Memorial Day Weekend 2023: 9 Things To Do Around Lakeland

LAKELAND, FL — The upcoming Memorial Day weekend, May 27 to 29, in Lakeland is part of a nearly 160-year tradition that pays tribute to military personnel who lost their lives in service to their country.

As the observance has changed over the years, many families also use Memorial Day as an occasion to visit the cemeteries of loved ones and leave flowers at the graves, regardless of whether they served in the military.

Every year, a national moment of remembrance is held at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day. No matter where they are or what they’re doing, Americans are asked to pause for one minute in silence to remember military personnel who have given their lives in service to their country.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the midday time was chosen because it’s a time when many Americans will be enjoying their freedoms on a national holiday.

Below are some ways to commemorate Memorial Day:

Lakeland Memorial Day Observance

The city of Lakeland will host a Memorial Day ceremony Saturday, May 27 at 10 a.m. at Veteran Memorial Park on Lake Beulah in Lakeland.

The event is being organized by the Lakeland Branch NAACP. The guest speaker will be John Hillery.

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Memorial Day Celebration

Lakeland Harley-Davidson, 402 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland, will host a Memorial Day Celebration Monday, May 29 at 11 a.m. with a free barbecue cookout, DJ, vendors and a used bike tent sale.

The dealership will also host a Rocking Sunday event Sunday, May 28, at 11 a.m. with a cookout, vendors and a DJ.

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Memorial Day Tribute

Lakeland Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 2125 Bartow Highway, Lakeland, will host a Memorial Day Tribute on Monday, May 29 from 10 to 11 a.m.

Join the Polk County Veterans Council at this tribute honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. Congressman Scott Franklin will be speaking. The Rev. Caleb Skinner will be the musical guest and Gemma Briggs will play the bagpipes. A complimentary lunch catered by 2nd Hand Smoke will follow the tribute.

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Memorial Day At Swan Brewing

Join Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland, on Monday, May 29 from noon to 9 p.m. for Memorial Day. At 2 p.m., hear the acoustic tunes of Shawn Rahn and indulge in some eats from Fat Maggie's Food Truck.

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Memorial Day At Grove Roots Brewing

Grove Roots Brewing Co., 302 3rd St. SW, Winter Haven, will observe Memorial Day on Monday, May 29 from noon to 7 p.m. with music by Adam Silvetti and food provided by the veteran-owned Chubby Wubby's Hotdogs.

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Memorial Day At Applebees

Honor the fallen at Applebees, 201 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven, on Saturday, May 27, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. There will be drink specials on the pati0, a DJ and raffles.

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Memorial Day At Bok Tower Gardens

Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, is offering free admission to all military veterans including active-duty with a valid ID on Monday, May 29 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Memorial Day Cookout

Spirit Lake Community Church, 2600 Spirit Lake Road, Winter Haven, is having a Memorial Day Cookout on Saturday, May 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with free food and water slides.

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Memorial Day Picnic

VFW Post 4289 in Winter Haven will host a Memorial Day Picnic on Monday, May 29 starting with a flag raising at 1:45 p.m., following by hot dogs, hamburgers, live music and a basket raffle. Bring a dish to share.

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