Honoring Fallen Service Members this Memorial Day, May 29

In a beach town, Memorial Day weekend often marks the start of summer when swimming pools open and beachside attractions come alive for the season. But for anyone who has lost a friend or family member during military service, the holiday weekend takes on a more somber meaning.

Whereas Veterans Day in November celebrates anyone who has served in the U.S. Armed Forces, Memorial Day is set aside to remember those who lost their lives while serving.

The community is invited to join Mayor Robert M. "Bobby" Dyer, the Mayor's Veterans Committee, local veterans' organizations and military commands at the annual Tidewater Veterans Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 29, in Virginia Beach to honor fallen service members and their families.

During the ceremony, Mayor Dyer will read a proclamation recognizing the 50th anniversary of Operation Homecoming (the return of Vietnam prisoners of war to America). Command Sergeant Major Daniel T. Hendrex will deliver the keynote address. Other speakers include Chaplain David Yemington of the Vietnam Veterans of America and senior military reporter Mike Gooding.

Military commands and organizations are invited to bring wreaths to place at the memorial during the formal ceremony on behalf of their command. Individuals who would like to place an American flag (provided) around the base of the memorial to honor a relative or friend are encouraged to arrive before the formal ceremony begins.

The Memorial Day Ceremony will start at noon on Monday at the Tidewater Veterans Memorial (across from the Virginia Beach Convention Center). This event will be livestreamed on the City of Virginia Beach’s website, Facebook and VBTV channels on Cox and Verizon.

Update: Due to impending inclement weather forecasted for Monday, May 29, the ceremony will be held inside at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.

As a reminder, most City of Virginia Beach offices and state agencies will be closed May 29 in observance of the holiday. Some facilities have alternate schedules. For the complete schedule, visit VirginiaBeach.gov.