Memorial Day Celebrations

Memorial Day celebrations will commence across the city this weekend. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a backyard barbecue, or even a graduation celebration, we have everything you need to make this the best Memorial Day yet!

Pause and pay homage

Before we dive into the pool of sugar and spices, let’s take a moment to pause in remembrance. Memorial Day is dedicated to the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We pause on this day to remember their tribute and to pray for the families left behind.

Originally, Memorial Day celebrations took place as a way to honor the men killed during the Civil War. It wasn’t until after World War 1 that ALL states of the Union accepted it as a National day of remembrance. 

Colonel John McCrae wrote the poem “Flanders Field” which tells of the fallen soldiers who live on through the field of poppies. This inspired woman like Moina Michael to write poems and wear poppies in honor of the fallen. The tradition gained momentum when the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) to begin the “Buddy Poppy” program which provides aid to disabled veterans.

When you see a man in uniform selling poppies outside the supermarket, banks, and other popular buildings, go ahead and make a small donation and wear your red flower proudly.

Memorial Day Celebrations

Memorial Day celebrations will take place across our country the entire weekend. From parades and firework displays to television documentaries and live performances, there will be something for everyone to see and do.

The Jacksonville area will be hosting several events beginning May 24^th through May 27^th. Lather on the sunscreen and bring plenty of water when you check out these events:

Florida Folk Festival

Head down to White Springs off Highway 41 to enjoy this fun filled festival with the whole family. Three days of celebrations include music, dancing, handicrafts, and live performances designed around the immigrant cultures of the first Floridians. The food cultures represented include Caribbean influences such as chicken pilau, Greek cuisines such as seasoned lamb, and Floridian favorites such as oysters, shrimp, and chocolate covered key lime pie.

Memorial Concert and Picnic in the Park

Make the trek downtown to Memorial Park on Riverside Avenue on Monday to enjoy a free outdoor concert. Display your American pride for this 5:00 pm concert. Pack a picnic and some comfy blankets or chairs so you can relax on the lawns while the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Band performs a myriad of tunes.

Watch a movie under the stars

Join Jacksonville Beaches residents for an evening of entertainment with the aquatic hero, Aquaman. Bring comfy chairs or a blanket along with a picnic snack and relax under the stars for this free movie event. The movie will begin at 9:00 pm but arrive early for the best seating.

Visit the beautiful Jacksonville Beaches

With more than four miles of sand in Jacksonville Beach alone, there is plenty of room for everyone on our shores. Bring the family, bring some shade, lather on the sunscreen, and fill up on fresh water so you can enjoy the weekend fun in the sun.

**For the sake of our environment and the precious ecosystem of our beaches, please bring a bucket for your trash, fill any and all holes, and be mindful of the fragile sea life that call our ocean home.

Celebrate with Cinotti’s

Of course your local bakery is always ready to provide the best treats and sweets to help you celebrate. Grab a few packs of our made from scratch hamburger buns or hot dog buns for your family barbecue. If you’re not a fan of preparing food, order some sandwiches or catered trays from our kitchen.

No Memorial Day celebration should go without sweet treats either. Order customized iced cutout cookies or come in pick out the ones you want from our showcase. Grab a few packages of out patriotic cupcakes for dessert as well.

Thanking those who gave all

Our Memorial Day celebrations always include a tribute to the heroes of our country. We are ever grateful to the men and women who have given their lives in order to afford us our freedoms.

To all our military, police, fire, and first responders who put your lives on the line daily:

we thank you for your time…

thank you for your courage…

we thank you for your service…

And as always, we thank God for America