Lakeland Memorial Day 2024: Poppy Plates, Tribute, Water Ski Show

LAKELAND, FL — As Memorial Day approaches, here are some traditional ways to honor the holiday and those who have died during their U.S. military service in the greater Lakeland area:

Poppy Plates

VFW Post 4289 in Winter Haven is selling poppy plates as a way for people to remember friends and loved ones who served in the military. Donations start at $1 per name.

Lakeland Harley Davidson

This Harley Davidson dealership in Lakeland once again honors Memorial Day May 25-27, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with live music, a free cookout and free beer, a used bike tent sale, special deals and more.

Free Skate Night

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth Advocate Coalition of Polk County is treating the community to a free skate session over Memorial Day weekend on May 25, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., at Skate World Lakeland.

Memorial Day Tribute

Lakeland Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 2125 Bartow Highway, presents its annual Memorial Day Tribute on May 27, 10 a.m., in partnership with the Polk County Veterans Council.

The event includes guest speaker state Rep. Jennifer Canady, Pastor Richard Piatt II officiating over the service, and musical guests Pastor Caleb Skinner and bagpiper Paul MacCleish.

A complimentary lunch catered by 2nd Hand Smoke will follow the tribute.

Donations will be accepted and cards will be available to fill out for care packages to be sent to local deployed troops.

The funeral home also asks residents to drop off photos of their loved ones who served in the military for the annual Wall of Honor Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Memorial Day Family Connections Picnic

Southside Church in Lakeland is hosting this potluck lunch at Christina Park on May 27, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a dish to share. Sign up online or in person in the church lobby.

Memorial Day Barbecue Cookout

Lake Gibson Village assisted living community, 771 Carpenters Way in Lakeland, is hosting a community barbecue May 27, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Veterans receive a free meal. The guest price is $16 per person. RSVP by May 24 by calling 863-858-1202.

Memorial Day at Swan Brewing

This Lakeland brewery hosts live music, Walker Mathison & The Ranahan Band, while Brother Burgers serves food on May 27, 2 to 5 p.m.

Cypress Garden Water Ski Show

The Cypress Garden Ski Team will perform a Memorial Day edition of its water ski show May 27, 5 p.m. Bring a chair or blanket for seating.

Other places to visit to honor those who have served:

Patriots Plaza

Florida Southern College in Lakeland commemorates its alumni and friends who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces at its Patriots Plaza. The plaza serves as a gateway to the revitalized seven-acre Barnett Athletic Complex near the heart of campus. It features a three-flag display with a fountain, serene garden areas and a recognition terrace with custom engraved bricks.

Polk County History Center

One exhibit at the History Center is “Polk County Land of Heroes: Military Galleries.” This exhibit showcases Polk’s military history going back to the Second Seminole War in the 1950s. It also features a film from the Spanish American War that was produced by Thomas Edison.

Veteran’s Memorial Park

This peaceful green space on Lake Beulah allows visitors to remember and honor those who served in the U.S. military. There are numerous monuments from many points in history.

Have a Memorial Day event to add to this list? Email Tiffany.Razzano@Patch.com.