Activities for Memorial Day - Tampa Florida

Activities for Memorial Day - Tampa Florida

As Floridians start a three day weekend in honor of Memorial Day 2012, I wanted to give local readers some ideas (in one place) of Activities for Memorial Day - Tampa Florida.

Do you know about the history on Memorial Day?  According to Wikipedia, Memorial Day was originally Decoration Day, which origated after the American Civil War.  Memorial Day was originally a commemoration of fallen Union soldiers.  Although the Confederacy had similar observances, they were held on different days of May, each according the the region.

The first memorial day type observance was held 1 May 1858 at Charleston, South Carolina.  During the next three years, events held for the nation increased from 183 to 336 events.  Finally in 1871, Michigan made an official holiday (Decoration Day). 

The term "Memorial Day" was first used in 1882.  However, it was not until after World War II  that it became more commonly used.  However, in 1967, Memorial Day was declared an official holiday (always 30 May).  Finally in 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill moved the 30 May date to the last Monday in May to make it easier and more convenient.

A national moment of remembrance occurs at 3:00 PM (local time) at each cemetary as well as the flags are flown at half - staff until noon.

Monday May 28th 2012

Some Activities for Memorial Day - Tampa Florida on Sunday May 27th include:

• Memorial Day Celebration at Veteran's Park  at 10 AM - this will include a dedication of a newly placed American Eagle Monument.
• Military Families Day at Henry B Plant Museum (on the grounds of UT on Kennedy).  This starts at noon
• All active duty, retired, or drilling reservists/National Guard members - Free tickets (2) to the Florida Aquarium.  Additional members (up to four (4) ) can get $10 discount tickets

Other Activities for Memorial Day - Tampa Florida on Monday May 28th include:

• "Carry the Load" Event at Al Lopez Park at 9:00 AM - Join in honoring American heroes and acknowledging the "load" we carry to hold them in our memories by participating in this walk on a 1.1-mile loop in the park. Participants can walk or run as much, or as little, as they feel comfortable to do. Many participants run or walk with heavy object to symbolize the "load" they carry.
• Florida National Cemetary in Bushnell, Florida at 11:00 AM - MG Jeffrey E. Phillips, assistant deputy chief of staff, G-1, will be the keynote speaker. Steve Jervey of WFLA TV News Channel 8 will be master of ceremonies. Joseph Harrin will lead the Hernando High School Band as they perform patriotic music prior to and during the ceremony. Linda Burnette, Tina Foss and Laura Riley will sing, Naomi McClain will perform on bagpipes, and Gayle Williams will play taps. There will be a rifle salute by the Florida National Guard and the posting of colors.
• Memorial Day Sunset Ceremony at Largo Central Park at 7:00 PM - Join representatives from area veterans organizations as they post the colors for this memorial event with music, wreath presentation and keynote speaker, Marvin L. Hill, CSM, USA.

These are just some of the Activities for Memorial Day - Tampa Florida.  For more events in the area, click on the linked search Activities for Memorial Day - Tampa Florida

To all the soldiers, and more importantly, to all the families, children, wives, mothers, fathers left behind - Thank You for YOUR sacrifice.