Last Updated on May 24, 2023
On Memorial Day Weekend, across Florida (and the entire United States), friends and family enjoy backyard barbecues, pool parties, picnics, a cruise, and/or long-weekend road trips.
For some, Memorial Day represents the official start of summer. Students and teachers welcome it as a sign of another school year coming to a close.
The real meaning of Memorial Day is to remember and honor those men and women of the armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our freedom.
Originally called Decoration Day for the tradition of placing flowers or flags on the graves of fallen soldiers, the Memorial Day holiday dates back to the American Civil War.
Today, there are many ways you and your family can incorporate the true meaning of the holiday in your Memorial Day celebration while still enjoying the day and each other.
Consider one of these ways to pay your respects on Memorial Day (however, we suggest you don’t limit these activities to just one day a year).
Attend a Memorial Day Event
Many cemeteries and funeral homes host Memorial Day commemorative events to honor fallen soldiers.
The programs often include somber and poignant displays of patriotism, focusing on the reflection of military sacrifice.
These community events are free and open to the public. They are a meaningful way to begin your holiday.
2024 EVENTS DETAILS WILL BE UPDATED AS THEY ARE ANNOUNCED!
Memorial 4 Day Weekend – Orlando
The 4-day weekend includes outdoor street parties, live music, street performers, car shows, and a craft market.
Even better, parking and admission are free.
Address: 3251 Margaritaville Blvd., Kissimmee, FL 34747
Memorial Fest – Tampa
Enjoy this free concert benefiting Bay Area Legal Services.
Bring chairs and blankets for a great day of listening to live music with friends.
Address: 4680 W. Village Dr., Tampa, FL 33624
Memorial Day Tribute – Cocoa
The City of Cocoa is celebrating Memorial Day with a parade, static display, various speakers, and more.
Admission is free and open to the public.
Address: 401 Riveredge Boulevard, Cocoa, FL 32922
Memorial Day Riverfest – Green Cove Springs
Riverfest is held on Memorial Day with a kickoff ceremony to honor those who fought for our freedom.
The event has free admission and includes pony rides, bounce slides, live entertainment, and fireworks at night.
Learn more about the event.
Address: 106 St Johns Ave, Green Cove Springs, FL, 32043
Memorial Day – Gulf Coast
Visit the Gulf Coast Memorial Day event to enjoy an afternoon of music, dance, and tribute.
Remember to bring a chair or blanket to sit on.
Address: 9903 Gulf Coast Main Street, Fort Myers, FL 33913
Place a Flag for a Hero
Consider placing American flags at your home or business establishment on Memorial Day. This is a beautiful way to honor these American heroes.
In addition, several cemeteries feature a dedicated veterans section where many service men and women are buried.
If you have school-aged children, you can involve them in learning about life during the veteran’s lifetime.
Volunteer with a Local Veterans Organization
While Memorial Day is about remembering those service men and women who have passed, it also can be an opportunity to express your appreciation for the service of those veterans who are still with us.
On Memorial Day, consider volunteering or signing up to volunteer with a local veterans organization to honor our nation’s military, past and present.
Send a Card or Care Package to Soldiers
Similarly, use the spirit of Memorial Day to write a card or letter to active-duty servicemen or servicewomen currently deployed.
This can be a nice activity in conjunction with your family’s Memorial Day plans. It can be as simple as providing construction paper, markers, stickers, etc. for all attendees to create cards before enjoying the barbecue or diving into the pool.
Or, ask guests to each bring an item to contribute to a soldier’s care package.
If you know a service member, get their deployment address. It contains the military unit and a lot of numbers. Instead of a city and state, it will say APO AE or APO AP.
If you don’t know a service member and want to send a package to a random soldier, you can visit AnySoldier.org to find a name and overseas mailing address for service members who have requested it.
There are many other online resources for delivering your cards and care packages.
Curated Care Packages for Service Members
We’ve compiled this list if you want to donate and let someone else put the care package together.
Share a Personal Reflection
While Memorial Day officially commemorates our fallen military heroes, it’s also an opportunity to remember the lives of other important people we’ve lost.
At your family’s Memorial Day celebration this year, take a few moments to share personal memories of a loved one you’ve lost.
This Memorial Day, incorporate the true meaning of the holiday in your family celebration by remembering the sacrifices made by our military heroes.
As you enjoy good food, friends, family, and the start of summer, take a few quiet moments to think about and be thankful for the lives that have made a lasting impression on your own.
Free (and Low-Cost) Admission for Military in Florida for Memorial Day
We will update as each attraction confirms their Memorial Day offers.
- The Florida Aquarium – Members of the military will receive a complimentary admission ticket with the purchase of a general admission ticket.
- Sea World or Busch Gardens – Waves of Honor permits any U.S. active duty military, activated or drilling reservist, or National Guardsman to one complimentary admission per year to either SeaWorld®, Busch Gardens® or Sesame Place® for military personnel and as many as three direct dependents.
- Zoo Miami – Active military and veterans receive free admission with a valid photo I.D. Accompanying guests receive 50% off (up to 6 people).
- Crayola Experience Orlando – Free Annual Pass for all military, firefighters, law enforcement, and EMTs.
- Bok Tower Gardens – Free admission is offered to all military veterans including active duty with valid ID.
- Dinosaur World – Active Duty US Military receives FREE admission with a valid US Active Duty ID.
- Florida State Parks – Florida Parks Service offers both current and retired service members a 25% discount on annual entrance passes to Florida’s state parks. Additionally, veterans who have service-related injuries receive a free lifetime military pass. Surviving spouses and parents of deceased veterans who fell in combat also receive a free lifetime military pass.