From Ceremonies to Concerts: Communities Unite for Memorial Day Tributes

Posted On: May 23, 2025

Memorial Day serves as a solemn reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by the brave men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Originally known as Decoration Day, this federal holiday emerged after the Civil War as communities began decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and flags. Today, Memorial Day represents more than just the unofficial start of summer – it's a time for Americans to pause, reflect, and honor those who gave their lives to protect our freedoms and way of life.

There are numerous meaningful ways to observe Memorial Day, from attending traditional ceremonies to visiting cemeteries and memorials, including Volusia County’s new Veterans Memorial Plaza in Daytona Beach. Here’s a list of key events around the county.

DELAND

Memorial Ceremony at Bill Dreggors Park: 9 a.m. Monday, May 26, in the Veterans Plaza & Gardens section of Bill Dreggors Park, 230 N. Stone St. Start Memorial Day with a moving ceremony in which the DeLand Fire Department will present colors and the Volusia Sheriff's Office Shotgun Team will honor fallen heroes with a traditional rifle salute, followed by the haunting beauty of Taps performed by Richard Fleitas. The Vet Center of Daytona Beach will be on-site to connect veterans with valuable services. Hosted by American Legion Adam Quinn Post 6 and Orange Baker Post 187, this 45-minute ceremony will be followed by a free tour of the DeLand Memorial Hospital and Veterans Museum.

Memorial Gardens Tribute: 10 a.m. Monday, May 26, at DeLand Memorial Gardens, 600 E. Beresford Ave. Experience another stirring ceremony complete with an aerial flyover as the community gathers to honor local veterans in this peaceful garden setting.

DELTONA

Memorial Day Crafts for Families: 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 25, at Lyonia Environmental Center, 2150 Eustace Ave. Bring the kids for a heartwarming afternoon where creativity meets gratitude. Families will craft meaningful remembrance projects while learning about service and sacrifice in an age-appropriate way. This program is recommended for ages 7 and up. Reservations are required; call 386-789-7207, ext. 21028, or visit https://tinyurl.com/lec-event. 

Veterans Memorial Park Gathering: 10 a.m. Monday, May 26, at Veterans Memorial Park, 1921 Evard Ave. Join neighbors in bringing wreaths to leave in loving remembrance.

ORANGE CITY

Memorial Day Service: Noon Monday, May 26, at Deltona Memorial Funeral Home & Gardens, 1295 Saxon Blvd., Orange City. This meaningful program will include guest speakers and the ceremonial transfer of flags.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH

Music and Remembrance by the River: 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 26, at the Brannon Center, 105 S. Riverside Drive. The soulful sounds of the Sanford Jazz Ensemble will provide a moving musical backdrop for speakers and wreath-laying ceremonies in this riverside setting that perfectly captures the spirit of reflection and community.

ORMOND BEACH

Garden Remembrance Ceremony: 9 a.m. Monday, May 26, at Rockefeller Gardens, 26 Riverside Drive. Join the Ormond Beach Leisure Services Department, the Memorial Remembrance Committee, American Legion Post 267, and American Legion Unit 267. The service will include patriotic music, guest speakers, a solemn wreath-laying ceremony, and a moment of silence to reflect and remember.

PORT ORANGE

Community Unity at Veterans Park: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 26, at Veterans Park, 4655 City Center Circle. Join the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3282 and the Port Orange Parks and Recreation Department for a heartfelt tribute to those who have served our country and sacrificed for our freedoms. 

Beyond the ceremonies, Volusia County's stunning beaches, parks, and historic sites provide the perfect backdrop for family gatherings where stories of service can be shared with younger generations – ensuring that the legacy of our heroes lives on.

For the most up-to-date information on any event, contact the hosting organizations directly. Let us come together this Memorial Day weekend to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future.