Memorial Day 2013 is coming faster than you think and that means it's time to make your travel plans! Cities across the US will use Memorial Day weekend from May 25-27 to honor and remember those who gave their lives for the country. Go Group came up with a list of some of the best celebrations across the nation.
Chicago is expecting roughly 10,000 people to watch its Memorial Day Parade on Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. The day stars with a wreath laying ceremony at 11:30 a.m. at the Eternal Flame on Daley Plaza then proceeds south on State Street. This parade will be special in that it commemorates the 150th anniversary of the musical piece, Taps. The parade is dedicated to those who fought and died in the Iraq War in particular.
Dallas will be celebrating with, Carry The Load, a national 20-hour Memorial Day event honoring service members and their families. The event will be held at Reverchon Park/Katy Trail. Participants are invited to march at any point during the 20 hours. The event kicks off with opening ceremonies at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday and the march begins at 4pm. The march ends at 12:12 p.m. on Monday, followed by closing ceremonies. There will be a performance by The Dallas Symphony Orchestra at Flagpole Hill at 8 p.m. on Monday, followed by fireworks.
New York holds many parades throughout the weekend in places such as Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan. However Fleet Week typically occurs this week as well. Due to budget cuts, the city will not be able to host the many Navy ships that dock in New York, but there may be some other events taking place.
Hawaii is one of the best places to be for Memorial Day as there are several events that take place like the Natatorium Memorial Day Service at the Waikiki War Memorial and ceremonies at Honolulu's major cemeteries. Hawaii is expecting tens of thousands of people to watch the Shinnyo-en Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony at Ala Moana Beach. During this beautiful even, thousands of lit lanterns are released onto the ocean. Honolulu also hosts a formal ceremony at Punchbowl Cemetery, near Waikiki Beach. At this event, soldiers' graves are decorated with leis and flower wreaths as attendees enjoy live music and fireworks.
San Diego holds Legacy Week events from Friday through Monday. These events include ceremonies, concerts and a discovery zone for kids. A wreath ceremony is held on Saturday, a US Navy Band Concert takes place on Sunday and an American Legion Post 492 ceremony occurs on Monday. The American Freedom Festival, , a benefit concert for veterans and America's armed forces is also held on Saturday. Band Creedence Clearwater Revisited will perform on the deck of the USS Midway Museum.
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