10-05-2025
Here's what to know about Memorial Day events in the Wilmington area
Memorial Day is a time to remember those who gave their lives in service. The day is observed in the United States on the last Monday of May each year. Memorial Day is May 26, 2025.
Here is a list of Memorial day observance ceremonies in the Wilmington area.
Veterans Memorial Reef will host its annual Fallen Heroes Ceremony as part of a three-day event honoring the lives and service of 10 United States Armed Forces veterans. The commemorative events wil be held May 16-17 and May 19, 2025, in the Wilmington area.
Veterans from the Army, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Navy will be honored. Each family will receive a folded ceremonial flag from the Honor Guard of their veteran's branch, recognizing their loved one's service and sacrifice.
Friday, May 16. A private, family-only event.
Saturday, May 17. The official ceremony will include military honors, individual eulogies, flag presentations by Honor Guard members from each branch, a ceremonial processional, and performance of 'Amazing Grace' by the Wilmington Police Pipes and Drums. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Fort Johnston Southport Museum and Visitor Center – 203 E. Bay St., Southport. 910-457-7927.
Monday, May 19. Families will board the Vonda Kay Charter Boat, 104 Carl Winner Drive, Carolina Beach at 8:30 a.m. to accompany the journey offshore. Participants can bring flower to into the sea as the memorial markers are placed on the reef. The markers will be transported to the site by McPherson Marine Services aboard a sea barge.
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Battleship North Carolina will hold a Memorial Day Observance ceremony on Monday, May 26 at 10 a.m. on the battleship's fantail, weather permitting. The ceremony will feature a military guest speaker, an all-service Color guard, a 21-gun salute by a Marine Corps Honor Guard, a military band, taps, and a memorial wreath cast into the waters. The public is invited.
The Veterans Administration will host a public Memorial Day commemoration ceremony at 11 a.m. Monday, May 26 at the Wilmington National Cemetery at2011 Market St.
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The Sunset Beach Committee to Honor America's Veterans and the town of Sunset Beach will hold a ceremony Monday, May 26 at 10 a.m. at Sunset Beach Town Park to honor fallen military service members. The ceremony will include an honor guard and keynote address.
A Memorial Day of Remembrance will be host by the town of Surf City on Friday, May 23 at 9 a.m. at Soundside Park, 517 Roland Ave., Surf City.
Cheryl M. Whitaker covers community news for the StarNews. Reach her at
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Here are Memorial Day events in Wilmington, NC, for 2025
