Memorial Day is a national holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Here are the Memorial Day events held locally to honor those military men and women who died while serving our country:
ACWORTH MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
Saturday, May 25 • 10 am
Veterans Memorial at Patriots Point in Cauble Park
4425 Beach Street, Acworth • 770-917-1234
Ceremony to honor those that gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country with music, speakers and the recognizing of new bricks to be placed at the memorial.
KENNESAW MOUNTAIN NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD
Monday, May 27 • 12 pm
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield
900 Kennesaw Mountain Drive, Kennesaw • 770-427-4686 x231
Artillerists explain the steps of firing a cannon by detailing the role of each person working the cannon. Afterwards, the process is performed in real time and the cannon is fired. The program is free and open to the public. The military veterans on the artillery crew will perform a small flag raising ceremony in honor of Memorial Day.
MARIETTA NATIONAL CEMETERY MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
Monday, May 27 • 12 pm
Marietta National Cemetery
500 Washington Avenue NE, Marietta • 866-236-8159
Honoring both past and present veterans with patriotic music, posting of the colors, prayers, a gun salute and inspiring speakers. American Flags are placed on every grave.
ROSWELL REMEMBERS
Monday, May 27 • 11 am
Roswell City Hall
38 Hill Street, Roswell • www.roswellmemorialday.com
The largest Memorial Day Ceremony in Georgia, this is a non-political ceremony honoring veterans and the sacrifices they made to protect our freedom, includes a 21-gun salute. Live music and BBQ available after the ceremony.
SMYRNA MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
Monday, May 27 • 9:30 am
20th Century Veterans Memorial (between City Hall and the Library)
2800 King Street, Smyrna • 770-431-2842
This ceremony honors and appreciates the strength and sacrifice of our veterans.
WOODSTOCK MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
Monday, May 27 • 10 am
The Park at City Center
101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock • 770-592-6000 x1952
The City of Woodstock, along with the American Legion Post 316, Marine Corps League Detachment 1311, Warriors’ Watch Riders, and other local veteran’s groups, honor those who fought and died to keep us free. Visit the Woodstock Memorial, 10 tons of polished granite dedicated to our Woodstock Veterans.
