Virginia Beach Memorial Day Events And Offers For Veterans

Memorial Day is a significant occasion in the United States, dedicated to honoring and remembering military personnel who have died while serving in the armed forces. For veterans and active-duty service members, this holiday often comes with special recognition, events, and offers. In Virginia Beach, the community organizes formal ceremonies to honor those who served, while businesses and organizations nationwide provide discounts and freebies as tokens of appreciation. This article explores the Memorial Day events and offers available to veterans in Virginia Beach and beyond.

Virginia Beach Memorial Day Ceremony

Virginia Beach hosts an annual Memorial Day ceremony that serves as a community gathering to honor fallen service members. The ceremony takes place at the Tidewater Veterans Memorial, located across from the Virginia Beach Convention Center at 1000 19th Street. Scheduled for noon to 1 p.m. on Monday, May 26, the event is free and open to all members of the public.

The ceremony is organized and hosted by Virginia Beach Mayor Robert M. "Bobby" Dyer and the Mayor's Committee for Veterans. According to committee chairman Virgil Hart, the event aims to honor those who "gave their all" for the country. The program includes several meaningful elements designed to create a respectful and solemn atmosphere:

• Live music performances
• Reading of honored veteran names
• Remarks from distinguished guests
• Participation from the Virginia Beach Police Department's Honor Guard Unit - Rifle Team and Color Guard
• Musical performances by the U.S. Air Force Heritage Winds and Tony Zontini
• A keynote address by Rear Adm. Julie M. Treanor, U.S. Fleet Forces Command

Military commands and organizations are invited to participate by bringing wreaths on behalf of their groups. As attendees arrive, they receive small U.S. flags to display during the ceremony. Larger flags are also available for those who wish to place them by the memorial as a sign of respect.

In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved inside the Virginia Beach Convention Center. The event typically draws significant community participation, with many veterans, their families, and supportive community members attending to pay their respects.

The Mayor's Committee for Veterans plays an essential role in planning and producing this annual ceremony. Beyond Memorial Day, committee members also manage the memorial paver program and collaborate with the Hampton Roads Council of Veterans Organizations to plan and present the Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony. Those interested in learning more about the committee can contact Virgil Hart via email at [email protected]. Additionally, memorial pavers can be ordered through the Virginia Beach website at VirginiaBeach.gov/MCV.

Memorial Day Offers for Veterans

Across the country, many businesses and organizations show their appreciation for military service by offering special deals and freebies on Memorial Day. These offers vary by location and establishment, but most require proof of military service such as a military ID, DD214 form, or other veteran verification documents.

Restaurant and Food Offers

Several restaurant chains and food establishments provide complimentary meals or discounts to veterans and active-duty military personnel during Memorial Day:

• Bob Evans: Generally offers a 10% discount for active-duty, veterans, and retired military every day. While they have offered more extensive menus and specials in the past, specific Memorial Day offerings may vary.
• Cracker Barrel: Provides free breakfast options to active-duty service members and veterans during their designated day during Mission's annual Armed Forces Week.
• Dairy Queen: Certain locations offer military and veterans discounts, with some providing up to 50% off select items or orders.

These food establishments recognize the service and sacrifice of military personnel by offering complimentary meals or significant discounts, allowing veterans and their families to enjoy a special meal at reduced cost or no charge.

Theme Park and Attraction Offers

Many theme parks and attractions offer free or discounted admission to veterans and active-duty military personnel during Memorial Day weekend:

• SeaWorld, Aquatica, Busch Gardens, Sesame Place, and Discovery Cove: Through the Waves of Honor program, these parks offer free admission to active-duty military personnel, National Guard, and Reservists, as well as up to three direct dependents. Details vary by location and are available on the Waves of Honor website.
• Colonial Williamsburg: Offers free admission for active-duty military, retired military personnel, and veterans, along with up to three direct dependents, either during Memorial Day Weekend or Veterans Day Weekend (once annually). Proof of service must be shown at the ticket office.
• Magic Springs Theme Park and Water Park: Designates specific days during late May through early June as HERO Appreciation Days, providing free admission to military personnel, police officers, correction officers, healthcare workers, and other heroes who show their professional ID. Family members can purchase discounted tickets to join them.

Museum and Cultural Institution Offers

Museums and cultural institutions often participate in Memorial Day appreciation by offering free or discounted admission to veterans and service members:

• Free Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Admission: Members of the Veterans Advantage rewards program receive waived regular adult admission when showing their VetRewards card, with family members' tickets discounted to 20% off.
• Museum Admission Programs: Through partnerships like Blue Star Families and the National Endowment for the Arts, many museums across America offer free admission for active-duty military members and their families throughout the summer months, including Memorial Day.

National Parks and Outdoor Spaces

National Parks hold a special significance for many veterans, and the National Park Service provides several ways to honor military service through access to these natural treasures:

• Free National Park Admission: All visitors receive free admission to National Parks on Veterans Day, though this is distinct from Memorial Day.
• Military Passes: The National Park Service offers free annual and lifetime passes to current U.S. military personnel and their dependents, Gold Star families, and U.S. military veterans. These passes provide access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites.

While not specifically tied to Memorial Day, these passes represent year-round recognition of military service and can be utilized during Memorial Day weekend visits to national parks and monuments.

Virginia Beach Memorial Day Observances

Beyond the main ceremony at the Tidewater Veterans Memorial, Virginia Beach participates in various Memorial Day observances through partnerships with organizations like the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA hosts ceremonies at VA National Cemeteries, inviting everyone to join with veterans and their families at events taking place on and around Memorial Day weekend.

A comprehensive listing of free events at these ceremonies and other community Memorial Day observances can be found through official channels. Many VA national cemeteries are featured as stops along the 20,000-mile relay march organized by Carry the Load, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and providing active ways for Americans to connect with the sacrifices made by military personnel, veterans, first responders, and their families.

For those unable to attend events in person, the Veterans Legacy Memorial website provides an opportunity to honor fallen service members by leaving tributes. This platform allows visitors to view veterans' stories, decorations, and internment locations for the 4.5 million veterans interred at VA national cemeteries, VA grant-funded state or territorial veterans' cemeteries, and certain National Park Service national cemeteries.

Year-Round Benefits and Additional Resources

While Memorial Day offers special recognition of military service, many benefits and discounts are available year-round to veterans and active-duty personnel:

• Retail Discounts: Many retailers offer ongoing discounts to military personnel, with some providing special promotions during Memorial Day. Walgreens, for example, offers special Memorial Day discounts alongside their regular year-round military benefits.
• Local Business Participation: Beyond national chains, many local businesses in Virginia Beach and surrounding areas offer military discounts, though these may not be specifically tied to Memorial Day.
• Online Resources: Various websites aggregate information about military discounts and offers, though consumers should verify the details directly with businesses before planning visits.

The Virginia Beach Mayor's Committee for Veterans serves as a resource for veterans in the community, providing information about events, benefits, and opportunities to connect with other service members. Committee members can be contacted through official channels for assistance or information about veterans' programs and services.

Planning Your Memorial Day Observance

For veterans and their families planning to participate in Memorial Day events or take advantage of offers, several considerations can help ensure a smooth experience:

1. Bring Proof of Service: Most offers require verification of military status. Veterans should carry appropriate identification such as a military ID card, DD214 form, or Veterans Advantage card.
2. Check Specific Location Policies: While businesses may offer nationwide promotions, individual locations may have different policies or participation requirements. Calling ahead to confirm can prevent disappointment.
3. Arrive Early for Ceremonies: Popular community events, such as the Virginia Beach Memorial Day ceremony, may draw large crowds. Arriving early ensures good seating and parking.
4. Check Weather Conditions: Outdoor events may be affected by weather. The Virginia Beach ceremony has provisions for moving indoors in case of inclement weather.
5. Respectful Participation: Memorial Day is a solemn occasion. When attending ceremonies, participants should dress appropriately and maintain respectful behavior throughout the event.

Conclusion

Memorial Day provides an important opportunity for communities to come together and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. Virginia Beach demonstrates this commitment through its formal ceremony at the Tidewater Veterans Memorial, which offers a space for reflection and remembrance. Additionally, businesses and organizations across the country show their appreciation through special offers, discounts, and free admission opportunities for veterans and active-duty military personnel.

For veterans in Virginia Beach and beyond, Memorial Day serves as both a day of remembrance and an occasion to receive recognition for their service. By participating in local ceremonies, taking advantage of available offers, and connecting with fellow service members, veterans can find meaningful ways to observe the holiday while feeling appreciated by their communities.

As the Virginia Beach Mayor's Committee for Veterans continues its work throughout the year, opportunities for engagement and support remain available. Whether through attending ceremonies, ordering memorial pavers, or connecting with committee members, veterans can find various ways to stay involved in the community that honors their service.

Sources

1. Virginia Beach Memorial Day Ceremony
2. Veterans Day Freebies and Discounts
3. Memorial Day Freebies and Discounts for Veterans
4. Memorial Day Observances Across the Country
5. Best Veterans Day Freebies