Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of Summer, but it is also so much more than that. It is a uniquely American holiday that is observed every year on the last Monday in May. It’s not the only patriotic federal holiday, but unlike the Fourth of July and Veterans’ Day, Memorial Day is typically a bit more subdued, because it specifically honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military – who gave their lives in service to our great country. Here are some ways to honor those who sacrificed everything. This is a list of 5 Memorial Day events in Tampa, that doesn’t include spending the day at the crowded beach.
Memorial Day, first known as “Decoration Day”, originated in the years following the Civil War, and it initially only honored the Civil War dead, but over time it came to recognize all of our fallen soldiers, sailors and Marines who died subsequently in the World Wars and beyond. Memorial Day became a federal holiday in 1971.
42.3 million Americans will be hitting the road this Memorial Day weekend, up 7% from last year. Locally, the beaches will be packed, and so will the roads leading to them. If you want to avoid the hassles of traveling, and the headaches of fighting crowds, there are plenty of ways to make good use of your extended weekend right here at home. Just don’t forget why you have a day off.
The Florida Aquarium
To show appreciation to their service to our country, the Florida Aquarium is offering a Memorial Day Weekend offer to military service members in the form of a free admission ticket with the purchase of another ticket.
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American Legion "USS Tampa" Post 5
Two different services will be held Sunday night and Monday morning to commemorate our fallen. Take your kids to show them what Memorial Day is all about. Details here.
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