Memorial Day 2023: Pay tribute with ceremonies, concerts and parades in Broward, Palm Beach

Memorial Day may be a day off from school and work, but it’s more than the unofficial start to summer. It’s a time to honor those who have died while serving in the U.S. military. The federal holiday, which has been observed on the last Monday in May since 1971, pays tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Cities throughout South Florida will continue that tradition with ceremonies, concerts and parades, and by volunteers placing flags on veterans’ graves.

The Victory Dolls, a South Florida-based singing group, will bring the nostalgia, belting out their best rendition of “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” by The Andrews Sisters, among other World War II-era hits and classic songs, at two shows this three-day weekend in Broward and Palm Beach counties. In addition to honoring several late Army veterans at the concerts, speakers will include Bob Livingston, a 100-year-old Army Air Corps veteran, and James Crider, who served in the Navy in World War II, as well as Navy veteran Mort Kuff and Marine Corps veteran Nick Passanisi, who will share stories about what life was like on the home front as well as in the military.

“I have seen the Victory Dolls perform before, but being on the stage and being recognized for my service and seeing the Dolls perform was fantastic,” said Livingston, who was honored during a performance two years ago.

Here are the Memorial Day events planned in Broward and Palm Beach counties:

Broward County

Memorial Day Celebration, 6-9 p.m.May 27. Boulevard Heights Community Center Amphitheater, 6770 Garfield St., Hollywood. Musical performance by the Silver Wings Band, DJ and food trucks. Bring a blanket or chair. Single-use plastics are prohibited. Call 954-921-3404.

Victory Dolls Concert, 2 p.m.May 28. The trio will salute World War II veterans during a performance at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, 50 W. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach. Tickets are $35. Visit pompanobeacharts.org/events/pompano-beach-live-presents-the-victory-dolls.

Memorial Day Ceremony, 5:30-7:30 p.m.May 28. Pine Trails Park Amphitheatre, 10561 Trails End, Parkland. A formal ceremony will be followed by a patriotic concert, speakers and food trucks. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. Visit cityofparkland.org/memorial, or call the special events hotline at 954-757-4215.

Memorial Day Ceremony, 9-10 a.m.May 29. Kirk Cottrell Pavilion, 314 NE 21st Ave., Deerfield Beach. The ceremony will honor and salute the men and women of the U.S. armed forces, particularly those who gave their lives in service to preserve freedom. Call 954-480-4429.

Memorial Day Ceremony, 9 a.m.May 29. Features the Fort Lauderdale Symphonic Winds with James Perkowski, opening hymn, invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, remarks, parade of colors and dove release, among other traditions. Hosted by the city of Fort Lauderdale at Memorial Park Cemetery, 2001 SW Fourth Ave. Visit parks.fortlauderdale.gov/parks/memorial-day-ceremony.

Memorial Day Ceremony, 9 a.m.May 29. Wreath placement, bagpipes, speakers and the presentation of colors. Sunrise Civic Center Theatre, 10610 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise. Call 954-746-3670.

Memorial Day Ceremony, 9 a.m.May 29. Veterans Memorial Park, 7044 NW First St., Margate. The ceremony will honor the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military. Visit margatefl.com and click on news.

Memorial Day Ceremony, 9 a.m.May 29. Hosted by the American Legion Post 170 and the city of Coconut Creek, the event will feature speakers and dignitaries. Veterans Park, 3550 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will take place in the Recreation Complex, 4455 Sol Press Blvd. Call 954-545-6670.

Memorial Day Ceremony, 9 a.m.May 29. Hosted by the city of Coral Springs in partnership with the Veterans Coalition of Coral Springs. Veterans Park, 8601 Royal Palm Blvd., Coral Springs. The event will feature a keynote speech from U.S. Army veteran Col. Jay Siegel, a 30-year Coral Springs resident who joined the U.S. Army after completing his ROTC commitment and graduating as a cadet major. If inclement weather occurs, the ceremony will take place at the Coral Springs Gymnasium, 2501 Coral Springs Drive. Call 954-345-2200.

Memorial Day Observance, 9-11 a.m.May 29. Donnith Fletcher Park, 7900 Johnson St., Pembroke Pines. Watch the Honor Guard present colors, recite the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Frank C. Ortis, and hear the national anthem by Sofia Verdura. There will be a guest speaker from Southern Command, followed by a wreath placement and dedication. A free light breakfast is included for everyone in attendance. A live feed of the ceremony will be available on facebook.com/cityofpembrokepines or @cityofppines on Instagram or Twitter. Call 954-392-2116.

Memorial Day Service, 9:30-11 a.m.May 29. The event will feature a procession of colors, guest speakers and patriotic music. Veterans Park, 1776 Lauderdale West Drive, Plantation. The event will also be livestreamed on facebook.com/CityofPlantationFL. Call 954-452-2510.

Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony, 10:15 a.m.May 29. The town of Davie and Scoutmasters Camporee Committee of the South Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America, step off the parade going east starting at Davie Fire Administration, 6905 Orange Drive, Davie. The route continues east on Orange Drive to Southwest 65th Way and then north to the Rodeo Grounds, 4201 Rodeo Way. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. featuring keynote speaker James Popham, an Eagle Scout and the O-Shot-Caw Lodge Chief for 2022-23, town dignitaries, presentation of colors by the color guard, folding and presentation of the United States flag and more. Call 954-797-1181, or email specialevents@davie-fl.gov.

Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony, 10 a.m.May 29. Put on by the Parks & Recreation Department, in collaboration with Public Works, the parade begins at McNab Park, 2250 E. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach and concludes at the Pompano Beach Cemetery, 400 SE 23rd Ave., where the ceremony will commence. Call 954-786-4111.

Memorial Day Ceremony, 10:30 a.m.May 29. Tamarac Community Center, 8601 W. Commercial Blvd., Tamarac. Call 954-597-3620.

Memorial Day Ceremony, 11 a.m.May 29. City Hall, 3650 NE 12th Ave./Main St., Oakland Park. Join city leaders and dignitaries along with the American Legion Post 222 to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Call 954-630-4500.

Palm Beach County

Memorial Day Flag Distribution, 8-10 a.m.May 26. Memorial Park, 1611 S. Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach. The Boynton Beach Veteran’s Task Force will work with volunteers to place flags on veterans’ graves. Volunteers are needed to help. Call 561-742-6220, or email johnsonj@bbfl.us.

Flags for Fallen Vets will be placing markers at grave sites at 8:45 a.m.May 28. South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 State Road 7, Lake Worth. Visit flagsforfallenvets.com.

Memorial Day Ceremony, 2-3 p.m.May 28. Presented by the Veteran’s Task Force. Boynton Beach Memorial Park, 1611 S. Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach. The ceremony will take place near the mausoleum under the overhang area. Tents and seating will be available. Call 561-742-6220, or email johnsonj@bbfl.us.

Victory Dolls Concert, 12:30 p.m.May 29. The trio will salute World War II veterans during a performance at The Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 NW Ninth St., Delray Beach. Tickets are $49 (includes lunch). Visit delraybeachplayhouse.com/performance/the-victory-dolls-memorial-day-anniversary.

A Day to Remember, 11:50 a.m.May 29. Presented by Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, the 18th annual Memorial Day service will include massing of colors, wreath presentations, POW/MIA ceremony, USVII torpedo display, dove release and patriotic music. The keynote speaker is WPTV-Ch. 5 news anchor and Navy veteran Mike Trim, with former news anchor and Army veteran Jim Sackett as emcee. Palm Beach Memorial Park Cemetery, 3691 N. Seacrest Blvd., Lantana. Call 561-585-6444.

Memorial Day Ceremony, 9-10 a.m.May 29. Boca Raton Cemetery and Mausoleum, 451 SW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton. The event will feature veterans’ groups, city officials, music by the Fort Lauderdale Highlanders and Coastmen Chorus, drills by Boca Raton Community High School NJROTC, and the Boca Raton Police and Fire Honor Guard. Seating is provided with a reserved section for Gold Star families. Visit bit.ly/3MHfszL.

Memorial Day Program, 9:30 a.m.May 29. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10556 will present their annual event with a procession of colors, guest speakers, wreath ceremony and patriotic music. A livestream of the program will be on facebook.com/pbcparks. Veterans Memorial Park, 9400 W. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton.

Memorial Day Concert, 7-8:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) May 29. Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. The band Krescendo will perform patriotic music and American favorites. Bring a chair or blanket. Reserved seating is available for Gold Star families. Chair rental is $5 and free for active military and veterans. Refreshments will also be available for purchase. No coolers or outside alcoholic beverages are permitted. Limited free parking for veterans will be offered in the lot adjacent to the amphitheater. Visit bit.ly/3MHfszL.

Memorial Day Ceremony, 9 a.m.May 29. In addition to a wreath ceremony, flags will be presented by the Palm Beach Gardens Police and Fire-Rescue Honor Guard. Veterans Plaza Amphitheater, 10500 N. Military Trail,, Palm Beach Gardens. Visit pbgfl.com/774/Memorial-Day-Ceremony.

Memorial Day Mass, 10 a.m.-noonMay 29. The mass is offered for all of those who have died in service and there will be a special military tribute to everyone who has served in the military. Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery, Outdoor Chapel, 10941 Southern Blvd., Royal Palm Beach. A limited amount of seating will be provided, but attendees can bring their own chair. Visit ourqueen.org/event/memorial-day-mass-2023.

Memorial Day Ceremony, 9:30 a.m.May 29. Veterans Park Amphitheater, 1036 Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Royal Palm Beach. Visit royalpalmbeachfl.gov/parksrec/page/memorial-day.

Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony, May 29. Presented by the village of Wellington and the American Legion Post 390. Veterans are invited to walk in the parade starting at 8:15 a.m. at Wellington Village Hall, 12300 Forest Hill Blvd. The ceremony begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial, 11848 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. Call Michelle Garvey at 561-791-4082 to participate in the parade or ceremony.

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