TAMPA, Fla. — It's the unofficial start to summer with deals, fun events, good food and an extra day off, but we know that Memorial Day is more than that — it was established to honor the men and women of the armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Here in the Tampa Bay area, with its strong active military and veteran population, there are plenty of opportunities to pay your respects and honor the lives of the service members who have died protecting our country.
Here are just a few of the Memorial Day weekend services, parades and ceremonies happening around the Tampa Bay area.
Where: Coachman Park, Clearwater
When: 10 a.m. parade; noon memorial service on Monday
What: "The Clearwater Honor Fest is a day of honor, remembrance and community spirit. Hosted at Coachman Park by the Florida Veterans Coalition and the City of Clearwater. This event isn’t just a commemoration; it’s an immersive experience designed to uplift, inspire and unite."
Where: Downtown Sarasota
When: 10 a.m. Monday
What: Starting at Main Street and Osprey Avenue, the parade will end at Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park. A ceremony at 11 a.m. will follow the parade. West Point graduate and Army veteran Michael Tollerton will be this year's keynote speaker.
Where: Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum in Tampa
When: 10 a.m. Sunday
What: "New faces will be added to the County’s vibrant Garden of Gold flag installation, an emotionally moving display depicting dozens of sons, daughters, sisters, brothers and spouses who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation," a release from the county said. The ceremony will read the names of 50 fallen service members and honor Gold Star families.
Largo Memorial Day Ceremony
Where: Largo Central Park, Military Court of Honor
When: 11 a.m. - noon Monday
What: Local Largo veterans will speak during the ceremony, which will include a color guard presentation, music, and a wreath presentation "in remembrance of our fallen soldiers." For more information, call 727-587-6720.
Where: Lakeland Memorial Gardens, Bartow Road, Lakeland
When: 10 a.m. Monday
What: The Polk County Veterans Council and Lakeland Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens have partnered to pay tribute "to the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation." A complimentary lunch will be provided.
When is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day 2024 is on Monday, May 27.