Hampton Roads has a rich military history, even being home to the world's largest naval base.
Memorial Day is a holiday to remember and honor the men and women who sacrificed everything to protect the nation, and Hampton Roads doesn't fall short of things to do to celebrate them.
NORFOLK
Inaugural Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony: Norfolk's Inaugural Memorial Day Parade will kick off at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic School and will end at Larchmont United Methodist Church, traveling through neighborhoods with strong military ties. Once the parade ends, people can come to Larchmont United Methodist Church for free food, nonprofit info booths and watch a wreath-laying ceremony, complete with a Navy bugler and vocalist signing the national anthem.
Spend time at the Armed Forces Memorial: A memorial connected to Town Point Park, it features 20 inscriptions from letters written home by US service members who lost their lives in war. The letters have been cast in thin sheets of bronze, and are scattered as if they've been blown there by the wind.
Visit Nauticus, Battleship Wisconsin and the Hampton Roads Naval Museum: It's hard to miss the Battleship Wisconsin when you're making your way past Nauticus. This ship, one of the largest and last battleship built by the US Navy, calls Norfolk it's home. You can take self-guided tours of the deck of the ship and get a feel for what the Sailors on the ship lived like. Also on site, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum celebrates the history of the fleet in Hampton Roads.
VIRGINIA BEACH
Visit the Naval Aviation Monument Park: The Oceanfront park features three scenes that depict the history of naval aviation throughout history. You can learn about the aircrafts, ships and people who dedicated their lives to defend the country.
Pay tribute to Navy SEALs: After visiting the Naval Aviation Monument Park, you can walk over to the Navy SEAL Monument. A six-foot-tall Naked Warrior statue stands, and around him is the sand from locations where SEALs have served, trained, and fought.
Visit the Military Aviation Museum in Pungo: The museum houses one of the largest private collections of World War I and World War II military aircrafts in the world. You can learn about the restored planes and even go for a flight in one.
PORTSMOUTH
Annual Portsmouth Memorial Day Parade: A tradition since 1884, Portsmouth's Memorial Day Parade begins at I.C. Norcom High School, traveling down High Street and ending at Water Street. You can line the street to see marching bands, dance groups, veteran groups and floats celebrating the service members that have called Portsmouth and the rest of Hampton Roads home. You''ll be able to watch the Portsmouth Memorial Day Parade here on News 3.
SUFFOLK
Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery: The annual ceremony, held at a state veterans cemetery, honors and remembers all of the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service from the Revolutionary War to present day by placing American flags at each grave. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m., but participants and the public are encouraged to arrive by 9:30 a.m.
CHESAPEAKE
Memorial Day Ceremony at Chesapeake City Hall: Join the City of Chesapeake while they honor all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. on Monday at City Hall.
HAMPTON
Memorial Day Ceremony at Hampton National Cemetery: The VA is hosting a public Memorial Day commemoration ceremony at the Hampton National Cemetery beginning at 9 a.m.
NEWPORT NEWS
Free admission at Virginia War Museum: From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., admission is free at the Virginia War Museum to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the country.
WILLIAMSBURG
Memorial Day Commemoration on Palace Green: Beginning at 10 a.m., the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation will honor the men and women of the US military who sacrificed their lives to defend the nation with a wreath-laying ceremony.
A Salute to the Fallen: To conclude Colonial Williamsburg's Memorial Day observance, a lone bagpiper will play iconic selections from the Governor's Palace in a tribute to those that lost their lives serving in the armed forces.
VISIT A VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS
So many military veterans call Hampton Roads home, and so do their businesses. You can visit breweries, restaurants and other small businesses to show your appreciation to those who followed their passions after serving the country.
