Memorial Day is often marked as the unofficial start of summer, as Polk's high school seniors have graduated and there's only a few days left for younger students. Temperatures have soared, and it's time to hit the beach.
But there's a much more solemn meaning to the national holiday that warrants some quiet reflection and appreciation. Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, was first organized in 1868 to decorate the graves of the Civil War's dead with flowers, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It has since been expanded to honor veterans of all wars who lost their lives in service to our country.
No matter what your plans are this weekend, here are eight local Polk County events that aim to honor those soldiers who have fallen and pay respect for their sacrifice.
Friday, May 24
Davenport will host a Missing Man Exhibit on Friday and Saturday inside the Tom Fellows Community Center, 207 North Boulevard W. The exhibit will include ceremony instruction with pictures of six Polk County residents who made the ultimate sacrifice in the War on Terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan, alongside 358 individuals from Florida.
Saturday, May 25
Join the NAACP Lakeland Branch's Armed Services Veterans Affairs Committee for a Memorial Day Tribute at 10 a.m. at Veteran's Memorial Park, Lake Beulah Drive in Lakeland. This year's guest speaker will be retired U.S. Army Col. Nolan Hinson.
Memorial Day, May 27
The City of Auburndale and the Auburndale High School NJROTC Bloodhound Battalion will host a wreath-laying ceremony in honor of Auburndale's veterans at 9 a.m. Monday across the street from the Historic Train Depot, 119 W. Park. St.
Davenport will host a Laying of the Wreath ceremony at 9 a.m. Memorial Day at the memorial for the Medal of Honor winner James R. "Red" Hendrix at Wilson Park, 5 State St. There will be a reading of the names and laying of wreath with Mayor Brynn Summerlin and City Manager Kelly Callihan.
Haines City will host a Military Court of Honor at Railroad Park, 502 E. Main St., to remember those who have lost their lives while serving in our country's armed services at 9 a.m. on Memorial Day.
Lakeland Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, in partnership with the Polk County Veterans Council, will pay tribute to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces with a 10 a.m. tribute Monday at 2125 Bartow Road, Lakeland. The guest speaker is Florida Rep. Jennifer Canady with musical guest Pastor Caleb Skinner and bagpiper Paul Macleish. The ceremony will be officiated by Pastor Richard Piatt II. There will be coloring activities available for children. Donations will be accepted to send care packages to deployed troops.
Lake Wales' Bok Tower Gardens will be offering free admission to all military veterans, including active duty, with valid military ID. The gardens are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales.
Winter Haven American Legion Post 8 will hold a Memorial Day flag raising at noon on the deck at 300 Ave. M. N.W., Winter Haven, followed by a potluck. The Cypress Gardens Water Ski team will put on a free Memorial Day show starting at 1:15 p.m., followed by a musical performance by Gunnar Raye.
Sara-Megan Walsh can be reached at swalsh@theledger.com or 863-802-7545. Follow on X @SaraWalshFl.
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