5 Memorial Day events to know ahead of the holiday weekend in New Bern

Symone Graham, Sun Journal
·3 min read
Remembrance can take many shapes and forms and includes honoring those who fought for our freedoms and those with whom we lived and loved.
Remembrance can take many shapes and forms and includes honoring those who fought for our freedoms and those with whom we lived and loved.

Memorial Day may be known as the unofficial start of summer, but it's also a time to remember and show gratitude for America's fallen soldiers.

Communities throughout New Bern will be commemorating the holiday with music, ceremonies, a golf tournament and more.

Some events were held ahead of Memorial Day weekend. Blue Star Memorial Marker Dedication was Tuesday at the New Bern National Cemetery. The Trent Woods Garden Club hosted the event with support from the Knights of Columbus Assembly, the Elks Lodge and the Vietnam Wall Committee.

The dedication honored more than 7,500 servicemen and women who are buried at the national cemetery.

Here are some events planned Thursday through Monday to observe the Memorial Day holiday in New Bern:

Memorial Day Ceremony

A Memorial Day ceremony is  6-7 p.m. Thursday at the Cullman Performance Hall in the North Carolina History Center, 529 S. Front Street in New Bern.

The observance is a 155-year-old tradition recognizing local veterans' service while. The event is free. Doors open at 4:45 p.m. and close at 6 p.m.

New Bern National Cemetery ceremony

The Craven County Veterans' Council announced the return of the Memorial Day Ceremony at the New Bern National Cemetery.

More: Annual Memorial Day Ceremony returns to National Cemetery

The ceremony is 11 a.m.-noon Monday at the cemetery at 1711 National Ave.

The program includes the presentation of the National Colors, singing of the National Anthem, recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, the introduction of Gold Star Mothers and a reading of the Gettysburg Address.

The ceremony concludes with veteran and community wreath placements and the playing of "Taps." Those who attend are asked to bring weather protection and lawn chairs.

Mayor Leander R. "Lee" Morgan Memorial Golf Classic

The third annual Mayor Leander R. "Lee" Morgan Memorial Golf Classic is 8 a.m- 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Harbour Pointe Golf Club, 1105 Barkentine Drive in New Bern.

More: Leander Morgan Sr. Memorial Golf Classic raises funds for Stanley White Rec Center

The New Bern Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity is hosting the event which honors New Bern's first Black mayor and Black alderman, Leander Morgan. Proceeds will benefit the Stanley White Recreation Center rebuilding efforts.

The event is open to the public and interested golfers can register to play on eventbrite.com.

Memorial Day Celebration at The Garage

The Garage, a local beer bar, is hosting a celebration to honor veterans in the New Bern area noon -4 p.m. Saturday at 1209 U.S. Highway 70 East in James City. The celebration will include food, raffles, door prizes and a DJ.

Veterans will receive tickets for food and drinks to honor their service and sacrifices. The event is sponsored by Sentry Residential Real Estate in New Bern.

Sunday Serenade

Vocalist Alisa Mike with AM Serenades performs at the Doubletree Hilton Deck in New Bern, 100 Middle St., 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Sunday.

Reporter Symone Graham can be reached by email at sgraham@gannett.com. Have a story tip or idea? Send it her way. 

This article originally appeared on Sun Journal: 5 things to do in New Bern for Memorial Day weekend