We're coming up on Memorial Day Weekend, which to most, is like the official kick-start to the summer. Schools are starting to get out for summer break, people from all over head to the beach for vacation, friends and family join together for cookouts, and everyone breaks out the fireworks and red, white, and blue. Although Memorial Day is a great time to gather with friends and family and celebrate the start of the summer, it's important that we all take time to remember the true meaning of the holiday and the individuals who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
Below are some of the different Memorial Day events happening in our area that you can attend with loved ones and acknowledge those fallen soldiers:
As part of Myrtle Beach's Military Appreciation Days, the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, hosted by the Myrtle Beach Vet Center and Veterans Café, will be here on these days: Opening Ceremony, Friday, May 26, at 1 p.m. Remembrance Ceremony, Saturday, May 27, at 2 p.m. Closing Ceremony, Sunday, May 28, at 1 p.m.
Where: Crabtree Memorial Gymnasium, 1004 Crabtree Lane.
When: Friday, May 26 through Sunday, May 28
Admission: Free
Military Appreciation Days Parade & Community Picnic happens Saturday. Myrtle Beach's Military Appreciation Days Parade route will be along Farrow Parkway at The Market Common in Myrtle Beach. Following the parade, a community picnic will occur in Valor Memorial Park.
Where: The Market Common, along Farrow Parkway
When: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 27
The Surfside Beach Memorial Day Golf Cart Parade allows you to dress up your carts in patriotic colors as prizes will be awarded. Immediately following the parade, the winners will be announced at Neal and Pam's Bar and Grill.
Where: 1601 N Ocean Blvd., Surfside Beach
When: 10 a.m. Monday, May 29
Admission: Free
The Festive Brass of Myrtle Beach supports the City of Myrtle Beach's Memorial Day Ceremony as we honor our past and present local veterans. The Festive Brass will perform pre-ceremony music starting around 10:30 a.m. and leading up to the start of the ceremony at 11 a.m. This event is free and open to the public.
Where: Myrtle Beach Convention Center, 2101 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach
When: 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 29
Admission: Free and open to the public
Honor the U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the U.S. armed forces with the Memorial Day Service.
Where: Memorial Park, Surfside Drive, and N. Willow Drive, Surfside Beach
When: 2 p.m. Monday, May 29
Admission: Free and open to the public
Cross Fit Myrtle Beach on Memorial Day will honor Lt. Michael P. Murphy. Where: 3241 Waccamaw Blvd., Myrtle Beach
When: 8 a.m. Monday, May 29
Admission: $35 ticket
Pawley Island Concert Band and Memorial Day Ceremony
The Pawleys Island Concert Band will remember veterans.
Where: VFW Post 10420 4359, U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet
When: Noon Monday, May 29
Admission: Free and open to the public