Memorial Day 2024 ceremonies happening in the Tampa Bay area (2024)

by: Sara Filips

Posted: May 22, 2024 / 12:11 PM EDT

Updated: May 28, 2024 / 12:10 PM EDT

Previous coverage: Hillsborough honors fallen heroes in Memorial Day ceremony 2023.

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Memorial Day is Monday, May 27, and the Tampa Bay area is holding several ceremonies to honor and remember those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

Below is a list of ceremonies throughout the extended weekend in the area.

27th Annual Memorial Day Observance

• On-site resources for veterans and families, new faces added to the Garden of Gold flag installation, and tributes and displays, including a new honoree who was awarded the Congressional Media of Honor for service in Iraq
• When: Sunday, May 26 at 10 a.m.
• Where: Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum, 3602 U.S. Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL 33619
• Cost: Free
• More information can be found here

Memorial Day Observance and Luminaries

• Sunday evening luminary observance at 8 p.m. for families to have a moment of silence, followed by a ceremony, the raising of the flags, and a keynote speaker on Monday morning
• When: Monday, May 27 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Where: American Legion Post 5 Cemetery, 3810 West Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33609
• More information can be found here

Memorial Day Ceremony

• Laying of the wreaths, presentation of the colors, a guest speaker, and more
• When: Monday, May 27 at 9 a.m.
• Where: Donald L. Courtney Veterans Memorial Park, located on the Bradenton Riverwalk behind Manatee Memorial Hospital
• Cost: Free
• More information can be found here

Clearwater Honor Fest- Memorial Day Remembrance

• Medal of Honor recipient SSG David Bellavia to speak, with a display of military regalia, tributes, and marching band performance, following the Memorial Day Parade at 10 a.m
• When: Saturday, May 25 from 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Where: Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland Street, Clearwater, FL 33755
• Cost: Free
• More information can be found here

3rd Annual Flag Placement

• Family members and volunteers can place flags in front of the Veteran’s Memorial Marker, with individual recognition for their sacrifice and service
• When: Sunday, May 26 at 8:15 a.m.
• Where: Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Boulevard, St. Petersburg, FL 33708
• Cost: Free
• More volunteer information and things to bring can be found here

Largo Memorial Day Ceremony

• Live music, readings and presentations from veterans, and a ceremony to honor the fallen
• When: Monday, May 27 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Where: Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive, Largo, Fl 33771
• Cost: Free
• More information can be found here

Memorial Day Pinning Ceremony

• A pinning ceremony accompanied by heartfelt speeches and patriotic music to recognize and thank service members for their dedication and sacrifice
• When: Thursday, May 30 from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
• Where: Florida Blue Center, 3758 Park Boulevard, Pinellas Park, FL 33781
• Cost: Free
• More information can be found here

9th Annual Flag Placement and Ceremony

• Family members and volunteers can place flags in front of the Monument, with individual recognition for their sacrifice and service
• When: Saturday, May 25 at 7:30 a.m.
• Where: Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241
• Cost: Free
• More volunteer information and things to bring can be found here

Did we miss any? Email us at online@wfla.com to submit an event happening near you.