Memorial Day takes place on this year on Monday, May 30. It’s a special time that we as a nation take to remember our brave service members who died in the line of duty. If you’re wondering where you can go this year to honor our fallen heroes, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a brief list of Memorial Day commemorations and celebrations happening in the area this holiday weekend.
· Check out Fort Pulaski’s Memorial Day Cannon Firing Program. On Saturday, May 28 at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m., Fort Pulaski will host their Memorial Day Firing Program. This special event will be their first cannon firing in over two years. There will be living history demonstrators presenting a special Memorial Day program. The program will feature two reproduction Civil War cannons that will be fired. This is a great opportunity to learn about the cannons, the Civil War, and Memorial Day, and the connection between all three.
· See the Mighty Eighth Flags for the Fallen Tribute. Between May 26 and Memorial Day, the Mighty Eighth will hold a special tribute in their Memorial Garden honoring the 26,000 Eighth Air Force airmen who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. There will be 26,000 48-star American flags placed in the garden, giving guests a chance to pay respects and remember the heroes who didn’t make it back home. If you want to honor these fallen airmen, make sure to visit this commemorative tribute.
· Go to Savannah Salutes at Plant Riverside District. Friday, May 27 through Memorial Day, Plant Riverside District will host a special Savannah Salutes celebration on the picturesque Savannah Waterfront. The four-day fest will feature live music, live aerial performances, and delicious food and drink options. Several bands will take the stage throughout the holiday weekend including Charleston’s Super Deluxe, funk band Earthtonez, Laken Love and the Fellowship of Love, and Bluffton’s Whitley Deputy Band, and local rock favorite Individually Twisted. Savannah Salutes is free and open to the public, so come out, bring a blanket, and enjoy a nice picnic and non-stop entertainment in Plant Riverside this holiday weekend.
· Attend Fort McAllister’s Memorial Day Commemoration. On Saturday, May 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fort McAllister will host a special Memorial Day Commemoration honoring our fallen patriots. Visitors will be able to tour the fort, museum and grounds along the Ogeechee River. There will also be Civil War living history demos throughout the day, featuring musket firings, and cannon firings each hour. This event is $9 per person.
· Visit Oatland Island. On Memorial Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., military personnel both active and retired and their families are welcome to visit Oatland Island Wildlife Center for free. Just bring your military ID or your DD214 to receive free access to this exciting site. With nature trails and wildlife exhibits, Oatland Island is fun for the whole family. So take advantage of this great opportunity to get outdoors and interact with nature this Memorial Day.
