Memorial Day Ceremonies
Veterans Memorial Park Pensacola
Observed on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day is a solemn day of remembrance in honor of those who lost their lives in U.S. military service. Every year, Veterans Memorial Park of Pensacola holds a ceremony commemorating the occasion. The event, which takes place on-site, usually includes a presentation of the Colors, singing of the National Anthem along with other patriotic musical performances, the presentation and laying of wreaths, and guest speakers. The event is open to all members of the public.
The Memorial Day Ceremony is an important opportunity for the local community, The Park Foundation, and Veteran organizations from across the country to come together and honor our friends and loved ones who left to serve our Nation and never made it home. We publish event schedules and updates here and on social media, so be sure to check back for information on this year's upcoming events.
Past Memorial Day Events
2022
Pictured from left to right: CAPT. Robert "Hoot" Gibson, Pensacola City Councilmember Teniandé Broughton, NASA Astronaut Dr. Margaret Rhea Seed, and Mayor Grover Robinson.
Captain "Hoot" Gibson with Sailors from NAS Pensacola & Whiting Field.
The 2022 Memorial Day Guest Speaker was Captain Robert "Hoot" Gibson, USN ret. Hoot is a former naval aviator, test pilot, aeronautical engineer, and astronaut with five successful space flights.
Memorial Day 2022
- McGuire’s - Pipes and Drums
- Presentation of the Colors
- United States Marine Corps Color Guard
- National Anthem - Pensacola Opera Chorus
- Invocation – Dr. Dave Snyder Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church Pensacola
- Patriotic Medley - Pensacola Opera Chorus
- Keynote Speaker
- Capt. Robert “Hoot” Gibson, USN, ret
- Pensacola Children’s Chorus Salute to the Armed Forces
- Wreath Presentation – Daughters of the American Revolution, Accompanied by Pipe Major Michael Vazzana
- Benediction - Dr. Dave Snyder
- Rifle Salute & Taps
Captain Robert "Hoot" Gibson
USN, Ret.
2021
The 2021 Memorial Day Guest Speaker was Rear Admiral Peter Garvin, Commander, Naval Education and Training Command. His achievements include being named "Pilot of the Year" in 1995 by the Association of Naval Aviation. His ongoing naval career spans over three decades and includes serving as the 22nd commander of Navy Recruiting Command and the commander of the Patrol and Reconnaissance Group and Patrol and Reconnaissance Group Pacific in Norfolk along with many other prestigious billets.
Rear Admiral Peter Garvin
USN, Ret.
As part of the ceremony, Gold Star and Surviving Families Connect made a special presentation of an Honor & Remember Flag at the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument.
Interested in Laying a Wreath?
Many families, Churches, and other organizations wish to lay wreaths at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall South and other monuments as expressions of love and support of those whose names are enshrined there. During certain park events, the wreaths are announced and incorporated into the ceremony. If you would like to participate, please submit the contact form below.
Lay a Wreath Honor a Hero
COME VISIT US AT THE PARK.
On the Downtown Pensacola Bayfront Shoreline.
Do You or Your Organization Have Something to Share With the Veteran Community? Consider Being an Exhibitor at Our Next Event!
For over 30 years, Veterans Memorial Park of Pensacola has been a meeting place for local and national organizations and companies to interact with Veterans and their families. During certain Park events, we allow these organizations to host booths and exhibit their services to the community. Because spaces are limited and we need to ensure that our exhibitors share our mission of serving and honoring Veterans, The Veterans Memorial Park Foundation of Pensacola requires exhibitors to complete the application below.
Share Your Skills With
Veterans and Their Families.
COME VISIT US AT THE PARK.
On the Downtown Pensacola Bayfront Shoreline.
Questions? Comments? Concerns? Just want to tell us how great your visit was? get in touch with us here!
SEND US AN EMAIL.
COME VISIT US AT THE PARK.
On the Downtown Pensacola Bayfront Shoreline.