Memorial Day Events for Central Florida

Remember, Memorial Day isn't supposed to be a "happy" day but it has turned into the unofficial kickoff to summer with BBQ, shopping and beaches. If you don't remember what the day is supposed to mean, then please go to work Monday or at least think about your own family members someplace on your family tree you should be honoring instead of enjoying a day off work.

From Cathy Haynes

May event list #2, 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.  

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.

Lake Nona VA Hospital dedication – Tues May 26 – HURRAY!   This long awaited Ceremony starts at10am 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

chaynes11629@yahoo.com

Member/supporter of numerous veterans and military organizations in Central Florida

407-239-8468