ORLANDO, Fla. – Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.
It became an official federal holiday in 1971 but was originally known as Decoration Day in the years following the Civil War.
According to the National Constitution Center, the “Memorial Day” moniker became more common after World War II, but the U.S. didn’t officially adopt that name until 1967.
This year, Memorial Day falls on May 26, but not all events honoring this hallowed day fall on Monday.
Below is a county-by-county list of remembrance events happening in Central Florida across the Memorial Day weekend:
Brevard County
Cocoa
Come out to Riverfront Park in Cocoa Village for the annual Memorial Day Celebration on May 26 from 4-7 p.m. Every year the City of Cocoa takes time to honor the fallen veterans of war with a parade, Guest Speakers, special Flag folding ceremony, the playing of taps, a moment of silence, entertainment and much more.
Location: Cocoa Riverfront Park, 401 Riveredge Blvd., Cocoa
Merritt Island
Memorial Day Ceremony at Brevard Veterans Memorial Center on Monday, May 26, at 9:30 a.m. LTC Tim Thomas (RET) USA is the keynote speaker with a special presentation by COL Herman Cole (RET) USAF. VMC President Dean Schaaf will be the Emcee
Location: Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, 400 Sykes Creek Pkwy South, Merritt Island
Mims
Cape Canaveral National Cemetery Memorial Day Observance on Monday, May 26 at 10 a.m.
There is limited seating available, but chairs and umbrellas are welcomed.
Location: 5525 U.S. Highway 1, Mims
Flagler County
Palm Coast
Join the city of Palm Coast as we remember America’s heroes at our Memorial Day Ceremony on May 26 from 8-9 a.m.
Location: Heroes Memorial Park, 2860 Palm Coast Pkwy. NW, Palm Coast
Lake County
Clermont
The city Clermont is pleased to announce we will once again be hosting the Memorial Vietnam Travelling Wall during the Memorial Day weekend, 2025. The wall will be escorted on Saturday, May 24 through Clermont and will be set up at the Waterfront Park, Highlander Hut and Pavilion area for viewing.
Saturday, May 24
- 8:30 a.m.: Escort the Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall to the Highlander building
- 9 a.m.: Patriot Guard Riders begin to set up the Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall
- 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.: Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association begins setting up
- 1 - 5 p.m.: Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall and OH-6 display open for viewing
Sunday, May 25
- 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Vietnam Memorial Wall and Loach Helicopter display open for viewing
Monday, May 26
- 8 a.m.: Vietnam Memorial Wall and and Loach Helicopter display open for viewing
- 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.: Clermont’s 2025 Memorial Day Observance Program
- 3-4 p.m.: Patriot Guard Riders dismantle the Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall
Leesburg
Please join the city of Leesburg as we honor those who have fallen at the Leesburg Memorial Day program on Saturday, May 24, at 10 a.m.
Location: Veterans Memorial Park, 600 West Meadow St.,Leesburg
Marion County
Ocala
Let us gather in gratitude to honor our fallen heroes at the Ocala-Marion County Memorial Day ceremony honoring our fallen heroes on Monday, May 26, at 10 a.m.
Location: Veterans Memorial Park, 2601 SE Fort King St., Ocala
Orange County
Apopka
The city of Apopka and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 10147 would like to invite the public to join us, as we honor the lives and legacy of our fallen military heroes at the Veterans Memorial. Join us on for the Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 26, at 11 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial at Edgewood/Greenwood Cemetery.
Location: Edgewood/Greenwood Cemetery, 141 South Edgewood Drive, Apopka
Gotha
Woodlawn Memorial Park will mark a major milestone this Memorial Day as it hosts its 75th Annual Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony on Monday, May 26, at 10 a.m.
This year’s program will carry special significance, as the cemetery unveils a brand-new Gold Star Families Memorial, honoring the loved ones of military members who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Location: 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha
Ocoee
Join us as we pay tribute to all the men and women who gave their lives while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Event is Thursday, May 22, at 11 a.m.
Location: Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 North Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee
Orlando
The Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) will host a Memorial Day ceremony on Friday, May 23, at 10 a.m. to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. The event will take place at the amphitheater located at the rear entrance of the Orlando VA Medical Center in Lake Nona.
Location: 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando
Orlando
The city of Orlando invites the community to join City Commissioners and Mayor Buddy Dyer’s Veterans Advisory Council members to honor and remember veterans who lost their lives in service to the nation at the Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony Friday, May 23 at 6 p.m. The ceremony will feature a keynote address, patriotic tributes and a moment of reflection.
Location: Veterans section of Greenwood Cemetery, 1603 Greenwood St., Orlando
Winter Garden: Join us to honor and remember our local veterans who gave their lives during times of war or while serving in the U.S. armed forces. Presented by American Legion Post 63 and City of Winter Garden, the event includes a Roll Call of Veterans, placement of wreaths and patriotic songs to pay homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The event is 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Location: Veterans Memorial Park, 420 South Park Ave., Winter Garden
Osceola County
St. Cloud
Together, we pay tribute to their courage and dedication at the Memorial Day wreath laying ceremony at the Mount Peace Cemetery on Monday, May 26, at 10 a.m.
Location: Mount Peace Cemetery, 755 East 10th St., St. Cloud
Polk County
Haines City
Families are invited to visit the Military Court of Honor at Railroad Park in Downtown Haines City on Monday, May 26, from 9-11 a.m. to remember those who have lost their lives.
Location: Railroad Park, 502 East Main St., Haines City
Seminole County
Oviedo
Please join the members of American Legion Post 243, and the City of Oviedo to honor U.S. Military Personnel who died in service to the United States of America on Monday, May 26, at 7 p.m. A solemn moment, where taps will be played to honor service members who paid the ultimate price. All are invited to attend and remember while standing, removing any hats, and facing the music.
Location: Center Lake Park, 299 Center Lake Lane, Oviedo
Sumter County
Bushnell
The Memorial Day Ceremony at the Florida National Cemetery will be held on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, at 11 a.m.
Plan to arrive early and bring something to sit on. The ceremony will be one hour in length.
Location: 6502 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell
Volusia County
Deltona
Deltona’s Memorial Day ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 26, at Veteran’s Memorial Park. The public is encouraged to attend and bring a wreath to honor fallen service members.
Location: Veteran’s Memorial Park, 1921 Evard Ave., Deltona
Port Orange
Join the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3282 and the Port Orange Parks and Recreation Department in honoring those who have served our country and sacrificed for our freedom on Monday, May 26, from 11-11:30 a.m.
Location: Veterans Park, 4655 City Center Circle, Port Orange
If you have a Memorial Day event that is not listed above, please send an email to web@wkmg.com .