On 5th may 1868 three years after the civil war ended the decoration day was established by the head of an union veterans organization and he declared it as a time to decorate the grave of the dead soldiers who died in the war with flowers. Later Maj.Gen. John A. Logan declared that the decoration day should be observed on may 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.
50th Annual Memorial Day Observance. May 25, 2015. Time: 5:45 pm. FREE. Remember those who gave their lives in service by honoring veterans at the Battleships traditional Memorial Day Observation featuring a military guest speaker, an all-service Color Guard, a 21-gun salute by a Marine Corps Honor Guard, a military band, Taps, and a memorial wreath cast onto the waters. For more information (910) 251-5797.
Each year the park hosts a series of activities to commemorate the Memorial Day Holiday. Learn more about previous speakers at the Memorial Day Service.
On the Friday before the holiday, the Avenue of Flags is raised in the National Cemetery by volunteers. Throughout the weekend, volunteers honor our veterans by participating in the Flag Program.
The focal point of all these activities is the Sunday afternoon Memorial Day ceremony which takes place at the National Cemetery rostrum. The service traditionally includes a musical program, speaker, and the placement of memorial wreaths.
Friday, 22 May: Avenue of Flags raised in the National Cemetery
Saturday, 23 May: Placement of flags at grave sites
Sunday, 24 May: 2:00 p.m. Memorial Day Observance Program.
Information for groups interested in laying a wreath
Cover Letter I Wreath Laying Registration
Monday, 25 May, Memorial Day
Tuesday, 26 May: Removal of flags from grave sites
Memorial day 2015 weekend observance
50th Annual Memorial Day Observance. May 25, 2015. Time: 5:45 pm. FREE. Remember those who gave their lives in service by honoring veterans at the Battleships traditional Memorial Day Observation featuring a military guest speaker, an all-service Color Guard, a 21-gun salute by a Marine Corps Honor Guard, a military band, Taps, and a memorial wreath cast onto the waters. For more information (910) 251-5797.
Each year the park hosts a series of activities to commemorate the Memorial Day Holiday. Learn more about previous speakers at the Memorial Day Service.
On the Friday before the holiday, the Avenue of Flags is raised in the National Cemetery by volunteers. Throughout the weekend, volunteers honor our veterans by participating in the Flag Program.
The focal point of all these activities is the Sunday afternoon Memorial Day ceremony which takes place at the National Cemetery rostrum. The service traditionally includes a musical program, speaker, and the placement of memorial wreaths.
2015 Memorial Day Weekend Schedule
The National Cemetery is open for visitors throughout the weekend, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Friday, 22 May: Avenue of Flags raised in the National Cemetery
Saturday, 23 May: Placement of flags at grave sites
Sunday, 24 May: 2:00 p.m. Memorial Day Observance Program.
Information for groups interested in laying a wreath
Cover Letter I Wreath Laying Registration
Monday, 25 May, Memorial Day
Tuesday, 26 May: Removal of flags from grave sites