’s
Fallen Hero Crosses - Lawton House Grounds, 200 West Broadway, Oviedo, 32765. Guests
are invited to walk the grounds May
16-25, where 385+ crosses with grapevine wreaths represent lost Floridian
military members. Pictures and other items may be present with the
displays. This is free and open to the
public to remember and honor service men and women who have made the ultimate
sacrifice to defend and protect our freedom.
Memorial Day ceremony to honor them.
Info: 407-339-0879.
MEMORIAL
DAY/weekend events:
Memorial Day, an American holiday observed on
the last Monday of May, honors men and women who died while serving in the U.S.
military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years
following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many
Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding
family gatherings.
FRIDAY
MAY 22
Ocoee’s
Memorial Day Ceremony –11am - Lakeshore Center, 125 North Lakeshore Drive,
Ocoee, 34761. The keynote speaker will
be Michael McDaniel, Department Adjutant of the Florida American Legion. Mr. McDaniel served in the United States
Marine Corps for 26 years and reached the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant. As Adjutant he has oversight on more than
300 Posts and 113,101 Legionnaires throughout Florida and is an advocate for
veterans’ rights in Washington, D.C. and Tallahassee. A processional will be made to the Ocoee
Memorial Wall, where a wreath will be set in place. The wall is inscribed with
the names of Ocoee residents who gave their lives for freedom. Ocoee High School student Andrew Jolicoeur
will sing the National Anthem and there will be ceremonial flag presentations
by the Ocoee High School Air Force JROTC Color Guard and Ocoee Police Department
Honor Guard. Jacob Pickett, Ocoee Middle
School band director, will play "Taps". Refreshments will be served
after the ceremony. Info: Joy Wright at joy.wright@ ocoee.org 407-905-3100
Tallahassee
National Cemetery Dedication Ceremony – Fri. May 22 – 1pm ceremony with VA
Secretary Bob McDonald scheduled to attend.
This site off of Apalachee Parkway will offer families in that area an
alternative other than the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.
NOTE: A second one cemetery for veterans – the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery
in Scottsmoor of Brevard County, will open within the next year. It will serve more than 163,000 veterans,
spouses and their eligible dependents living in the central eastern Florida
area. If there are (or will be) cremains
that you need to place, the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery may be closer to
you than the one in Bushnell…something for you to consider…..
SATURDAY
MAY 23
Cypress
Grove Park Memorial Day Salute - 9:30am to 12noon – 290 Holden
Ave., Orlando, 32839. VFW Post 2093
Community Band will be performing, Chaplain Richard Black, USN (ret.) and Dr.
Neal Euliano, keynote speaker. Dr.
Phillips High School ROTC will perform the Posting of the Colors, POW/MIA
Remembrance and folding of the Flag; Goldenrod VFW Post 4287 will close with
gun salute. All veterans welcomed. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic
baskets. Info: 407-855-5877.
Celebration’s
Veterans Memorial Day Flag Ceremony – 10am – at Founders Park, Campus St, Celebration,
34747 in Osceola County. The flag
ceremony will honor the men and women who have bravely and selflessly defended
our country, and will celebrate and pay tribute to our nation’s heroes. The Celebration Veterans Group, Boy and Girl
Scout Troops and the Garden Club of Celebration are helping to host this
ceremony. The Celebration Community Chorus will put on a special performance
recognizing US military members.
Lake
Nona VA Hospital Open House for VETERANS –10am to 2pm - Lake Nona
Campus of Orlando VA Medical Center – 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, 32827. This
day is targeted to honor Veterans, Active Duty and their families. Veteran or active duty ID is needed (VA ID,
DD214, Driver’s License with veteran designation, military ID, etc.) Food, tours, games, more. Public is invited on Tuesday, May 26 for the
Dedication. Public Affairs office –
407-599-1301.
Valiant
Air Command Warbird Museum – Sat. May 23 and Sun. May 24 only – Open House 9am
– 5pm, 6600 Tico Rd., Titusville, 32780.
Free admission for active or retired military and ALL Florida residents.
(I.D. required) Low fly-bys,
memorabilia, combat pilots, exhibits and displays honoring the military. Requesting additional donation of canned
goods which will be sent to local food banks.
www. vacwarbirds.org
321-268-1941.
SUNDAY,
MAY 24
Taft
Cemetery – 12 noon ceremony, 501 Landstreet Rd., Orlando, 32824 in south
Orlando. American Legion Dorie Miller
Memorial Post #331 will place flags on veteran’s graves beginning about an hour
before the ceremony. Public
invited. Post phone: 407-294-3548.
American
Legion Memorial Day Commemoration - 1pm - Orlando Memorial Post 19, 5320 Alloway
Street, Orlando, 32810. Commemoration
for all fallen warriors & will include recognition of two Post members who
died within the past year – Gerry Rogers and Kenny Harlow - whose combined
membership totaled over 100 years of service to American Legion. Live music entertainment from 2 to 5 PM by 90
Proof Band. Burger or Brat with two
sides for $3 with advanced purchase of ticket otherwise will be $5 on the
day. Info: Commander at 407-622-1807.
City
of Rockledge Inaugural Memorial Day Ceremony – 2 to 3pm - This event
will feature patriotic music, guest speakers, Color Guards, and the laying of a
ceremonial wreath. Light refreshments to follow at the McLarty Park Recreation
Center, 790 Barton Blvd. Rockledge, 32955
Info: www. cityofrockledge.org
Coca-Cola
600, Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina - NASCAR drivers
will honor fallen service members with "600 Miles of Remembrance."
The strip across the windshield of Sprint Cup cars will feature a fallen United
States Armed Forces member. There will
be two warriors from central Florida who will be remembered and honored:
· Army Staff Sgt. Robert J. Miller from Oviedo, a Medal of Honor recipient, will
have his name on the windshield of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s No. 88 Chevrolet.
· Marine Gunnery Sgt. Floyd Earl Holley from
Casselberry/Winter Park will have his name on the windshield of Landon
Cassill’s No. 40 Chevrolet.
The race will start at 6pm, and will be carried
on TV.
National
Memorial Day Concert - 8pm on our
local PBS TV station – WUCF This concert is from Washington DC and is hosted by
Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna.
MEMORIAL
DAY, MONDAY 25 MAY – alphabetical by county
BREVARD
COUNTY
10th
Annual Cocoa Riverfront Park Memorial Day Tribute – 3pm to 8pm. Parade through Historic Cocoa Village from
5p-6p. Ceremony from 6:45 - 8pm -
downtown Cocoa Village, 401 Riveredge Blvd, Cocoa, 32922. Opening remarks will be presented by City
Manager John A. Titkanich, Jr. and our guest speakers for the ceremony are
Pastor David E. Bryant, Sr., US Air Force Retired, Major General Jonathan A.
Maddux, US Army and Commander Paul Nitz, US Navy. There will be various
veterans’ organizations on site, presentations and patriotic music. Special
flag-folding ceremony, period costumes, a moment of silence, entertainment, and
more. Free. RAIN OR SHINE the tribute
will take place. In inclement weather the event will be held in the Cocoa Civic
Center located at 430 Delannoy Ave., Cocoa which is located directly behind the
Riverfront Park. Info: City of Cocoa
Leisure Services Dept - 321-639-3500.
www. cocoafl.org
LAKE
COUNTY
Lake
County Memorial Day observance – 11am, Waterfront Pavilion, 330 Third Street on Lake
Minneola in Clermont. Sponsored by the
Tomoka Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), I.W. Hatcher, Jr.
South Lake Marine Corps Detachment and VFW Post #5277. Also participating will
be the Knights of Columbus Council #13240, South Lake High School NJROTC, Boy
Scouts and Girls Scout of South Lake County.
Info: Susan DeHart at
352-242-2394.
Amvets
Post 2006 Memorial Day ceremony – 11am - 500 N Canal St, Leesburg, Fl 34748. Shortly after the ceremony, lunch will be
served at 12:30 and prepared by the Military Chef of Le Cordon Bleu. Info:
Peggy AMVETS Auxiliary at veteransinfoandevents@ gmail.com 407.484.2159
ORANGE
COUNTY
Winter
Garden Memorial Day Service - 8:30 am at Veterans Memorial Park, 420 S. Park Ave.,
Winter Garden, 34787. Featured speaker
is Jerry L. Hagan of the Orange County Sheriff’s Dept. and retired Navy Master
Chief. A Roll Call of Veterans,
placement of wreaths, patriotic songs performed that will invoke pride, honor
and respect for our veterans. Refreshments will be served. Info:
Theo Graham at 407-656-2021.
Orange
County War Memorial Commemoration Ceremony – 10am – Orange County
Courthouse, south side, 425 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, 32801. Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and the
Orange County Veterans Advisory Council will express eternal gratitude. Also attending Orlando City Mayors’ Veterans
Advisory Council. Keynote speaker will
be Capt. Warren Hudson, USN (ret.) who is the President of Lake Highland
Preparatory school. He served aboard a
Navy swift boat in Vietnam. Color Guard,
singers, high school band and more as we remember and honor members of the
armed forces from Orange County who ultimately sacrificed their lives while
serving our country. Info: 407-836-7370.
Woodlawn
Memorial Park Ceremony - 10am; 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Rd., Gotha, 34734. Rifle volley, Taps and the tolling of the
replica Liberty Bell in memory of the dead of all wars. Guest speakers are former Florida House of
Representatives member Dick Batchelor, and Army Col. Vincent F. Malone,
407-293-1361.
Greenwood
Cemetery, Orlando – 10am - ceremony by the American Legion Orlando Memorial Post 19, at
the Veterans Section of the cemetery, 1603 Greenwood St., Orlando, 32801. Public is invited. Refreshments for those attending free at the
post following the ceremony at 5320 Alloway Street, Orlando, 32810. Contact Information: Wade Foster 407-622-1807
Glen
Haven Memorial Park - 11am to 1pm - 2300 Temple Dr., Winter Park, 32789. Annual observance of those who so selflessly
fought and died for their country, honoring the memory of lives lost in service.
Memorial service is emceed by 540 WFLA's Bud Hedinger. It includes the presentation of the colors,
uniform presentation of all wars by the Winter Springs High School Army JROTC
unit, and patriotic songs sung by Charles Haugabrooks accompanied by the VFW
2093 Community Band. Small American
flags will be available for all visitors.
Info: 407-647-1100
American
Legion Post 286 – 1 to 2 pm The
American Legion Family invites the public to the Memorial Day Observance
Ceremony. 529 E. Fairlane Ave. Orlando, 32809.
(Pine Castle in South Orlando; north of Sand Lake Rd on Orange
Ave.) Info: Sandi at 407-859-1460.
Central
Florida Veterans Memorial Park Foundation - 2pm – the first
Memorial Day ceremony at the Central FL Veterans Memorial Wall located at the
Lake Nona VA Hospital site. The Wall
features the names of fallen warriors from the six county area (Brevard, Lake,
Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia) who served in WWI to the present day
conflicts. A reception starts at
1:45pm. Arrive early, limited
seating. Lake Nona Campus of Orlando VA
Medical Center – 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, 32827.
American
Legion Post 112 – See event listed on Sunday, May 31.
OSCEOLA
COUNTY
Osceola
Memory Gardens – 8am, 1717 Old Boggy Creek Rd., Kissimmee, 34744. Osceola County Veterans Council and other
groups perform ceremony. Public invited.
407-957-2511.
Mount
Peace Cemetery – 10am, 755 E. 10th St., St. Cloud, 34769. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3227 is hosting
St. Cloud's Memorial Day Service. Everyone is invited to stop by to remember
and honor those who gave their all in the service of their country. 407-892-6761.
POLK
COUNTY
Bok
Tower Gardens Memorial Day Carillon Concerts – 1 to 1:30pm and 3 to 3:30pm, 1151 Tower
Blvd, Lake Wales, 33853. Half-hour
carillon concerts as musical salute of gratitude to our nation’s military
service – past and present. Free
admission offered to all military branches, active, retired, and disabled
veterans with valid ID. Concerts
included with general admission.
863-676-1408.
SEMINOLE
COUNTY
Florida’s
Fallen Hero Crosses ceremony - 9am - Lawton House Grounds, 200 West Broadway,
Oviedo, 32765. The Memorial Day ceremony to honor fallen Floridian military
members. This free event is open to the public and includes the Presentation of
Colors preceding a short program in memory of and to honor all U.S. service men
and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend and protect our
freedom. Guests are also invited to walk the grounds May 16-25, where 385+ crosses
with grapevine wreaths represent lost Floridian military members. Info:
407-339-0879.
Memorial
Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony - 9am - For spectators and family, the fun starts at
9 AM with music, stilt walkers and lots of fun!
The Parade starts at 10 AM, heading east to Park Avenue and then heads
North on Park Avenue, ending at Seminole Boulevard and Veterans Memorial Park,
110 E. Seminole Blvd, Sanford, 32771. Dignitaries and officials, all of the
County’s Veteran Service Groups, Tuskegee Airmen, the Steel Soldiers Military
Vehicle Association, Cpl Larry E. Smedley National Vietnam War Museum, Bahia
Shriners, a variety of Color Guards.
Also military vehicles and veteran organizations to give ‘Thanks’ to
those who have served, continue to serve and to mourn with the family members
who have lost loved ones on Memorial Day.
The Remembrance Ceremony starts after the
parade, at about 11am. Sanford Veterans
Memorial Park will feature dual 21-gun salute, a helicopter fly-over and
Seminole County’s Sheriff’s Office own Chief Deputy Dennis Lemma, U.S. Marine,
providing the Memorial Day Address. Hosted by City of Sanford and Seminole
County Area Veterans Advisory Council (SCAVAC). The Remembrance Ceremony begins
at 11 AM in Veterans Memorial Park.
Info: Jennifer at 407.688.5120,
www. sanfordfl.gov
Seminole
County Hero's Memorial Dedication – 2pm - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to first responders
and military service personnel killed in combat. In front of the Seminole County Criminal
Justice Center, 101 Bush Blvd, at the Hero’s Memorial. Info:
Ashley Moore amoore@
seminolecountyfl.gov 407-665-1172.
SUMTER
COUNTY
Florida
National Cemetery in Bushnell – 11am - 6502 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell, 33513. Traditional and touching ceremony. Guest speaker. Persons attending need to arrive early and
enjoy the patriotic and inspirational musical prelude which will begin shortly
before the ceremony. Seating is limited, arrive early, wear comfortable clothing
and bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit upon.
Info: 352-793-7740 or 1074.
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Lake
Nona VA Hospital dedication – Tues May 26 – HURRAY!
This long awaited Ceremony starts at 10am and VA Secretary Bob McDonald will be attending to provide the
keynote address. Plan on arriving early
to allow for time. The dedication will
culminate a week of special events, including a day for Veterans, the media,
and our stakeholders as well. Lake Nona
Campus of Orlando VA Medical Center – 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, 32827. Public Affairs office – 407-599-1301.
American
Legion Post 112 Memorial Day Commemoration - Sun. May 31 – 11am – The
Post members along with Sea Cadets, Fleet Reserve, and Boy Scouts assist with
ceremony. Public invited. 407-671-6404. 4490 N. Goldenrod Rd., Winter
Park, 32792 (btwn Aloma Blvd and University Blvd.)
Compiled by Cathy Haynes
Member/supporter of numerous veterans and
military organizations in Central Florida
407-239-8468
