For many people, Memorial Day marks the unofficial start to summer. Some families will head to the beach while others spend the day at the pool with plans to grill out afterward. But, no matter how you plan to spend the weekend or your Monday off, we should not forget the true purpose of the holiday: remembrance.
Memorial Day is a special time to pay tribute to the many servicemen and women who lost their lives protecting our freedoms. In the words of former President Harry S. Truman, “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.”
There are plenty of Memorial Day events and ceremonies scheduled throughout the Triangle area for you take part in to commemorate the lives lost for our freedoms.
Cary
Rhapsody in Red, White and Blue: An American Celebration
Enjoy a life performance by the Triangle Wind Ensemble along with a patriotic salute to veterans and their families.
Details:
Sunday, May 29 at 7:30 p.m.
Koka Booth Amphitheatre
General admission tickets $16
Memorial Day Observance
A patriotic ceremony and celebration honoring veterans of all wars and conflict
Details:
Monday, May 30 at 2:30 p.m.
Veterans Freedom Park, 1513 N. Harrison Ave., Cary
Chapel Hill
Flag Placement
Veterans gather to place flags on the grave markers of local veterans.
Details:
Saturday, May 28 at 6:30 a.m.
Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery
Memorial Day Service and Events
Memorial Day remembrance services hosted throughout the day
Details:
Monday, May 30
8 a.m. – Veterans of Foreign Wars service
11 a.m. – Memorial Day speaker
12:30 p.m. – Village Band performs and Maple View Ice Cream
Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery
Durham
The American Soldier Through the Ages
Join living military historians representing American soldiers
Details:
Saturday, May 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, May 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Bennett Place State Historic Site, 4409 Bennett Memorial Road, Durham
Fuquay-Varina
WRAL Freedom Balloon Fest
Hot air balloon festival with live music, vintage rides, and food vendors
Details:
Friday, May 27 from 2 to 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29 from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Monday, May 30 from 5:30 a.m. to noon
Fleming Loop Park, 301 Fleming Loop Road, Fuquay-Varina
Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 & under; parking is $10 per car
Garner
American Legion & VFW Post 10225
Memorial Day remembrance ceremony
Details:
Monday, May 30 at 1:30 p.m.
Lake Benson Park, 912 Buffaloe Road, Garner
Holly Springs
Memorial Day Celebration of Life
Memorial Day remembrance ceremony
Details:
Monday, May 30 at 10 a.m.
Veterans Park, 600 Bikram Drive, Holly Springs
Raleigh
Memorial Day Concert
Details:
Concert by Raleigh Concert Band
Sunday, May 29 at 1:30 p.m.
Raleigh National Cemetery, 501 Rock Quarry Road, Raleigh
American Legion #1
Patriotic music and Memorial Day remembrance ceremony
Details:
Sunday, May 29 at 1:30 p.m.
Raleigh National Cemetery, 501 Rock Quarry Road, Raleigh
VFW Post 10225
Memorial Day remembrance ceremony
Details:
Monday, May 30 at 11 a.m.
Montlawn Memorial Park, 2911 S. Wilmington Street, Raleigh
Wake Forest
Memorial Day Celebration & Picnic
Parade and free BBQ picnic lunch
Details:
Monday, May 30 from 9 a.m. to 4:10 p.m.
Hope Baptist Church, 3721 Quarry Road, Wake Forest
