Multiple communities across the region are organizing Memorial Day ceremonies, all taking place on Monday and free for the public to attend.
In Punta Gorda, Charlotte County’s official program will start at 9:30 a.m. at the Vietnam Wall of Southwest Florida in Veterans Park, featuring presentations and speeches from local officials.
The Military Heritage Museum in Punta Gorda will host a ceremony at 11:30 a.m., followed by museum activities and a free hot dog lunch.
North Port’s ceremony will run from 11 a.m. to noon at City Hall, while Englewood’s service will start at 9 a.m. at Gulf Pines Memorial Park.
Rotonda West’s brief ceremony will be held at Broadmoor Park at 9 a.m., and in Downtown Wellen, Casey Church will perform from 1-5 p.m.
Venice’s Memorial Day ceremony will take place at Patriots Park from 10-11:30 a.m., with various organizations participating and Mayor Nick Pachota presenting a city proclamation.
DeSoto County will host two ceremonies: one at Oak Ridge Cemetery at 10 a.m. and another at the DeSoto County Courthouse at 11 a.m.
Sarasota’s annual Memorial Day Parade will start at 10 a.m., featuring performances and participation from local groups, with a public ceremony to follow at Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park around 11 a.m., including a keynote speech by Michael Tollerton.
