Commemorate Memorial Day Weekend at these Events in Volusia, Flagler

Jim Abbott – The Daytona Beach News-Journal / Published May 24, 2022

 

 

 

DAYTONA BEACH — Amid a long holiday weekend that marks the launch of the summer vacation season, there also will be plenty of opportunities to honor the sacrifices made in the name of freedom at an assortment of Memorial Day ceremonies and events in Volusia and Flagler counties.

 

The biggest event will be the inaugural Heroes Honor Festival, a two-day celebration on Friday and Saturday, May 27 and 28, at Daytona International Speedway to honor the service of Vietnam veterans.

 

Presented by Engage Your Destiny, a nonprofit veteran support organization founded by Tennessee-based U.S. Army veteran Ben Peterson, the Heroes Honor Festival is expected to attract 20,000 spectators for a program that boasts a list of performers and guest speakers that range from Toby Keith and Ann-Margret to Lt. Col. Oliver North and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

 

 

 

In addition, the event will also feature music by country stars Justin Moore and Craig Morgan, as well as messages from entertainer Chris Noel, known for her work on the Armed Forces Network; Vietnam veteran Medal of Honor winner Maj. Gen. Patrick Brady; U.S. Army Delta Force member Lt. Gen. William G. Boykin; and author and military consultant Mark “Oz” Geist (“13 Hours”).

 

 

 

The celebration also will include military flyovers, a patriot parachute team, veteran reunions, a veterans resource expo, lifetime legacy awards for veterans, a vigil for those killed in action, and a Sunday Ride for Freedom.

 

 

 

All veterans, active military members, and their spouses can register for free tickets at the event’s website, heroeshonorfestival.com. Children 12 and under are also free.  For others, two-day general admission tickets are available for $79, with VIP packages available for $199.

 

The event runs from 6-9 p.m. Friday, May 27; and from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. May 28.

 

Visit heroeshonorfestival.com for updated schedule information.

 

Here are other events scheduled to commemorate Memorial Day:

 

Memorial Day Ceremony, hosted by VFW Post 1590: 2 p.m. Monday; VFW Post 1590, 1013 Veterans Ct., Daytona Beach. A traditional Memorial Day program, with the presentation of colors, and guest speakers.

 

Memorial Day Ceremony, hosted by VFW Post 8093: noon-2 p.m. Monday; VFW Post 8093, 351 S. Charles Richard Beall Blvd. (U.S. Highway 17-92), DeBary.

 

Memorial Day Ceremony, hosted by American Legion Orange Baker Post 187: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday; Bill Dreggors Park, 230 N. Stone St., DeLand.

 

 

 

The event includes a presentation of colors by the City of DeLand Fire Department Honor Guard; rifle salute to the fallen by U.S. Marine Corps League Detachment 1144; messages from DeLand Mayor Robert Apgar; and William C. Feyk, retired U.S. Army brigadier general, on “Service, Sacrifice and Remembrance.”

 

There also will be the dedication of the “West/Friend Pavilion,” named for Jim West and Dan Friend, two lifelong DeLand residents who have been dedicated to advocating for military veterans.

 

In addition, tours of military collections at the DeLand Memorial Hospital and Veterans Museum will be available following the event. For details, email [email protected], or call 407-484-9858.

 

Deltona

Memorial Day Ceremony, presented by American Legion Post 255: 1-2 p.m. Monday; Veterans Memorial Park, 1912 Evard Ave, Deltona. Ceremony to honor fallen service men and women, including park dedication of new Iraqi Freedom monument.

 

Ormond Beach

Memorial Day Remembrance Service: 9-11 a.m. Monday; Rockefeller Gardens Park, 26 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach. Presented by City of Ormond Beach Department of Leisure Services, Memorial Remembrance Committee, American Legion Post 267.

 

Ponce Inlet

Memorial Day Ceremony: 9-10 a.m. Monday; Kay & Ayres Davies Lighthouse Park, 4931 S Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet. Parking available at Ponce Inlet Lighthouse parking lot and the boat trailer parking lot.

 

Port Orange

Memorial Day Ceremony, presented by VFW Post 3282 and Port Orange Parks & Recreation Department: 10-11 a.m. Monday; Veterans Park, 4655 City Center Circle, Port Orange.

 

 

 

Flagler County

Memorial Day Ceremony, Remembering America’s Heroes: 8-9:30 a.m. Monday; Heroes Memorial Park, 2860 Palm Coast Parkway NW, Palm Coast. A ceremony to remember men and women who gave their lives in service to the U.S. military. Parking is available along Corporate Drive and at the Library.