May 25, 2025

Memorial Day Observance Ceremony in Tampa Honors Veterans

News Summary

The 28th annual Memorial Day Observance will be held at Veterans Memorial Park in Tampa, honoring veterans and their families. The ceremony features Gold Star families, notable guests, and traditional honors like taps and a rifle salute. In addition, Tampa International Airport anticipates peak travel during the holiday weekend, encouraging travelers to be prepared. The American Victory Ship will also celebrate its 80th anniversary with special events, enhancing community engagement while honoring those who served.

Tampa, FL – The 28th annual Memorial Day Observance ceremony is set to take place this Sunday at 10 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum. The ceremony is dedicated to honoring veterans and their families who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the nation.

Local Gold Star family members will be specifically honored through the presentation of “Garden of Gold” pictorial flags, commemorating their loved ones who lost their lives in military service. Additionally, attendees will be welcomed by a prominent display of the American flag, which will soar over 150 feet above the entrance to the park, setting a poignant tone for the day.

Special guests at this year’s event include Col. Jeff J. Mrazik, the Commander of the 6th Operations Group at MacDill Air Force Base, and Retired U.S. Army Col. Alfred “Al” Carter, who serves as the Chief of Staff for the Florida Department of Veteran Affairs. Representatives from Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) will also take part in the ceremony. The observance will feature traditional elements such as a rifle salute and the playing of taps, further honoring those who have served.

Memorial Day Weekend Travel

As Memorial Day marks one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, AAA is predicting record travel numbers for 2025, with over 45 million Americans expected to travel. Approximately 39 million of those travelers will be hitting the roads, while the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates screening over 18 million passengers at airports across the country. Tampa International Airport expects approximately 300,000 travelers during the three-day weekend.

In preparation for the increased crowd, officials recommend booking airport parking online prior to arrival due to anticipated demand. The Florida Highway Patrol is also ramping up patrols, focusing on speeding, impaired driving, and aggressive behavior to ensure road safety during this heavy travel period. More than 2 million Floridians are expected to drive over 50 miles this holiday weekend, leading to increases in traffic on major highways.

Travelers are urged to check their vehicles for maintenance, get sufficient rest, and allow for extra travel time to mitigate delays on the roads. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is similarly enhancing patrols on popular waterways to promote safety during the holiday as families flock to the beach for leisure and recreation.

American Victory Ship Celebrations

In addition to the Memorial Day observance, the American Victory Ship, a historic floating museum located in Tampa, will celebrate its 80th anniversary this Memorial Day weekend. The ship will host a series of events, including rare guided tours of its engine room and the presence of local food trucks, providing an engaging experience for visitors and community members alike.

Admission to the American Victory Ship will be set at $8 throughout the weekend, with the ship opening its doors early at 10 a.m. on Memorial Day. The ship is also seeking volunteers to assist with tours and activities throughout the year, fostering community involvement and participation in this historic maritime asset.

Open Park and Accessibility

For those wishing to visit Veterans Memorial Park, it is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring free admission and parking for all guests. Memorial Day serves as a reminder to remember those who have served in the armed forces, and this year’s observance offers a space for reflection and gratitude within the Tampa community.

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Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER

The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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