Memorial Day ceremonies happening in Tampa Bay
Related coverage: Boating safety on Memorial Day Weekend
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Memorial Day Weekend is here, and there are plenty of opportunities around Tampa Bay to join your community in honoring fallen service members.
Here are some events being held this weekend.
Resources for veterans and military families, additions to the 'Garden of Gold' tribute to honor fallen service members, JROTC rifle salute
Speakers include Col. Jeff J. Mrazik, Commander, 6th Operations Group, MacDill Air Force Base, and Retired U.S. Army Col. Alfred 'Al' Carter, Chief of Staff, Florida Department of Veteran Affairs
When: Sunday, May 25 at 10 a.m.
Where: Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum, 3602 U.S. Highway 301 North, Tampa
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Organized by the American Legion Cemetery Corporation and American Legion Post 5 Families
Service presented by Terry Doan, American Legion Post 5 member, with keynote speaker Major General Michael Martin, U.S. Air Force
When: Monday, May 26 at 11 a.m.
Where: American Legion Post 5 Cemetery, 3810 West Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa
More information
When: Monday, May 26 at 9 a.m.
Where: Don Courtney Veterans' Monument Park, 176 Waterfront Drive, Bradenton
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Free, 90-minute program by the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra, and a flag presentation by the U.S. Marine Corps
When: Monday, May 26 at 9 a.m.
Where: Anna Maria City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd, Anna Maria
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Veterans ceremony, local shops and vendors, family activities, speeches and a candlelight vigil
Speakers include US Army Special Forces Officer COL. Chris Pateras
When: Sunday, May 25 at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Florida Veterans Memorial Plaza, 450 South Lake Drive, Clearwater
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Family members and volunteers can place flags in front of the Veterans' Memorial Marker, with individual recognition for their sacrifice and service
When: Flag placement on Sunday, May 25, at 8:30 a.m.; Bay Pines National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 26, at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Boulevard, St. Petersburg
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Color guard presentation, live music, a wreath presentation in remembrance of fallen soldiers, and keynote presentations from local veterans
When: Monday, May 26 at 9:00 a.m.
Where: Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive, Largo
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Family members and volunteers can place flags in front of the monument, with individual recognition for their sacrifice and service
When: Flag placement on Saturday, May 24 at 7:30 a.m.; Memorial Day Ceremony at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241
More information
Guest speaker Sonny Bywaters, a veteran who helped form the Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee
Includes performances by the Sarasota Military Academy band and participation from local law enforcement, color guards, veterans group and community organizations
When: 10 a.m. Monday, May 26
Where: Parade begins at Main Street and Osprey Ave. and concludes at Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota
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