Memorial Day Weekend Events 2019
Pre-Memorial Day/Weekend
Fallen Floridians’ Memorial Cross Tribute Display – Thru Monday night – Started by the children of a local fallen soldier and formerly located at the Lawton House. Most Precious Blood Catholic Church is honored to display this Memorial of our Florida soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. Persons are invited to walk amongst the crosses daily from 9am to 7pm. 113 Lockwood Blvd. Oviedo, 32765. Ceremony on Monday at this site at 11am. Info: 407-365-3231.
FRIDAY, MAY 24
Orlando VA Medical Center at Lake Nona Memorial Day Ceremony – 10am – 11am at the Orlando VAMC Memorial Park (next to the Chapel, south of the medical center.) Guest speakers are Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) and TShane Johnson (USMC). Co-sponsored by the Central Florida Veterans Memorial Park Foundation and Lake Nona Veterans Club. Friends of Fisher House Orlando will be helping with refreshments provided by Panera Bread. 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, 32827. Guests must show a valid ID (Drivers License, etc.) at the main entrance, parking in the West Garage is recommended. Info: CommanderLNVC@ gmail .com 407-984-7014 www. LakeNonaVeteransClub .com
Ocoee’s Memorial Day Ceremony –11am at the Tom Ison Seniors and Veterans Center, 1701 Adair Street, Ocoee, 34761 (west Orange County.) The guest speaker will be Anthony Gladney, a veteran of the U.S. Army for 12 years before being injured on an Airborne Operation with the 82nd Airborne. He achieved the rank of sergeant E-5. In 1991, his first assignment was with the 1/506 Infantry on the DMZ in South Korea where he received an award for recovering sensitive classified information in the Joint Security Area of the DMZ. The Ceremony will also honor fallen soldiers with flag presentations by the Ocoee Fire Department Honor Guard, the national anthem, laying of a commemorative wreath and the playing of “Taps.” Mayor Rusty Johnson and the City Commissioners will recite the names of Ocoee residents who gave their lives in the name of freedom and democracy. Info: 407-905-3100 or visit www. ocoee. org.
SATURDAY, MAY 25
Cypress Grove Park Memorial Day Salute – 9:45am to 12noon – 290 Holden Ave., Orlando, 32839 in South Orlando. VFW Post 2093 Community Band will be performing a Prelude, patriotic guest speaker, POW/MIA Remembrance and folding of the Flag; Veterans pinning ceremony, Free and all persons welcome, especially veterans. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets. Info: 407-254-6770 or 407-855-5877.
Flags for Fallen Vets – 9am. Groups will be placing an American Flag on each grave at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 US-1, Mims, 32754. Public is welcome to help place flags.
SUNDAY, MAY 26
Taft Cemetery – 11am to 12:15 – American Legion Dorie Miller Memorial Post #331 will place flags on veteran’s graves beginning about 11am followed by a brief ceremony. 501 Landstreet Rd., Orlando, 32824 in south Orlando. Public invited. Post phone: 407-294-3548.
BCASCA Memorial Weekend Celebration – 12noon -8pm on Monday – Brevard Caribbean American Sports & Cultural Association invites all to the Fred Poppe Regional Park, 1951 Malabar Rd, Palm Bay 32907. Free admission and free parking for cricket, soccer, dominoes, card games, music, bounce house, and more. Food and drinks for sale – Jerk chicken, jerk pork. Info: bcasca.florida@ gmail .com 321-557-2968
Patriotic Concert – 2pm – 4:30pm – Ormond Beach Memorial Day Remembrance Committee, American Legion Post 267, and Lohman Community Outreach presents the Patriotic Concert by the Daytona Beach Concert Band. Local veterans groups nominated and will honor their Patriots of the Year with a ceremony during the concert. The program of music includes patriotic songs, anthems of the service branches, and Broadway show tunes. Admission is free, donations for the band gratefully accepted. Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 North US 1, Ormond Beach 32174. www. ormondbeach .org 386-676-3375
PBS coverage of the National Memorial Day Concert – 8pm on your local PBS channel (Orlando area: WUCF) America’s national night of remembrance, returns for a special 30th anniversary broadcast, honoring the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform, their families at home and all those who have given their lives for our country. This year promises to deliver another outstanding television event on the eve of Memorial Day with the return of co-hosts and acclaimed actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise.
MONDAY, MAY 27 – MEMORIAL DAY (Alphabetical by County)
The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 pm local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation.
BREVARD COUNTY
Memorial Day Ceremony – 9am – Veterans Memorial Center of Brevard Veterans Council join for this Space Coast Memorial Day Ceremony honoring the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces for their service. Free and open to the public. The program includes: patriotic music, on-site military exhibits, flag ceremony and much more. 400 S Sykes Creek Dr., Merritt Island, 32952. Info: Facebook or 321-453-1776.
Memorial Day Parade in Historic Downtown Melbourne – beginning at 10am – 12:30, from New Haven Ave. at Helen St., east on New Haven Ave., and ending east of the Florida East Coast Railway tracks. Parade info: American Legion Post 81 at (321) 723-2939, alp81flcommander @gmail .com
Cape Canaveral National Cemetery – 11:30 am – 12:30 pm at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 US-1, Mims, 32754. All are welcome to attend the memorable ceremony! Due to limited available seating please arrive early and bring seating (outdoor chairs). Donn and Jeanne Weaver, Gold Star Parents, will be keynote speakers. The couple lost their son, 1LT Todd Weaver, when he was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2010. The event will also include a Gold Wreath dedication, the Naval Ordinance Test Unit Honor Guard, music from local high school bands and more. For more information, please call (321) 383-2638. margiecollins@ cfl.rr .com
Annual Memorial Day Tribute – Cocoa Riverfront Park from 5:00 pm – 8pm. Come out to Riverfront Park in Cocoa Village for the annual Memorial Day Celebration. Every year the City of Cocoa takes time to honor the fallen veterans of war with a Guest Speaker, special Flag folding ceremony, 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, a moment of silence, entertainment and much more. Parade line up is in front of the Parrish Inn at 5pm . 401 Riveredge Dr. Cocoa, 32922. Info: 321-635-7702.
FLAGLER COUNTY
Heroes Memorial Park – 8am – Ceremony begins at 2860 Palm Coast Parkway N.W. Palm Coast, with Mayor Milissa Holland as the emcee, and U.S. Rep. Lt. Col. Michael Waltz and Maj. Neal McCoppin (ret.), of the Flagler County Chapter of the Military Officers Association and the Flagler County Veterans Advisory Council, will be the speakers. The Community Chorus of Palm Coast and the Coastal Florida Police & Fire Pipes & Drums will supply the music. Wreaths will be presented by World War II veteran Frank M. Fonte, representatives of local veterans organizations and Gold Star families. The Palm Coast Fire Department Honor Guard will present colors and play “Taps,” and the Marine Corps League Detachment 876 will conduct a three-volley salute.
Flagler County Ceremony – 10am – Government Services Building, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell, 32110. The event continues with U.S. Rep. Lt. Col. Michael Waltz. Flagler County’s first World War II hero, U.S. Marine Corps Private Joseph Brady Wadsworth, will be posthumously honored through a presentation by historian Sisco Deen, U.S. Air Force Captain (ret). Other veterans groups that will participate include American Legion Post 115, Amvets Post 113, DAV Chapter 86, Marine Corps League 876, Military Officers Association of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Flagler County Veterans Service Office, VFW Post 8696 and Knights of Columbus 2264 Color Corps. Local Boy and Girl Scouts will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. The ceremony will be followed by a 2K run/walk supported by the Flagler Sheriff Police Athletic League, with prizes for the most patriotic attire.
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY
Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary – 9am – Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary Committee along with many, many organizations provide this traditional ceremony, bag pipes, singers, ships bell, and more. 3001 Riverside Dr; Vero Beach, 32963. (954) 472-3755
LAKE COUNTY
Clermont Memorial Day Observance – 11am – Waterfront Pavilion on Lake Minneola, 330 Third Street. VFW Post #5277, Tomoka Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution and I.W. Hatcher,Jr. Detachment 1120 of Marine Corp League and Korean War Veterans. Also participating will be the South Lake High School JROTC ; Knights of Columbus and South Lake scouts. There will be a container for small toiletry items for military care packages to the troops. Also, bring any old flags that need to be retired/disposed of properly. Info: Susan DeHart 352-242-2394.
Leesburg Memorial Day Ceremony – 1pm – Join AMVETS Post 2006 and others as they honor our military men and women who gave their all. Honor Guard, Bagpipes, local city and county officials, dignitaries, and more. * Everyone is welcome. * Meet at AMVETS Post 2006 at 500 N Canal St, Leesburg, 34748 Info: amvets2006 .com 352-323-8750
ORANGE COUNTY
Greenwood Cemetery, Orlando – 8:30am – 9am – Traditional ceremony at the Veterans Section of the cemetery, 1603 Greenwood St., Orlando, 32801, downtown Orlando. Special guest speaker is. Contact Information: 407-246-2616. (Time allowed to get to Orange County Courthouse ceremony)
Avalon Park – Dedication Ceremony at 9am, Avalon Park Veterans’ Memorial Garden, behind Avalon Church, 13460 Tanja King Blvd., Orlando, 32828. Join Girl Scout Troop 4638 and American Legion Post 409 for the dedication of the Park. Light refreshments will be served. Info: (407) 275-5499.
Orange County Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony – 10am –11am Orange County Courthouse in the Jury Room (air conditioned!) 425 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, 32801. Free parking in adjacent garage. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and the Orange County Veterans Advisory Council will express eternal gratitude. Also attending Orlando City Mayors’ Veterans Advisory Council. Guest speaker, Color Guard, singers, high school brass quintet, Young Marines, and more. We will 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 – The Annual ceremony begins at 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Rd., Gotha, 34734 (southwest Orange County.) in front of our mosaic wall in the memorial gardens. It includes veteran organizations, scouts and the tolling of the replica Liberty Bell in memory of those who died in war. American flags will be available for guests wanting to decorate a grave for Memorial Day. Guest speakers, veteran organizations, Scouts, rifle volley, Taps, the tolling of the replica Liberty Bell in memory of the dead of all wars. Info: 407-293-1361.
Glen Haven Annual Memorial Day Service – 11am at Glen Haven Memorial Park, 2300 Temple Drive, Winter Park, 32789. Bud Hedinger as emcee of this traditional ceremony, guest speaker Allie L. Braswell, Jr., Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army and former Marine. Patriotic musical salute with Charles Haugabrooks and VFW Post 2093 Community Band, veterans posts, scouts, and more. Special veterans in attendance will be 2 decorated WW2 Combat Airmen who flew over the beaches on D-Day – Maj. Jack Hallett in a P-38 fighter, and Chief MSgt Mel Jenner as a Photo Recon with 31 missions in a B-17 bomber. All they did, as part of the Greatest Generation, was to save the world! 407.647.1100
American Legion Post 112 Memorial Day Commemoration – 11am – The Post members along with a guest speaker, Sea Cadets, Fleet Reserve, and Boy Scouts assist with ceremony. Public invited. American Legion Post #112, 4490 N. Goldenrod Rd., Winter Park, 32792 (btwn Aloma Blvd and University Blvd.) Info: 407-671-6404
OSCEOLA COUNTY
Osceola Memory Gardens – 8:30-9:30am – Ceremony with participation by the Osceola County Veterans Council. 1717 Old Boggy Creek Rd., Kissimmee, 34744. Light refreshments follow. The group generally proceeds to St. Cloud for the ceremony at Mount Peace Cemetery. Info: Vanessa at 407-892-2155 Vanessa.Roman@ OsceolaMemGds .com
Mount Peace Cemetery – 10am-12 noon, 755 E. 10th St., St. Cloud, 34769. City of St. Cloud is a co-sponsor of the annual VFW Post 3227 and American Legion Post 80 Memorial Day Service. Guest speaker, first responders and scouts. Also with AMVET Auxil. of Post#33. Everyone is invited to remember and honor those who gave their all in the service of their country. Hot dogs, hamburgers and ribs are available at the VFW Post (Now a smoke-free Post for almost 5 years!) after ceremony – 915 New York Ave., St. Cloud. (The Post also retires faded, tattered, and torn flags.)
SEMINOLE COUNTY
Oviedo Memorial Day Ceremony – 9am – 10am – Center Lake Park at 299 Center Lake Ln, Oviedo, 32765, is the site for honoring our hometown military members and families. Reserved seating for Gold Star Families and those with disabilities. Please bring your own seating. Info: cityofoviedo .net 407-971-5611.
Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony – 10am – 12noon – For spectators and family, the fun starts at 9 AM with music, stilt walkers and lots of fun! The Parade starts at 10 AM on 1st Street, at Sanford Avenue to Park Avenue, then it will turn north on Park Avenue arriving at Veterans Memorial Park, 110 E. Seminole Blvd, Sanford, 32771. A Remembrance Ceremony starts at 11am. Dignitaries and officials will provide a tribute. There will be patriotic music and a dueling three-volley salute between the Sanford Police Department and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. Many of the county and Central Florida area veteran service groups will be participating with Color Guards and military vehicles to give ‘Thanks’ to those who have served, continue to serve and to mourn with the family members. Hosted by City of Sanford and Seminole County Area Veterans Advisory Council (SCAVAC). Info: www. sanfordfl .gov
Fallen Floridians’ Memorial Cross Tribute Display and Remembrance –Ceremony from 11am -12 noon. Recognition of all veterans, especially for the Vietnam veterans and their 50th anniversary. Started by the children of a local fallen soldier and formerly located at the Lawton House, Most Precious Blood Catholic Church is honored to display this Memorial of our Florida soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. Persons are invited to walk amongst the crosses daily from 9am to 7pm until Monday night. 113 Lockwood Blvd. Oviedo, 32765. Ceremony on Monday at this site. Info: 407-365-3231.
SUMTER COUNTY
Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell – 11am – 6502 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell, 33513. Traditional and touching ceremony – “For our Freedom, Happiness & Lives – A Grateful Nation”. Keynote Speaker is Lt Gen Michael T. Plehn, Military Deputy Commander, USSOUTHCOM. Tim Ryan, USAF Veteran and son of World War II parents, will be the Guest Speaker. There will be patriotic music prior to and during the ceremony. There will be a rifle salute and a presenting the nation’s flag and flags from various military organizations. Organizations with colors are invited to participate in the massing of colors at the beginning of the program and should plan to arrive by 9:30 am. The Avenue of Flags consists of approximately 400 flags. 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 (and an umbrella). Info: 352-793-7740 or 1074
Questions about the cemetery services: Contact the administration office Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. except federal holidays at (352) 793-7740.
VOLUSIA COUNTY
Remembrance Service – 9-10:30am at Rockefeller Gardens (aka The Casements), 26 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach, 32176. An estimated 1,000 men, women and children will gather to remember those whose sacrifices protected privileges we still enjoy as a nation. The ceremony will include military color guards and color corps presentations and guest speaker retired Air Force Col. Kimberley A. Ramos, who most recently served as the commander of Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Detachment 157 located at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Info: 386-676-3241.
Memo
Ponce Inlet Memorial Day ceremony: 9 am – The memorial at Davies Lighthouse Park, 4931 S. Peninsula Drive. The Ponce Inlet Veterans Memorial Association will honor those who serve or have served in the armed forces during time of war and peace and whose courage and personal sacrifice have defended and preserved our freedom. Retired Lt. Col. William D. Wester, U.S. Marine Corps, a founding director and past president of the Ponce Inlet Veterans Memorial, will be the guest speaker. The ceremony will also include a wreath-laying, firing squad and taps. For information, call 386-295-7007.
VCEP Memorial Day ceremonies: 10 am at Deltona Memorial Gardens, 1295 Saxon Blvd., Orange City, and 2 pm at the Deltona Veterans Museum, 1921 Evard Ave. For information, call the Veterans Community Education Partnership (VCEP) at 407-417-7836.
Memorial Day Ceremony – 10:30. Remembrance by Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 1048 (Daytona Bch Chapter) along with Volusia Memorial Park, 550 N. Nova Rd, Ormond Beach, 32174. Info: president @vva1048 .com cobra101st@ gmail .com 386.690.9553
