Florida Keys communities will remember the fallen at several Memorial Day ceremonies on Monday morning.
“Memorial Day is a time for our community to come together in remembrance and gratitude,” said Monroe County Community Services Director Cathy Crane. “We encourage residents and visitors to participate in these ceremonies and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives in service to our nation.”
Memorial Day is traced to the end of the American Civil War and was known as Decoration Day, a day when graves of fallen soldiers were decorated in memory of their service. In 1971, Congress designated Memorial Day as a national holiday on the last Monday in May to honor those who died while serving in the military.
Lower Keys
The Navy League will host a ceremony at 9 a.m. at the Key West Cemetery at the USS Maine Memorial. At 10 a.m., a ceremonial laying of the wreaths will be held at the Veterans Memorial at Bayview Park. At 11 a.m., there will be a ceremony at the Southern Keys Cemetery on Big Coppitt Key.
Middle Keys
Marathon American Legion Post 154 will host a Memorial Day ceremony at 10 a.m. at the Big Pine Memorial Gardens. The community is invited to gather at the Post, 4115 Overseas Highway, at noon.
The public is invited to join Monroe County Fire Rescue, Veterans Affairs, and Parks and Beaches in a “Murph” workout at Big Pine Key Community Park on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25. Registration is at 8:15 a.m., with the workout beginning at 9 a.m. The event honors the legacy of Lt. Michael Murphy, a U.S. Navy SEAL who died in Afghanistan in 2005. All fitness levels are welcome.
The event is free, but donations to the Key West Military Affairs Committee will be accepted at www.keywestmac.com. Participant waiver required. Weighted vests and red, white, and blue attire are encouraged as the county begins to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
Upper Keys
The Matecumbe Historical Trust will hold its annual Memorial Day service at the Hurricane Monument. Beginning at 9 a.m., the program will start with an introduction. It will be followed by the invocation, presentation of colors, pledge of allegiance, the national anthem and guest speaker state Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez.
Wreaths will be laid by Centennial Bank and Daughters of the American Revolution, followed by taps. Two Big Brothers, made up of Vincent and Dante Jiovenetta, will play patriotic songs throughout. A benediction will conclude the ceremony.
In Key Largo, Monroe County Veterans Affairs is co-hosting an 11 a.m. ceremony with VFW Post 10211 at the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo.
