News Summary
Orange County, California, is planning a series of Memorial Day events to honor military service members and promote community spirit. Activities include ceremonies, parades, and celebrations across various locations, such as the Nixon Presidential Library, Field of Honor, and the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival. These events, running from May 20 to May 30, aim to unite the community in remembrance and celebration of those who served in the U.S. military while offering family-friendly fun and cultural experiences.
Orange County, California is gearing up to honor its fallen heroes this Memorial Day with a series of events celebrating both military service and community togetherness. Taking place on May 26, Memorial Day serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served in the U.S. military. This year, Orange County offers numerous activities for residents and visitors alike, ensuring that the day is filled with respect, remembrance, and community engagement.
Among the notable events is the Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, located at 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda. The library will be offering free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families until Labor Day, September 1, 2025. Visitors can explore exhibitions such as “The Ancient World: Unlocking the Middle East” along with 70 new family-friendly exhibits.
The Field of Honor at Mission San Juan Capistrano runs from May 20 through May 26, featuring more than 400 American flags to commemorate military members, veterans, and first responders. This tribute will be open on Memorial Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In Newport Beach, the Newport Beach Wine Festival will be hosted at the Balboa Bay Club from May 23 to May 25. This event includes a four-course dinner, a Grand Tasting event, and a Champagne Brunch, offering a mix of culinary delights and celebration.
For families looking for outdoor fun, the Memorial Day Weekend at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort will take place from May 23 to May 25, featuring an inflatable aquatic park and live music programs.
The community-oriented 65th Annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival runs from May 23 to May 26 at 12762 Main St, Garden Grove. Attendees can enjoy a parade, live music, carnival rides, and a signature strawberry shortcake cutting ceremony.
At the Hilton Irvine, a Memorial Weekend BBQ Party is set for May 24 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., providing a variety of BBQ foods and family-friendly activities for attendees looking to enjoy the holiday weekend.
On Memorial Day, multiple ceremonies will take place across the region to honor those who have served. At the Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, a ceremony will occur at 11 a.m., which will include speeches from local leaders and a “tolling the boats” memorial for submarines lost during WWII. The Field of Honor at Castaways Park will also hold a ceremony at noon, showcasing 1,776 American flags to pay homage to military personnel and first responders.
In addition, the community will gather for a Flag Raising Ceremony at Veterans Park at 10 a.m., dedicated to those U.S. military personnel who died while serving. The Memorial Day Ceremony at Pier Plaza and Amphitheater in Huntington Beach will commence at 11 a.m., featuring a rifle salute and TAPS in remembrance of fallen heroes. The City of Mission Viejo Memorial Day Ceremony will begin at 8:30 a.m., with guest speakers, a color guard, and a live vocal performance, uniting residents in remembrance.
The 68th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park in Costa Mesa on May 30 at 11 a.m. will include a military fly-over and wreath-laying ceremony, followed by lunch for attendees.
Residents should also note that Memorial Day may affect local government services. Town offices and administrative offices will be closed on May 26, and there will be changes to residential trash collection, which will be moved to Wednesday, May 28. Curbside recycling will also see a one-day delay, and all Orange County Library branches will be closed.
These events in Orange County provide a fitting tribute to honor military service and offer opportunities for community members to come together during this meaningful time.
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Additional Resources
- Chapelboro: Memorial Day to Affect Local Government Services Around Orange County
- LA Times: Honor Memorial Day in Orange County
- OC Register: Memorial Day 2025 – 10 Things to Do This Holiday Weekend
- Click Orlando: Memorial Day 2025 – Remembrance Events Across Central Florida
- News Journal Online: Where to Find Memorial Day Events in Volusia and Flagler County
- Wikipedia: Memorial Day
- Google Search: Memorial Day events
- Google Scholar: Memorial Day
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memorial Day
- Google News: Memorial Day 2025
