Memorial Day Celebrations In DFW
Memorial Day may be the unofficial start of summer, but it's also the time to honor America's fallen soldiers, who valiantly gave their life defending their country. While many observe the holiday as an extra day off to relax by the pool or have a barbecue, taking the time to remember these heroes will make the holiday more memorable for kids and adults alike. Join the nation in celebrating Memorial Day by attending these inspiring events around DFW.
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Carry The Load Dallas Memorial March
Reverchon Park
3505 Maple Ave.
Dallas, TX 75219
(214) 325-5040
www.carrytheload.org
Date: May 26 to 27, 2013 from 3:30 p.m. to 12:13 p.m.
Carry the Load Dallas is a 20-hour walk event that was started by two former U.S. Navy Seals in an effort to pay homage to the nation's fallen heroes and their families. This monumental walkathon began on April 30 in West Point N.Y. and will have traveled around 2,000-miles before it ends in Dallas on Sunday. In addition to fostering awareness of the sacrifices that these special heroes made, the walk also raises money, through sponsorships, to benefit the families of fallen service men and women. Participants range from military and firefighter personnel to families of fallen heroes and families just wanting to show their support. While donations are appreciated, the event is free and open to everyone of all ages and abilities. Hop on the walk at any time and place as it winds its way through parts of the surrounding Dallas vicinity before reaching the final leg at the Reverchon Park/Katy Trail. There will be a family fun area opening at 9 a.m. in the park on Monday and an award ceremony at the end of the walk.
Grand Prairie Veterans Memorial
925 Conover Dr.
Grand Prairie, TX 75051
(972) 237-8100
www. grandfungo.com
Date: May 27, 2013 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The Memorial Day ceremony at the Veterans Memorial will be as educational as it is moving, especially for kids. Put on by Grand Prairie's Parks and Recreation department, the ceremony will comprise of everything from bagpipes and flyovers to patriotic music, entertainment and a 21-gun salute. In addition, there will be a free lunch served, trees to be given away and plenty of interesting military memorabilia for sale. The event will be located at the five granite column memorial behind the senior citizen center.
Liberty Fest
Farmers Branch Historical Park
2540 Farmers Branch Lane
Farmers Branch, TX 75234
(972) 406-0184
www.fblibertyfest.com
Date: May 25, 2013 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
This patriotic fest offers something for everyone. There will be a variety of fun things going on, from free concerts by country music singers: Jack Ingram, Randy Houser and Easton Corbin, to a kids zone, food areas and artisan craft booths. In addition, there will be a special recognition ceremony by the American Fallen Soldiers Project and military displays from the Cavanaugh Flight Museum. The recognition ceremony will include a presentation of hand painted portraits of fallen military personnel to their families. Tickets are free if ordered online or picked up in advance at locations listed on the site.
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Mount Olivet Cemetery Memorial Day Service
2301 N. Sylvania Ave.
Fort Worth, TX 76111
(817) 831-0511
www.mtolivetcemeteryassociation.org
Date: May 27, 2013 at 6:30 p.m.
As one of the oldest and largest Memorial Day services in the southwest, the 84th annual Mount Olivet ceremony pays special tribute to lost military service people from the area. Among the dignitaries in attendance, will be keynote speaker, Captain Robert A. Bennett from Fort Worth's Naval Air Station, Fort Worth Mayor, Betsy Price, Fort Worth City Councilman, Jungus Jordan and Tarrant County Commissioner, Gary Fickes. This memorable event includes a performance by the Mosiah Shrine Band, Taps by bugler Kyle Hanz, a 21-gun salute and a dove release. After the ceremony, everyone is invited to follow a motorcade procession to the Paddock Viaduct (North Main Bridge) for a service and a casting of wreaths into the Trinity River.
Granbury Hometown Memorial Day Celebration
Granbury Historic Square
Granbury, TX 76048
(817) 573-5299
www.granburysquare.com
Date: May 25 – 27, 2013 at 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
Memorial Day is so big in Granbury that celebrations and commemorations will be taking place in several different areas around town all weekend. The U.S. Veterans Museum will be hosting daily events at the museum and at the Field of Flags, located at 317 E Hwy 377—that includes speeches, a recognition and wreath laying ceremony, as well as a candlelight service. In the town's square, there will be a host of activities including, live music, parades, a carnival, crafts and great food. And, at the city's beach, located six blocks from the square, there will be more music, food and fun in the sun.
Ilene Jacobs is a freelance writer living in Dallas, Texas. Ilene enjoys writing about a variety of topics, ranging from food, fitness and travel, to kids, pets and senior care. You can find some of her work at Examiner.com.
