Memorial Day is a federal holiday that falls on the last monday in May. It is a day set aside to honor those members of the armed forces who gave their lives fighting for our country. It is also a great time to be thankful to all of those who fought and continue to fight for our freedom.
In many cases the best way to honor those we have lost is by celebrating the life they had here on earth. We do that all over the country through ceremonies, parades, and time with family and friends. Here is your 2016 to guide to what’s happening in Philly this Memorial Day.
Parades and Ceremonies
The traditional Decoration Day service of the Grand Army Meade Post #1 will be recreated at historic Laurel Hill Cemetery, the site of the first Memorial Day Observance in Philadelphia in 1868. A wreath-laying, speeches and honor guards will enhance the ceremony. The event is co-sponsored by the General Meade Society of Philadelphia, the Friends of Laurel Hill Cemetery, American Legion Post #405, Post #1 Society, Union League, and Anna M. Ross Camp #1, Sons of Union Veterans. Complimentary beer and refreshments will be served after the service.
The event will take place on Sunday, May 29 at 12pm sharp. Visitors can enter through Laurel Hill’s Gatehouse at 3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19132. Free parking is located in the lot across the street from the Gatehouse.
Admission to the event is FREE and open to the public; a $5 donation in support of Laurel Hill Cemetery’s work and preservation is suggested and would be much appreciated. For additional information, phone (215) 228-8200.
Bridesburg Memorial Day Parade
The Bridesburg Memorial Day Parade starts at 10am. It begins on Richmond Street and follows to Bridge Street to Thompson Street and then Orthodox Street. Be sure to get there early to avoid road closures and find a spot to enjoy!
The American flag will be raised every morning and lowered every evening on the museum’s front lawn. Visitors will have the opportunity to participate as they learn more about this patriotic ceremony. On Memorial Day Monday, May 30, 2016, visitors can also join us for a special ceremony at 12 p.m. as we raise the flag from half to full staff, in accordance with U.S. tradition.
Saturday, 9:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m.
Sunday, 12 p.m. and 4:45 p.m.
Monday, 9:30 a.m., 12 p.m., and 4:45 p.m.
Other Memorial Day Fun
Blue Cross Riverrink Summerfest
Opening just in time for Memorial Day weekend on May 27th 2016. The summerfest includes a roller skating rink that is free admission to Blue Cross card holders, a 9-hole mini-golf course, and a brand new Chickie’s and Pete’s Waterfront Crabshack.
If you want to lounge in a hammock, indulge in some popular Philly foods like federal doughnuts or Franklin Fountain ice cream, taste local beers, or try out your paddle-board skills on the Delaware river than Spruce Street Harbor Park is the perfect way to spend your Memorial Day weekend!
During Memorial Day Weekend, the National Constitution Center will pay tribute to those brave men and women by exploring how Americans today honor our military heroes.
Admission will be Free on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30. The National Constitution Center’s Memorial Day was made possible through the support of a grant from the John Templeton Foundation.
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