The 2012 Memorial Day Ceremony to honor and pay tribute to all the men and women of the armed forces "who paid the ultimate sacrifice" will be celebrated as the Virginia Beach Mayor's Veterans Committee commemorates Memorial Day in Virginia Beach. The formal ceremony is slated for Monday, May 28, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Tidewater Veterans Memorial on 19th Street, across from the Virginia Beach Convention Center.
Following opening remarks by Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr., Army Col. Floyd Gilbert will introduce the keynote speaker, Captain Robert N. Geis, commanding officer of Naval Air Station Oceana.
The Laying of Wreaths will follow. Veterans, fraternal and auxiliary organizations are encouraged to participate by bringing and laying wreaths in memory of veterans or in honor of current or former members of the armed forces. A flyover featuring military and World War II aircraft will follow, weather permitting.
Following the formal ceremony, a brief informal ceremony will take place behind the memorial in the Veterans Memorial Park, to recognize veterans whose names have been inscribed on brick pavers and added to the park since Veterans Day 2011.
This event is free and open to the public. Military personnel, their families and all citizens are invited to participate. Citizens who would like to place an American flag (provided) around the base of the memorial are encouraged to arrive before the ceremony. The flags will remain in place for one week. For more information, contact Floyd Gilbert at (757) 467-6435.
The Tidewater Veterans Memorial stands in tribute to veterans of all wars and current military personnel. Six years under design and construction, it was completed in 1988 and has received awards for design and public art. The memorial is located on 19th Street across from the Virginia Beach Convention Center. The Veterans Memorial Park, dedicated to those service members who honorably served their country, is behind the memorial.
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