Memorial Day Events- 2015 Fort Lauderdale, Fl
This weekend, May 23-25 we celebrate the Memorial Day, a three-day holiday weekend.
We will all agree, it is great to have this type of “mini vacation” ahead of us. Most folks plan family outings including traditional barbecues and trips to the glorious beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. It is good to take a break from the hustle of life in South Florida. It is celebration time!
But I ask that you take a step back in quiet reflection. What is the true meaning of Memorial Day?
Sure, this holiday, which takes place on the last Monday in the month of May is a federal holiday. This means banks, post offices, government offices and many businesses are closed. But there is more, much more…
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day is a day of remembrance. This is a day set aside to commemorate our military service men and women who gave their lives in the past to ensure our freedom in the future. This tradition originated after the American Civil War. It was a day set aside to honor those that made the ultimate service from both sides fighting; this included both Union and Confederate soldiers.
It was only in the 20 century that these commemorative services and observances were extended to include all military heroes.
Services are typically held on Sunday, in local cemeteries that are home to unsung heroes. Flowers are placed on graves and prayers are said to those that have gone on before us. In some cases, after a religious services picnics are held in the grounds of the cemeteries.
In addition, in towns and cities across our country there are parades on this day, many participants are those living soldiers that have defended our country abroad.
There are several events locally. These are held at the following venues:
- Lauderdale Memorial Park
- Coconut Creek Veterans Park
- Coral Springs Veterans Park
- Davie Bergeron Rodeo Grounds
- Deerfield Beach Butler House
In Hallandale, there is a flag placement at Hallandale Beach Cemetery and later in the day a ceremony takes place at the Veterans Monument at City Hall and Cultural Community Center.
A Wreath-Laying Ceremony takes place at the North Lauderdale Veterans Memorial.
At the Donath H Fletcher Park in Pembroke Pines, there will be a presentation of colors. And finally, in Plantation there will be a service in the Plantations Veterans Park.
So, dear reader, the bottom line is this. Sure celebrate Memorial Day weekend with family fun and activities but kindly remember the true meaning of this three-day event. For without the sacrifice of those before us we might have been starved the enjoyment and the festivities ahead of us this Memorial Day weekend.