Wellington and Royal Palm Beach will each observe the solemn holiday of Memorial Day on Monday, May 27 with free public events in the morning.
Wellington will host its annual Memorial Day Parade from Village Hall, located at 12300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., to the Wellington Veterans Memorial at the corner of Forest Hill Blvd. and South Shore Blvd.
Veterans and community groups are invited to walk in the parade, which begins at 8:15 a.m. There is no need to register in advance. The public is encouraged to gather and show their support.
The parade will be followed by a ceremony at the Wellington Veterans Memorial. Each year, the ceremony welcomes around 300 attendees.
“We feel this is such an important event for the community to honor our veterans. We want to show that we support and appreciate the sacrifices made not only by those who served, but also by their families and loved ones,” Assistant Community Events Director Michelle Garvey said.
This year’s keynote speaker will be Krissy Robbs of American Legion Post 390.
Attendees are invited to register veterans for recognition during the ceremony at the Wellington tent on the morning of the event, or they can call Garvey in advance at (561) 791-4082.
In Royal Palm Beach, the annual Memorial Day Observance will be held at the Veterans Park Amphitheater at 1036 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.
The morning begins at 9 a.m. with a free public breakfast. The ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. and will last approximately one hour. Guests do not need to register in advance to attend.
“As the new parks and recreation director for the Village of Royal Palm Beach, it is a pleasure to see that time is dedicated to remembering those who lost their lives while in service during peace and war times,” Parks & Recreation Director Mark Pawlowski said.
Royal Palm Beach Mayor Fred Pinto will share opening and closing remarks, and members of American Legion Post 367 will be present to speak. The ceremony includes laying a wreath to honor the military men and women who have lost their lives in service to the nation, a gun salute and the playing of “Taps.”
In addition, names of those lost are read aloud during the Fallen Soldiers Tribute, and there will be a Battle Cross presentation. During the flag-folding ceremony, an American flag will be presented to a family member who has lost a loved one in the line of duty.
To submit a name for recognition during the Royal Palm Beach ceremony, call (561) 790-5196.
