HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) – Memorial Day is Monday. Here are ceremonies and events happening around Hampton Roads where you can honor and remember military servicemembers.
The cities of Norfolk and Virginia Beach on Sunday announced a change of venues for their ceremonies due to the potential for severe weather. See below for ceremony locations and times.
Chesapeake
- When: Monday, May 27 at 11 a.m.
- Where: Chesapeake City Hall, 306 Cedar Road
- What: The Chesapeake Mayor’s Commission on Veterans Affairs will be hosting its annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in front of City Hall. Hear from the Mayor and other speakers. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will move into City Council chambers.
- Who: The event is free and open to the public.
Norfolk
Memorial Day Wreath-Laying Ceremony
- When: Monday, May 27 at 2 p.m.
- Where: Nauticus Theater, 1 Waterside Dr. in downtown Norfolk. (change of venue due to potential of severe weather)
- What: The city of Norfolk will honor the sacrifice of the members of the U.S. armed forces in the annual ceremony. U.S. Navy veteran Sinclair Harris will serve as guest speaker for the event.
- Who: The event is free and open to the public.
2024 Second Annual Memorial Day Parade & Wreath-Laying Ceremony
- When: Monday, May 27 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Weather permitting.
- Where: The parade begins at St. Patrick Catholic School, 1000 Bolling Ave, and ends at Larchmont United Methodist Church’s open Green Space. The Wreath laying will take place at the Church.
- What: Norfolk’s Larchmont-Edgewater Civic League hosts the second annual Memorial Day event. The parade will take a 1.2 mile route starting at St. Patrick Catholic School. There will be free hot dogs, drinks, and popsicles. Patriotic music will play and there will be a dozen local non-profit information booths. The ceremonial wreath-laying will take place towards the end of the event. Hear from Mayor Kenny Alexander and various speakers.
- Who: The event is free and open to the public.
Portsmouth
- When: Monday, May 27 at 10 a.m.
- Where: High Street from Peninsula Avenue by I.C. Norcom High School to Crawford Street
- What: Beginning in 1884, the City of Portsmouth’s Memorial Day Parade returns each year. It recognizes and honors the sacrifices of the brave men and women serving in the armed forces. There will be floats, marching bands, military units and more.
- Who: The event is free and open to the public.
Oak Grove Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony – Canceled
- When: Monday, May 27 at 1 p.m.
- Where: Oak Grove Cemetery by the Peninsula Avenue entrance.
- What: Retired Army Veteran William Davis will hold a ceremony to honor and remember fallen servicemembers. Davis will also decorate the graves of veterans buried at the cemetery. There will be a short service of prayer, music, moment of silence and a salute.
- Who: The event is free and open to the public.
Suffolk
Virginia Department of Veterans Services Ceremony
- When: Monday, May 27 at 10 a.m.
- Where: Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Road
- What: For the 68th consecutive year, the Virginia War Memorial hosted the annual official state tribute. The keynote speaker will be Colonel Mike Winstead (U.S. Army, Retired). Additional speakers include David Buchy, Navy veteran and Commander of American Legion Nansemond Post 88.
- Who: The event is free and open to the public.
Virginia Beach
Annual Memorial Day Ceremony
- When: Monday, May 27 from noon to 1 p.m.
- Where: Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th St., Virginia Beach (change of venue due to weather forecast)
- What: The city of Virginia Beach will honor and pay tribute to all the members of the U.S. armed forces in their annual ceremony. It will feature flyovers, 21-gun salute, reading of honored veteran names and remarks from guests. The event will be livestreamed on the city’s website and Facebook page.
- Who: The event is free and open to the public.
Hampton
Memorial Day Ceremony
- When: Monday, May 27 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Where: Hampton National Cemetery (Hampton University)
- What: The Department of Veterans Affairs Hampton National Ceremony will hold a solemn Memorial Day wreath laying ceremony, accompanied by speeches, a moment of silence and the playing of taps. NCA North Atlantic District Executive Director Willie “Clyde” Marsh, Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck and Rep. Bobby Scott are expected to be in attendance.
- Who: The event is free and open to the public.
Williamsburg
Memorial Day Flag Setting
- When: Thursday, May 23 at 9 a.m.
- Where: Cedar Grove Cemetery, 809 S. Henry St.
- What: The City of Williamsburg invites the public to help place more than 500 flags on the graves of veterans in honor of Memorial Day. Those interested in participating can meet Caretaker Bill Brown at the flagpole in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Flags will be provided.
- Who: The event is free and open to the public.