MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND ON THE PENINSULA
Eevents are taking place across the region, including ceremonies in Newport News, Hampton, Fort Monroe, Williamsburg, York County and Isle of Wight County.
NEWPORT NEWS — Here is a look at some of the Memorial Day events around the Peninsula.
All weekend
From Friday through Monday, Colonial Williamsburg will offer free admission to its historic area and its art museums for active duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, National Guard members and their immediate dependents.
Monday
Newport News: At 11 a.m., a ceremony will be held at the Newport News Victory Arch (25th Street and West Avenue), sponsored by American Legion Braxton-Perkins Post 25.
Hampton: Ceremony at 10 a.m. at Hampton National Cemetery (Marshall Avenue at Cemetery Road) featuring performance by U.S. Army TRADOC Band. Speakers include U.S. Rep. Elaine Luria and Marty Fury of the National Cemetery Administration.
Fort Monroe: At 11:30 a.m., a service will be held at the Colonies RV and Travel Park honoring men and women who have died in the service of America’s armed forces. The ceremony also will retire worn, torn and faded flags with dignity and respect. (A dropbox for used flags is available at the Colonies RV & Travel Park.) Seating may be limited, please bring a chair if possible.
York County: The ceremony begins at noon at the War Memorial in front of York Hall (301 Main St.). It will be preceded by the Fifes and Drums of York Town marching to the site at 11:45 a.m. Keynote speaker is Brig. Gen. John W. Smith, USA (Ret.) World War II veteran. The Rev. Richard Young, a Pearl Harbor survivor, also will participate in the program.
Williamsburg: At 10 a.m., the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation will host a commemorative service on the Palace Green honoring fallen service members. A procession with the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums and military programs staff will begin at the Governor’s Palace and proceed to Bruton Parish Church, ending at the Capitol. Remarks, placement of wreaths and ceremonial musket volleys honor soldiers of the American Revolution, the Civil War and other conflicts.
Isle of Wight County: At 11 a.m., a ceremony will be held at the Veterans Memorial (North Church and Luter streets). A lunch will follow at American Legion Post 49 on S. Church Street.
Virginia War Museum: The Virginia War Museum (9285 Warwick Blvd. in Newport News) will offer $1 off admission all day.