Here are all the 2023 Memorial Day parades, ceremonies in Bradenton-Sarasota

James A. Jones Jr.
·4 min read
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The Bradenton-Sarasota area has a number of Memorial Day events planned to honor those who died in military service to the United States.

Among them:

▪ Four Gold Star families will tell their stories about fallen loved ones during the Sarasota National Cemetery Memorial Day program 10 a.m. Saturday, May 27. Gold Star families are those who lost a loved one during wartime.

The program will offer a glimpse into the lives of men and women who wore a U.S. military uniform and made the ultimate sacrifice. Vocalists Lindsey Graham and Jae Langston will perform music appropriate to Memorial Day.

The program will be presented in the cemetery’s Patriot Plaza amphitheater, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota.

▪ SRQ VETS is holding its 8th annual 5K Memorial Hike on Saturday, May 27. The hike will start at J.D. Hamel War Memorial Park, proceed to Sarasota Main Street and return to the park for an afternoon of fun. Activities include a cookout, music, rock wall, bungee jumping, raffles and more. For a $30 per person donation, participants receive an event shirt, lunch, and a beverage. Children under 12 are admitted free with paid adult. For more information or tickets, visit https://www.srqvets.us/hike/.

▪ Tribute to Heroes Parade includes a pre-block party starting at 6 p.m. Sunday, May 28, on Lakewood Ranch Main Street, followed by the parade at 7 p.m. Retired Army Col. Gill Ruderman, a combat wounded veteran from the Vietnam War, will be parade marshal. There will be food and drinks available and activities for children. Attendees are welcome to bring chairs and their dogs on a leash. No coolers or outside food and drink are allowed.

▪ Manatee County Veterans Council hosts the annual Memorial Day service at the Donald L. Courtney Veterans Park at 9 a.m. Monday, May 29. The park is on the Bradenton Riverwalk behind Manatee Memorial Hospital.

Jim Klocke, chairman of the Manatee County Veterans Council, will present opening remarks. Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown will be the guest speaker. Planned are singing of the National Anthem, laying of wreaths by the Braden River Junior ROTC and playing of taps to conclude the service.

▪ The City of Anna Maria has its annual Memorial Day ceremony to honor fallen heroes 10 a.m. Monday, May 29, in City Pier Park. Immediately following the ceremony the city will mark its 100th anniversary with 1920s music along with interesting and fun facts from the city’s start in 1923. The celebration will include refreshments. The 8th annual Memorial Day Symphony Salute at 10 a.m. will feature the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra along with a salute to all veterans present as well as their spouses and significant others.

▪ The Sarasota Memorial Day parade will be hosted by the Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee in conjunction with the City of Sarasota starting at 10 a.m. Monday, May 29, followed by a ceremony at approximately 11 a.m. There will be road closures in the area during the parade.

The parade starts at Main Street and Osprey Avenue and travels westward on Main Street. The parade ends at Main Street and Gulfstream Avenue (Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park). The keynote speaker will be retired Navy Capt. Richard Petrucci.

Road closures:

  • 9 a.m.–12 p.m. – Gulfstream Avenue closed from Cocoanut Avenue to McAnsh Sq.

  • 9 a.m.–12 p.m. – Main Street closed from U.S. 301 to Gulfstream Avenue

  • 9 a.m.–12 p.m. – Links Avenue closed from 1st Street to Ringling Boulevard

  • 9 a.m.–12 p.m. – Osprey Avenue closed from 2nd Street to Ringling Boulevard

Vehicles not removed by the posted time will be towed at the owner’s expense.

▪ Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home will hold a Memorial Day service 9 a.m. Monday, May 29, at the veterans monument in Manasota Memorial Park, 1221 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton. Taking part will be American Legion Christopher Cobb Memorial Post 312 and and Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 18. Stephen Van Cott, commander of Post 312, will be the guest speaker. The public is invited. Information: 941-755-2688.

▪ Freedom Village of Bradenton senior living community will host a Memorial Day Remembrance ceremony and reception 2 to 3 p.m. Monday, May 29, in the Landings Auditorium on the Freedom Village campus, 6406 21st Ave. W.,Bradenton More than 75 veterans call Freedom Village home, and most of the servicemen and servicewomen will be on hand, including several who served in World War II, as well as those who served in conflicts from different eras..

Have a Memorial Day event that is not included here? Let us know with an email to jajones1@bradenton.com.

The annual Memorial Day observance in Bradenton will be held at 9 a.m. May 29 at the Don Courtney Veterans Park, behind Manatee Memorial Hospital. File photo was taken in 2014.
The annual Memorial Day observance in Bradenton will be held at 9 a.m. May 29 at the Don Courtney Veterans Park, behind Manatee Memorial Hospital. File photo was taken in 2014.
Sarasota National Cemetery, which opened in 2008 at 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, is the resting place for thousands of veterans, including a number who lost their lives in wars after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. This photo was taken in 2014.
Sarasota National Cemetery, which opened in 2008 at 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, is the resting place for thousands of veterans, including a number who lost their lives in wars after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. This photo was taken in 2014.