Nashvilles Memorial Day 2019 Community Celebrations And Patriotic Events

Memorial Day 2019 in Nashville featured numerous free events and community celebrations that honored those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The holiday weekend, which marks the unofficial start of summer, offered a variety of activities including concerts, festivals, and memorial services. While specific promotional offers or freebies targeted exclusively at veterans were not documented in available sources, the city provided several patriotic events and activities throughout the holiday weekend. These celebrations included musical performances at veterans' cemeteries, a display of the Vietnam Veterans Wall, and community gatherings that incorporated Memorial Day themes.

Patriotic Concerts and Musical Performances

Several free patriotic concerts were held throughout Nashville during Memorial Day weekend 2019, providing opportunities for community members to come together in remembrance and appreciation of military service.

The Nashville Community Band, a 75-member ensemble in its 46th year, presented three free Memorial Day weekend concerts. On Sunday, May 26, the band performed at 1 p.m. at The State Veterans Cemetery on McCrory Lane and again at 3:30 p.m. in the Pavilion at Harpeth Hills Cemetery. The band concluded their Memorial Day appearances with a 1 p.m. concert on Monday, May 27, at the Nashville National Veterans Cemetery rotunda. These performances featured traditional patriotic music and provided solemn opportunities for reflection on the holiday's meaning.

The Nashville Community Choir offered a free patriotic concert titled "An American Celebration" on Sunday, May 26, at 7 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 4304 Hillsboro Pike. The program included beloved American patriotic songs such as "Battle Hymn of the Republic," "Shenandoah," and "God Bless the USA." This concert provided a musical tribute to the nation's military heritage and was open to all community members.

Williamson County's contribution to Memorial Day celebrations included a free performance by the 60-member Williamson County Community Band. Sponsored by the Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department, the band performed at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 27, at Williamson County Veteran's Park, located at 611 West Main St. in Franklin. This event provided residents of Williamson County with an opportunity to honor the holiday locally.

In addition to these specifically patriotic performances, Musicians Corner, a popular lawn party and concert series held in Centennial Park, offered free entertainment throughout the holiday weekend. On Friday, May 24, the event featured performances from 5-9 p.m. by artists including Will Hoge, Shelly Colvin, Emily Earle, Karina Daza, and Avi Jacob. The following Saturday, May 25, the lineup ran from noon to 6 p.m. and included Aaron Lee Tasjan, Erin Rae, A.J. & the Jiggawatts, Sontalk, and EG Vines. While not specifically themed as Memorial Day events, these performances provided a festive atmosphere for community members to enjoy during the holiday weekend.

Memorial Services and Veterans' Tributes

Memorial Day 2019 in Nashville included several opportunities for solemn remembrance and tribute to fallen service members. The traveling Vietnam Veterans Wall made a stop in Nashville over Memorial Day weekend, giving locals the chance to honor the 58,272 names on the memorial. The wall was displayed at the Nashville National Cemetery, which also hosted a ceremonial program at 1 p.m. that included music and a speech from Col. John Krenson, the director of Operation Stand Down. This powerful tribute provided a space for reflection and remembrance, allowing visitors to pay their respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Nashville National Cemetery, which hosted the Vietnam Veterans Wall, is itself a significant site for honoring veterans. Established in 1866, it serves as the final resting place for thousands of veterans from various conflicts. The Memorial Day ceremony at this location provided a formal opportunity for the community to gather and remember those who served.

Community Heritage and Celebration Events

Beyond musical performances and memorial services, Nashville and its surrounding areas offered several community events that incorporated Memorial Day themes and provided free entertainment for residents and visitors.

Granville Heritage Day, held on Saturday, May 25, in the historic riverboat town of Granville (approximately 65 miles northeast of Nashville), offered a free step-back-in-time experience. Now in its 21st year, this event attracted 10,000 visitors and featured a 2 p.m. parade, an antique car, tractor and engine show, a magician and ventriloquist, the Uncle Jimmy Thompson bluegrass festival and fiddle competition, and demonstrations of 1860 pioneer crafts. The event also included a craft fair, children's activities, food vendors, and the Saturday night Sutton Old Time Music Hour. Granville's historic general store, museum, and homestead were open for tours, providing additional opportunities for visitors to explore the town's heritage.

The flea market at Fairgrounds Nashville was another popular Memorial Day weekend attraction, featuring more than 560 dealers and 1,700 booths. This event offered shoppers the opportunity to browse a wide variety of goods while enjoying the festive atmosphere of the holiday weekend. While not specifically a Memorial Day tribute, the large gathering provided a community space where people could come together during the holiday.

Family-Friendly Activities

Memorial Day weekend 2019 offered several family-friendly activities that incorporated patriotic themes while providing entertainment for all ages. Cumberland Park hosted SuperCoolFunFest, a tribute to the 90s that featured My So Called Band and an MTV Spring Break Dance Party. The event, which took place on Saturday starting at 3 p.m., included beer tents, food trucks, and live music. While ticket prices ranged from $8 to $69.95, the event provided a festive atmosphere for families to celebrate the holiday weekend.

For those interested in active participation, the Glow Ride II offered a unique experience on Friday evening. Participants were invited to cover their bikes in glow sticks and enjoy a slow 5 to 6 mile ride through Midtown and Downtown Nashville, starting from around the Parthenon at 7 p.m. This "glow-tastic" cruise provided a fun and active way to celebrate the holiday weekend.

Accessing Memorial Day Events

Most of the Memorial Day events in Nashville 2019 were free and open to the public, requiring no advance registration or special access. However, some events had specific details worth noting:

• Musicians Corner performances took place in Centennial Park with no admission fee
• Nashville Community Band concerts were held at various veterans' cemeteries and public venues, all free to attend
• The Nashville Community Choir concert required no tickets but was held at a specific venue
• Williamson County Community Band performance was free and open to all
• Granville Heritage Day was a free community event, though it required travel to Granville
• The Vietnam Veterans Wall was open to the public at Nashville National Cemetery
• SuperCoolFunFest required purchased tickets
• The Glow Ride was a free participatory event requiring personal bicycles

Planning for Memorial Day Observance

For those interested in observing Memorial Day in Nashville, the 2019 celebrations offered a range of options from solemn remembrance to festive celebration. The variety of events allowed individuals and families to choose activities that aligned with their preferred way of honoring the holiday. Whether attending a patriotic concert, visiting the Vietnam Veterans Wall, participating in a community festival, or enjoying family activities, Nashville provided multiple avenues for commemoration.

While specific promotional offers or freebies targeted exclusively at veterans were not documented in available sources, the city's Memorial Day celebrations included several events of particular significance to military families and veterans. The performances at veterans' cemeteries and the display of the Vietnam Veterans Wall provided meaningful opportunities for those with military connections to honor service and sacrifice.

Conclusion

Memorial Day 2019 in Nashville offered a diverse array of free events and activities that honored the holiday's purpose of remembering those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. While specific promotional offers or freebies targeted exclusively at veterans were not documented in available sources, the city's celebrations included numerous patriotic concerts, memorial services, and community events that would be of particular interest to veterans and their families. From the Nashville Community Band's performances at veterans' cemeteries to the Vietnam Veterans Wall display, the city provided meaningful opportunities for reflection and appreciation. For those seeking to participate in Memorial Day observances, Nashville's 2019 celebrations offered a range of options from solemn tributes to community gatherings, all accessible without cost.

Sources

1. Free things to do Nashville on Memorial Day weekend: Concerts, flea market and splash pads
2. Things to do in Nashville over Memorial Day weekend