Memorial Day is often thought of as the beginning of summer, but more importantly it is a day to remember American service members who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
13News Now has put together a list of fun, and honorable, events around Hampton Roads for families to participate in. From parades to ceremonies, 13News Now has every event available to you.
Portsmouth held its 132nd Annual Memorial Day Parade.
People didn't let the rain keep them from recognizing the day. Bands and dancers performed, while parade-goers cheered. May veterans and active-duty military participated in the parade as well.
"When I think about those who served and lost their lives, immediately the first thing I think is man, my prayers and heart go out to that family," said Brooklyn Rager, who is in the Coast Guard.
In Norfolk several events will be held around the city:
- The Recreation, Parks and Open Space Bureau of Cemeteries will host a Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 30. The event will be held at Calvary Cemetery, located at 1600 St. Julian Ave. The event, which honors fallen service men and women, will begin at 10 a.m. Local Boy Scout Troops will be at the ceremony to help continue the tradition of honoring soldiers at the cemetery.
- Veterans from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3160, 29th Infantry Division will honor soldiers who served in World War II and were at the D-Day battle in Normandy, France. Guest speakers and local boy, and girl scout troops will be at the service to recognize soldiers at the Seaman's Friends Society lot. This event begins at 11 a.m. and will be located at the Forest Lawn Cemetery on 8100 Granby St.
- The Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by Mayor Paul D. Fraim will be held at the Nauticus Theater at 10 a.m. This event includes music by Fleet Forces Command Ceremonial Band. The guest speaker will be Rear Admiral Robert P. Burke, Deputy Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet/Director of Operations U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/Commander of Submarine Group Eight. The city welcomes you to commemorate Memorial Day.
- Go aboard the American Rover Sailing Ship for a sunset cruise. The Captain will be providing entertaining commentary of one of the world's busiest sea ports and largest naval bases. The ship also has two lounges and a bar with food and drinks for sale. The event begins at 7 p.m. at One Waterside Dr. Tickets for adults cost $45, and $30 for children.
- Kam Cares will be holding a Memorial Day Cookout that will be free and open to the public. A complimentary lunch will be provided to kids under 18 years old. Adults will have the option to purchase an $8 meal. Other food and vendors will also be on site. The Fuzz band will also be playing music. This event will be held at Towne Point Park Saturday May 28. It begins at Noon and runs till 5 p.m.
- The Big Band of the Bay event will be held on Sunday, May 29. The event includes music from the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Light and popular tunes will be played, conducted by JoAnn Falletta. A special guest vocalist will join the symphony in a tribute to our men and women in uniform. The event will be an inspiring way to start the Memorial Day weekend and the start of summer.
In Williamsburg military families are invited to an event entitled 'Honoring Service to America.' The event will be free to military families and will run Friday, May 27 till Monday, May 20. The special event will end with a march and ceremony honoring veterans at 10 a.m. on Memorial Day. The march will be held at Palace Green and last until noon on Monday.
In Yorktown the Yorktown National Cemetery will hold it's annual commemoration of Memorial Day. Volunteers stationed at Coast Guard Training Center, Yorktown will set flags in the 1,596 marked graves that line the cemetery. The park will hold a formal ceremony Sunday. The program will be held at the Yorktown Battlefield, at 1000 Colonial Parkway.
In Chesapeake a Memorial Day ceremony will be held at the Chesapeake Veterans' Memorial, located at 306 Cedar Rd. The ceremony will be hosted by the Mayor's Commission on Veterans Affairs. The program will honor all who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. It will begin at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 30.
In Newport News an annual ceremony for Memorial Day will be held on Monday, May 30. The ceremony will be held at the Virginia War Museum. The event is sponsored by American Legion, Braxton-Perkins Post #25. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. and is located at the Victory Arch, on 25th St. and West Ave. After the ceremony the public can explore the museum and learn more about America's rich military history. On Memorial Day, visitors are treated to $1 off admission. Click here to learn more.
In Virginia Beach people are invited to attend the
- The 'Salute to Summer' event will include music, food, fun, and will honor our men and women who have sacrificed their lives throughout history. Regional bands will provide live entertainment. People are welcome to explore the "Heroes Walk," which will display essays written by local high schoolers and are reproduced on four by eight foot banners. Each essay describes the military conflicts from different times in America's history. To read the entire entertainment schedule visit the Virginia Beach website.
- The 33rd Annual Pungo Strawberry Festival takes place May 28-29 in the fields surrounding 1776 Princess Anne Road near Indian River Road. The festival celebrates the agricultural heritage of Pungo and its strawberries. For more information click here.
In Hampton, the Hampton National Cemetery is looking for volunteers to help place flags at soldiers graves. Flags are placed on the graves of fallen heroes every Memorial Day weekend. The flags will be placed on the graves Friday, May 27. They will also need volunteers to help remove the flags on Tuesday, May 31. If you wish to volunteer, contact the Hampton National Cemetery at (757) 723-7104.