NOTE: These events were for 2011.
Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day, is a time to commemorate men and women who died while serving in the military, as well as thank peiople who serve or have served in the nations armed forces.
Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of summer and throughout the metroplex, you and your family can celebrate this national holiday by attending some of the many concerts, memorials and festivals that DFW has to offer.
Monday, May 30
Memorial Day Celebration on Main
Downtown Rowlett | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.| Free
The Rowlett Memorial Day Celebration event will begin in Veteran’s Park, honoring the men and women who gave their lives to preserve freedom. The event will also feature Torch-a-Truck and Rowlett High School’s Silver Rhythm Dancers.
Grand Prairie Memorial Day Celebration
Veterans Memorial | 925 Conover Drive | 10 a.m. | Free
The city will have a Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 30 at 10 a.m. at the Grand Prairie Veterans Memorial, 925 W. Conover. The event will feature a bagpiper, 21-gun salute, flyover, photo display, free lunch, free trees and military memorabilia for sale.
Memorial Day Program at DFW National Cemetery
Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery | 11 a.m. | Free
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Texas National Cemetery Foundation (TNCF) invite the public to attend a Memorial Day Ceremony at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Brigadier General Joseph P. DiSalvo, Deputy Commanding General, III Corps and Fort Hood, Texas will give keynote remarks. Other program highlights include: a flyover by military aircraft, 21-volley cannon salute, band, choir, and wreath placement.
Memorial Jam Texas Style 2011
Fort Worth Stockyards | 11 a.m. | $20 pre-purchase tickets, $30 at the door
Memorial Jam Texas Style will feature 20 Texas/Red Dirt & Country music stars on 4 stages for a full day of Texas style Memorial Day fun.
DBU 14th Annual Memorial Day Service
3000 Mountain Creek Parkway | 1:30 p.m. | Free
Dallas Baptist University will host its 14th Annual Memorial Day Service TODAY, Monday, May 30, at 1:30 p.m. on the DBU main campus. The event is open to the public and free of charge. Pre-program patriotic music will be provided from 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. This year's guest speaker will be former Dallas Mayor and current U.S. Senate candidate Tom Leppert.
Mount Olivet Cemetery Memorial Day Services
2301 North Sylvania Avenue at Northeast 28th Street | 6:30 p.m. | Free
U.S. Navy Captain Tracy D. Smyers, Commanding Officer, Naval Air Station - Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, will join with Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley and Fort Worth City Councilman Jungus Jordan to participate in Mount Olivet Cemetery's 82nd Annual Memorial Day Services. Dedicated to the area's war dead, the annual ceremony will take place near the middle of the cemetery around two life-size bronze statues depicting a modern American infantryman standing beside a "Doughboy" of World War I. Between 500 - 700 people are expected to attend in the annual event.
Dallas Symphony Memorial Day Concert
Flagpole Hill at 8007 E. NW Hwy | 8 p.m. | Free
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra, led by assistant conductor Rei Hotoda, will perform a selection of patriotic tunes and light classical favorites from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM, followed by an exciting fireworks display.
Fort Worth Symphony Memorial Day Picnic
3220 Botanic Garden Blvd. | 8 p.m. | $16 in advance & $20 at the gate
With the Vocal Majority Chorus Sing out America and get ready for an extraordinary musical experience with this 100-plus all male chorus! Their majestic harmonies will delight you in celebration of freedom with a repertoire of patriotic favorites including the "Star Spangled Banner" and "God Bless the USA." Gates open at 6:30 p.m.
Fireworks Over Grapevine
Lake Grapevine Park | 9:30 p.m. | Free
Fireworks can be seen from any Lake Grapevine Park and will continue rain or shine. If there is extreme weather or heavy rain the fireworks show will start at 9:30 p.m. after the weather has passed.
