Memorial Day is a time to honor our nation's heroes, and say thank you to the brave soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.
Memorial Day is a holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Memorial Day 2024 will occur on Monday, May 27.
Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.
Here in Central Florida, you can observe Memorial Day by attending Memorial Day Ceremonies, Wreath Laying Ceremonies, and more.
Memorial Day Remembrance Events 2024
The City of Ocoee Memorial Day Ceremony
May 23
The City of Ocoee will honor fallen soldiers at its annual Memorial Day Ceremony at 11 am on Thursday, May 23, 2024.
The event will be held at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 North Lakeshore Drive. The public is invited to attend.
Retired Lieutenant Colonel Yolanda Frazier will be the keynote speaker and has 30 years of service in the United States Army. Ms. Frazier held two military commands presiding over up to 300 soldiers and training military officers from across the United States preparing them to be future military leaders. She served in Kuwait and was deployed to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. During her military career, she received numerous awards including the Bronze Star Medal, five Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, Afghanistan Campaign Medal-Campaign Star and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
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.
Orlando VA Medical Center Memorial Day Ceremony
May 24
The Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) will host a Memorial Day Ceremony, Friday, May 24, 2024, at 11 am in collaboration with, Central Florida Veterans Memorial Park Foundation (CFVMPF). The event will be held at the amphitheatre, located at the rear entrance of the Orlando VA Medical Center in Lake Nona.
This solemn occasion will pay tribute to the brave men and women who have selflessly served and sacrificed for the United States Armed Forces. Attendees will have the opportunity to reflect on the valor and dedication of those who have given their lives in service to our country.
Marine Corps Major General, James S. Hartsell, Executive Director for the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs will provide the keynote address.
Everyone is welcome to attend. In addition to our keynote speaker, community participants from the OVAHCS, executive leaders, Central Florida Veterans Memorial Park Foundation, the Orange County Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Board, and others will be assisting with the facilitation of the ceremony.
Orange County Memorial Day Salute
May 25
Enjoy this Memorial Day Salute, honoring all Veterans, presented by Friends of Cypress Grove Park! This is a free event on Saturday, May 25, from 9:45-11:30 am at Orange County Parks and Recreation's Cypress Grove Park, 290 Holden Ave., Orlando. Bring chairs, blankets and a picnic.
Here's line up of activities:
Meaning and Folding of the American Flag
VFW Post 2093 Community Band
Veterans Pinning Ceremony
POW/MIA Presentation
Patriotic Guest Speaker
Posting of the Colors
Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony
May 27
Join St Cloud in honoring the men and women who gave their lives in service of protecting our nation's freedom at Mount Peace Cemetery on Monday, May 27 at 10 am.
Winter Garden Memorial Day Community Ceremony 2024
May 27
Join Winter Garden at the Memorial Day Community Ceremony to honor and remember our local veterans who gave their lives during times of war or while serving in the United States armed forces.
The event includes a Roll Call of Veterans, placement of wreaths, and patriotic songs to pay homage to those that made ultimate sacrifice.
The event speaker is newly elected District 3 Commissioner Chloe Johnson.
The event is presented by American Legion Hugh T. Gregory Post 63 and City of Winter Garden.
Apopka Memorial Day Service
May 27
The City of Apopka and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 10147 would like to invite the public to join them at the Veterans Memorial at Edgewood/Greenwood Cemetery on Monday, May 27 at 11 am for a Memorial Day Service to honor the lives and legacy of our fallen military heroes.
2024 Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony
May 27
Join Sanford's Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park. Honor and preserve the legacy of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and members of the Coast Guard, our heroic guardians of freedom, who gave their lives in service to this Country.
The Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony will feature patriotic music, guest speakers and Heroes’ Avenue showcasing preserved military vehicles as well as vehicles from police, fire, and Sheriff Departments at 9 am followed by the Ceremony at 10 am.
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