Memorial Day events in Collier, Lee counties: Where in Southwest Florida to honor fallen
With Memorial Day weekend near, events across Southwest Florida are scheduled to honor those who have died while serving for the U.S. Armed Forces.
The first national observance of Memorial Day was May 30, 1868, when it was known as Decoration Day. From 1868 to 1970, Memorial Day was observed on May 30.
But since 1971, the federal holiday is on the last Monday in May.
Enjoy the holiday weekend but remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Here's where to honor the fallen in memorial services, ceremonies and other events in Lee and Collier counties.
FORT MYERS
Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Memorial Day Service
This annual gathering at the Memorial Gardens' funeral home and cemetery will be on the property’s Field of Honor at 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 27. A cookout will immediately follow the live service. Guests are also invited to honor veterans by placing flags on each of their graves beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 25. Those interested in participating can receive further instructions at the gardens’ Colonial Family Center. Free. 1589 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. (239) 990-2896 or fortmyersmemorial.com
BONITA SPRINGS
Bonita Springs Memorial Day Ceremony
The City of Bonita Springs Veterans Advisory Committee is hosting retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert J. Elder Jr. at 9 a.m. Monday, May 27, at Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs. The service begins at 9 a.m. and will include traditional commemorations. Old 41 Road will have a closure between Wilson and Ragsdale streets from 8-11 a.m. Free. Contact City Hall at (239) 949-6262 for more.
NAPLES
Collier County Veterans Council Memorial Day service
Remember veterans who are no longer with us at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Garden, 525 111th Ave., Naples, at 9:30 a.m. May 27. Pine Ridge Middle School Symphonic Band will open the event, followed by Collier County Veterans Committee Principal William C. Carl, U.S. Coast Guard (retired). Special speakers, soloists, patriotic music, Collier County Sheriff's Honor Guard, a fallen soldier ceremony and a cookout will also take place. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own seating. (239) 370-5428 or collier-county-veterans-council.org
Honoring our Fallen Heroes
Spend the holiday afternoon witnessing stories of Memorial Day from a variety of speakers at Villa at Terracina Grand “Purple Heart Community,” 6855 Davis Blvd., Naples, 3-4 p.m. May 27. The indoor program ends with a USMC veteran playing “Danny Boy” on bagpipes. A World War II trainer plane will fly overhead. (239) 234-8000, extension 4206, or julie.badour@villaatterracinagrand.com.
CAPE CORAL
Memorial Day Remembrance at Coral Ridge
Visit Coral Ridge Funeral Home & Cemetery, 950 Chiquita Blvd. S., Cape Coral, at 10 a.m. May 27 for their 43rd annual Memorial Day Remembrance event. (239) 283-0540.
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Memorial Day Luau Charity Event
The 11th annual Memorial Day Charity Event at The Dek Bar, 4704 SE. 15th Ave., Cape Coral, is luau themed. Guests 21 and older are invited to enjoy live music, raffles, a silent auction and more from 2-8 p.m. May 27. The proceeds from the event will be donated to the nonprofit Relieve the Jank, which raises money for Southwest Florida service-industry workers impacted by Hurricane Ian (including some veterans). (239) 542-3745 or thedekbar.com.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Where are Memorial Day events in Collier, Lee counties:
