On Monday, May 28, 2018, Alachua County will hold the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Forest Meadows Cemetery (3700 S.E. Hawthorne Road, Gainesville). In case of inclement weather, the alternate location will be Trinity United Methodist Church (4000 N.W. 53rd Ave, Gainesville). The event begins at 11 a.m., and is free and open to the public. There is often a large crowd, and it is advised to come early and bring seating.
This Memorial Day Ceremony is a commemoration to honor and remember veterans, military service members, and those who lost their lives in service to the nation. The event features multiple patriotic presentations from various veteran and military organizations. Other ceremony activities includes the Presentation of Colors by the Vietnam Veterans of America, an American Flag Ceremony, musical tributes, Congressional, County, City and VA greetings, the Gold Star Families presentation, special remembrance ceremony, a wreath laying, Taps by the Buchholz High School Band, and a rifle salute by the Korean War Veterans of America. Forest Meadows is providing a free barbecue to attendees.
Alachua County Veteran Services Director Kim Davis said, “The service and sacrifice of American service members ensure our privilege of freedom and liberty. Memorial Day is when we honor the men and women who died who served our nation in the United States Armed Forces.” She continued, “All are welcome to attend this honorable ceremony as we remember and pay our respects to those who gave all so we may be free.”
For more information, contact Jim Lynch at 352-538-3119.