Celebrated on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day will see Bay Area organizations marking the occasion with wreath-laying ceremonies, memorial services and special presentations honoring American soldiers and their personal sacrifices made for our country.
But in addition to solemn observances on May 25, the three-day weekend marks the unofficial start to the summer season. Whether you choose to hit the beach for an afternoon barbecue, or brave the crowds at one of the many large scale events — including Carnaval San Francisco and the BottleRock Napa Valley music festival — there are an abundance of celebratory options to get into some good fun.
Services and Ceremonies
Memorial Day Flag Planting at San Francisco National Cemetery
Join scouts of all ages, to help plant thousands of flags in preparation for the Presidio National Cemetery’s Memorial Day observance. While it is a major service event for local Scouts, friends, families and community volunteers are encouraged to participate in this tribute to fallen U.S. military personnel.
Arrive by 8:45 a.m.; program 9-11 a.m. Saturday, May 23. Free, registration required. San Francisco Presidio National Cemetery, 1 Lincoln Blvd., S.F. www.goldengatescouting.org/memorial-day-flags
Royal Canadian Legion Memorial Day Service
Branch 25 of the Royal Canadian Legion San Francisco Bay Area plans to host a program honoring the holiday with members of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Arkansas Division…