Space Coast Memorial Day Ceremonies Will Abound
Every year in Brevard County there are many solemn ceremonies to honor and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country during Memorial Day weekend. The year 2025 may set a record. While details of many ceremonies were not released as of press time, from Palm Bay to Titusville you can choose to attend at least one of eight such major programs. In this space we will highlight one — the Cocoa Parade and Riverfront Park Ceremony on Monday, 26 May at 3:30 and 5 pm respectively.
But first, let’s focus on Memorial Day and its meaning. The concept began during the Civil War as Remembrance Day, then was declared by congress last century as part of a three day weekend to be celebrated on the last Monday in May every year. More than 1.2 million Americans have died in direct combat with our enemies since the Revolutionary War, with millions more grievously wounded or fallen as a result of military service. Recently we count over 58,000 killed in Vietnam and over 7290 who have fallen since the USS Cole and 9/11. Simply put, there is no America without the veterans since 1775 who were willing to risk all. It is clearly right to honor their sacrifice and memories around Memorial Day and in between beach picnics and shopping for sales.
This year in Cocoa there will be the Parade and, starting at 5 pm, a moving ceremony reflecting the meaning and purpose of having a national “Memorial Day”. Even before that Monday please visit from 19-23 May and on 26 May, at the Cocoa Village historic Porcher House, an exhibit of 21 paintings which capture the meaning and impact of Memorial Day. Gold Star Mother Jeanne Harris Weaver, who grew up in Brevard County is the artist and will be the keynote speaker at the 5 pm ceremony. Her exhibit is “Losing Todd: A Mother’s Journey” and tells the lifelong story and ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan of her son, 1LT Todd William Weaver, US Army Ranger and Infantry Officer, killed on 09 Sep 2010, in combat in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
If you cannot make any of the Ceremonies, or watch national services on TV, please find time to pause that day and reflect on those who paid the ultimate price so you may do what you wish every day.
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