HISTORIC TRIANGLE — A wide range of events are planned around the Historic Triangle to celebrate Memorial Day this weekend.
Memorial Day is the U.S. holiday that honors military personnel who died in service to the country. It originated after the Civil War, which ended in 1865 and claimed more American lives than any other conflict. In the late 1860s, communities began holding springtime tributes to fallen soldiers, often decorating their graves with flowers — hence its early name, Decoration Day.
The first widely recognized observance was on May 30, 1868, organized by Gen. John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic. That day was chosen because it wasn’t the anniversary of any particular battle. After World War I, the holiday was expanded to honor those who died in all American wars.
In 1971, Memorial Day became a federal holiday, observed on the last Monday of May to create a three-day weekend. While it’s often seen as the unofficial start of summer, its primary purpose remains solemn: to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
In honor of the holiday, several Memorial Day events are planned around the historic triangle.
- On May 22 at 9 a.m., Cedar Grove Cemetery staff and members of the Patrick Henry Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans, Rotary Club of James City County, Salvation Army of Williamsburg, Cedar Grove Historical Society, Williamsburg Daughters of the American Revolution, Ann Wager Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, representatives from the Williamsburg Police and Fire departments, veterans and Greater Williamsburg residents will place flags on veterans graves. Anyone interested should meet Caretaker Bill Brown at the flagpole in Cedar Grove Cemetery, 809 S. Henry St. Flags will be provided.
- On May 22 at 8:30 a.m., the Combined Veterans Organization will meet to place flags on veterans graves at Williamsburg Memorial Park. All are welcome.
- On May 25 at 3 p.m., the Marine Corps League Middle Peninsula Detachment 1317 will hold a memorial ceremony at the Gloucester County Courthouse. At the ceremony, remarks will be made by Rear Adm. Bill Ward.
- Poquoson American Legion Post 273 will hold a Memorial Day ceremony at 10 a.m. on May 26. At the Poquoson Council Meeting on May 27, there will also be a short ceremony.
- Colonial Williamsburg is offering free admission to all active duty, reservists, retirees, and veterans throughout the weekend. The foundation will also hold a Memorial Day ceremony at 10 a.m. on the palace green on May 26.
- Grace Church in Yorktown will host a Memorial Day Prayer Service and Ceremony on May 26 at 10 a.m. Following the ceremony, a playing of Taps and the reading of the 114 known veterans in the church’s cemetery will take place.
- Williamsburg Memorial Park will honor Memorial Day at its annual ceremony on May 26 at 10 a.m. This event will feature an honor guard, patriotic music, ceremonial wreath-laying, special guest speakers, and more.
- The Classic Cruisers Car Club in Yorktown is hosting a Memorial Day car show at Coastal Church Yorktown on May 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The show will feature all makes, models, and years of cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Food trucks and vendors will also be on site. All money raised will be donated to the Gathering of Mountain Eagles who provide opportunities for wounded or injured American service members and their families.
- The York County Memorial Day ceremony will take place on May 26 at noon at York Hall. Prior to the start of the ceremony, the Fifes and Drums of Yorktown will march to York Hall around 11:45 a.m. Dr. Edward Boston will serve as the keynote speaker. Dr. Boston attended medical school on a full scholarship sponsored by the U.S. Navy. He served on active duty until October 1998 and retired as a Navy Captain after more than 25 years of service. For more information, please call York County Community Services at 757-890-3800.
- WindsorMeade will host a special Memorial Day Program Monday, May 26, at 10 a.m., bringing together residents, staff, and members of the Veterans Committee to honor the men and women who gave their lives to protect our nation and its citizens. The event will feature moments of remembrance, personal reflections, and a stirring musical tribute by Bill Francavilla.
If you know of an event that should be included on this list, email info@wydaily.com.