RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) – Thousands of Virginians are preparing for a weekend full of Memorial Day celebrations honoring the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Virginia, which has the third highest percentage of veterans in the country, according to US News and World Report – is at the forefront of honoring its military members. Throughout Central Virginia, numerous events are open to the public, providing opportunities for people to express their gratitude for the sacrifices made by service members.
The Virginia War Memorial will host its annual Memorial Day ceremony, a tradition that has stood strong for 68 years. The event, scheduled for Monday, May 27 at 11 a.m., will feature live music, guest speakers and wreath laying.
Jeb Hockman, representative of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, emphasized the importance of the weekend, emphasizing that it is not only about honoring those who died in service, but also about recognizing the lasting impact on their families. He highlighted the tradition of families visiting the monument to pay tribute to the names of their loved ones engraved on its walls, making it the largest Memorial Day event in Virginia.
“People like the idea and they bring their families, and we get veterans and just regular citizens because they want to be patriotic and honor those who fought and died for our freedoms,” Hockman said. “There are more than twelve thousand names of Virginians on the walls of the war memorial.”
The following events will take place to celebrate Memorial Day on Monday, May 27:
- Located at the Virginia War Memorial, 621 South Belvidere Street in Richmond
- From 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Guest speakers, patriotic music and wreath-laying honor Virginia veterans
- The event will also be broadcast live on Facebook
- Located at 6125 Boydton Plank Road in Petersburg
- From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Special activities, a ceremony and art exhibitions.
- Free admission for active duty military.
- Located at 6406 Courthouse Road in Prince George
- From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Keynote Speaker: Lt. Col. Jeff Bolander, US Marine Corps (Ret.)
- Located at 8620 Varina Road in Richmond
- Starts at 11 a.m.
- Located at 8301 Willis Church Road in Richmond
- Starts at 9 am
- Henrico police and firefighters, as well as members of Glendale Ruritan will be there to place flags on the headstones.
- Located at 10800 Brookley Road in Glen Allen
- From noon to 2 p.m.
- Burgers, hot dogs and fries will be provided while supplies last.
- All members are encouraged to bring a dessert to share.
- Partnership with Operation Gratitude to write letters to military and first responders
- Located at 2300 Dumbarton Road in Richmond
- Starts at noon
- Free food
- Located at 8005 Vaughan Road in Petersburg
- Starts at 1 p.m.
- The program will explore the origins of Memorial Day and national cemeteries, as well as their ties to the Civil War, through readings of letters, speeches and period proclamations.
- Visitors will then receive fresh flowers to decorate the soldiers’ graves.
- From 1 to 4 p.m.
- A parade will begin at 1 p.m. on Williamsburg Road, where it intersects Beulah Road, and will continue west, dissolving at North Confederate Avenue.
- A block party starts at 2 pm with music and activities.
- Located at Main Line Brewery, 1603 Ownby Lane in Richmond
- Starts at 1 p.m.
- Food, drink and live music vendors.
- $30 in advance or $40 at the door
- Located at 8183 Elm Drive in Mechanicsville
- From 3 to 7 p.m.
- Music, games, food truck and open pool
- Located at Deep Run Park, Shelter #3, 9900 Ridgefield Parkway in Richmond
- From 5 to 7 p.m.
- Attendees are encouraged to bring a vegan dish to share.
- Located at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, 428 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard in Richmond
- From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Active-duty military and veterans can register their military IDs at the guest services desk to enter the museum for free, including the temporary exhibit, “Julia Child: Recipe for Life.”
- Located at Bryan Park Bar & Grill, 5516 Lakeside Avenue in Henrico County
- From 12:30 to 17:00
- The tournament will be held in the parking lot.
- Those interested in participating should register in advance by downloading the Scoreholio mobile app and searching for Memorial Day Tournament.
There will also be Memorial Day ceremonies at state veterans cemeteries in Amelia County, Suffolk and Dublin.
As Virginians prepare to commemorate Memorial Day, the weekend’s events serve as poignant reminders of the bravery and selflessness exhibited by those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom and democracy.
“And these people deserve to be remembered, and so do their families,” Hockman said. “And these are people, mostly young men and women, who never came home.”
Keynote USA
For the Latest Local News, Follow @Keynote USA Local on Twitter.