ORLANDO, Fla. – Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.
It became an official federal holiday in 1971 but was originally known as Decoration Day in the years following the Civil War.
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Below is a county-by-county list of remembrance events happening in Central Florida:
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BREVARD COUNTY
Cape Canaveral: Memorial Day at American Legion 348 | May 27 from 2-6 p.m.
Matt Simpson will be playing an All-American set to honor veterans.
Mims: Memorial Day Ceremony at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery | May 27 at 10 a.m.
The VA is proud to host public Memorial Day commemoration ceremonies at more than 130 of our national cemeteries.
Daytona Beach: Fireworks and Star Spangled Summer Concert Series | May 25 at 7:15 p.m.
Daytona Beach Oceanfront Bandshell, 70 Boardwalk, Daytona Beach, 32118 in Volusia County. A concert featuring tribute bands Rushour & KISS America starts at 7:15 pm Presented by the Boardwalk Merchants and Friends of the Bandshell. Fireworks start at 9:45 pm and will occur starts the (fireworks) every Saturday through September. Guests can bring their own chairs to the concert or purchase a VIP ticket, which includes a seat, for $15 plus applicable surcharges. General admission is free. No outside alcohol allowed.
Cocoa: 19th Annual Memorial Day Tribute | May 27 from 4-7 p.m.
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, a special Flag folding ceremony, a 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, a moment of silence, entertainment, and much more.
Merritt Island: Memorial Day Observance | May 27 from 9:30-11 a.m.
Memorial Day Ceremony at the Brevard County Veterans Memorial Center. LTC Tim Thomas (RET) USA is the keynote speaker with a special presentation by COL Herman Cole (RET) USAF.
FLAGLER COUNTY
Palm Coast: Memorial Day Ceremony: Remembering America’s Heroes | May 27 from 8-9 a.m.
The city will host a Memorial Day Ceremony to remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to the U.S. military. The ceremony will begin at 8 a.m. at Heroes Memorial Park.
LAKE COUNTY
Clermont: Memorial Day Remembrance | May 27 at 11 a.m.
Clermont’s traditional Memorial Day ceremony will feature a very special element this year as the Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall will be on display. In addition to the traveling memorial, the program will feature a guest speaker, musical tributes, a rifle salute, ceremonial remembrances, and much more. The free event will be held at the Highlander Building Pavilion at Waterfront Park, 330 Third Street in Clermont. The Wall will be on displayed for three days over the Memorial Day weekend on May 25, 26 and 27.
Groveland: Memorial Day Ceremony | May 27 from 8-9:30 a.m.
Join the City of Groveland as we commemorate our heroes this Memorial Day at the E.L. Puryear Building and Veteran’s Park.
Leesburg: Memorial Day Program | May 25 at 10 a.m. until noon
Join Leesburg as we take a day to honor our fallen soldiers at Veteran’s Memorial Park.
MARION COUNTY
Ocala: The MURPH Challenge | May 27 from 8-11 a.m.
The MURPH Challenge presents an array of workouts that honor the memories of our veterans on May 25, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. After the workout, spend Memorial Day at this landmark in Ocala, showcasing a commemorative space for various fallen heroes with more than 5,000 bricks, 200 benches, and 100 plaques. Stroll through the park’s grounds and learn more about the history of different veterans.
ORANGE COUNTY
Apopka: Memorial Day Service | May 27 at 11 a.m.
The City of Apopka and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 10147 would like to invite the public to join us at the Veterans Memorial at Edgewood/Greenwood Cemetery as we honor the lives and legacy of our fallen military heroes.
Gotha: 74th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony | May 27 at 10 a.m.
Woodlawn Memorial Park, invites the community and media to its 74th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony. This year’s event will include Presentation of Colors, Tolling of the Liberty Bell, Rifle Volley, 21 Gun Salute, Echo TAPS, dove release, and a flyover by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department of Aviation Unit.
Orlando: City of Orlando Memorial Day Commemoration | May 24 at 6 p.m.
Traditional ceremony at the Veterans Section of the cemetery. District 4 City Commissioner Patty Sheehan and members of Mayor Buddy Dyer’s Veterans Advisory Council will lead a special Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony to honor and remember the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Michael Adams, president of the mayor’s Veterans Advisory Committee, will deliver a keynote address. Info: 321-297-6065.
Winter Garden: Memorial Day Community Ceremony | May 27 from 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Please join us at the Memorial Day Community Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park to honor and remember our local veterans who gave their lives during times of war or while serving in the United States armed forces.
Ocoee: Memorial Day Ceremony | May 23 at 11 a.m.
Ocoee will honor fallen soldiers at its annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center. Retired Lieutenant Colonel Yolanda Frazier will be the keynote speaker and has 30 years of service in the United States Army. In addition to the keynote speaker, the Ocoee Police Honor Guard will present the colors and carry a wreath to be set in place at the city’s Memorial Wall. Ocoee High School student Marcus Jiao will play Taps and the National Anthem will be performed. After the ceremony, refreshments will be served.
OSCEOLA COUNTY
St. Cloud: Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony | May 27 at 10 a.m.
Honoring the men and women who gave their lives in service of protecting our nation’s freedom with a wreath-laying ceremony at Mount Peace Cemetery.
POLK COUNTY
Haines City: Memorial Day Ceremony | May 27 from 9-11 a.m.
Families are invited to visit the Military Court of Honor at Railroad Park in Downtown Haines City to remember those who have lost their lives while serving in our country’s armed services.
SEMINOLE COUNTY
Oviedo: Memorial Day Observance | May 27 at 7 p.m.
The City of Oviedo would like to invite you to the Oviedo Veterans Tribute at Center Lake Park. Our fallen veterans will be remembered with the playing of Taps at sunset.
Sanford: Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony | May 27 from 9 a.m. until noon
Sanford will host a Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony in Veterans Memorial Park featuring patriotic music, guest speakers, and Heroes’ Avenue showcasing preserved military vehicles as well as vehicles from police, fire, and sheriff departments at 9 a.m. followed by the ceremony at 10 a.m.
SUMTER COUNTY
Bushnell: Memorial Day Ceremony | May 27 at 11 a.m.
VA is proud to host public Memorial Day commemoration ceremonies at more than 130 of our national cemeteries including at the Florida National Cemetery. The event features keynote speaker Col. Thomas Bowman with the presentation of colors by the Florida Mounted Equestrian Team.
VOLUSIA COUNTY
Deltona: Memorial Day Ride and Event | May 27 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Join VEMA and the city of Deltona, on Monday, May 27 remembering and honoring our soldiers, firefighters, law enforcement, and all first responders who gave their all. The Memorial Day ride starts and ends at Deltona City Hall.
New Smyrna Beach: Memorial Day Ceremony | May 27 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Join us for a Memorial Day Ceremony at the Brannon Center featuring the American Spirit Brass Band, remarks from Lt. Gen. Robert Caslen, Jr. and Col. Ken Martin followed by a laying of wreaths.
Port Orange: Memorial Day Ceremony | May 27 from 10-11:30 a.m.
Join the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3282 and the Port Orange Parks and Recreation Department at Veterans Park in honoring those who have served our country and sacrificed for our freedom.