Your guide to Memorial Day events and observances in Manatee and Sarasota

Memorial Day is Monday, May 25, and several events are planned in Manatee and Sarasota to observe the holiday that honors U.S. military members who died in service.

The events include ceremonies, a parade, a 5K walk and a community cleanup at the Old Memphis Cemetery in Palmetto.

“Manatee County encourages residents to observe Memorial Day with respect and reflection, whether by attending a ceremony, volunteering in the community or taking time to remember those who have fallen,” Manatee County Government said in a news release.

Here’s a guide to local Memorial Day events.

Memorial Day events in Manatee County

Memorial Day ceremony: The Manatee County Veterans Council will host “Remembering Our Fallen,” the county’s official Memorial Day ceremony, on Monday. The ceremony will “include remarks from local leaders, patriotic presentations, and a moment of remembrance,” according to the county.

This event will also feature a photographic war tribute meant to honor U.S. service members who “made the ultimate sacrifice since Sept. 11, 2001, including more than 300 from Florida,” the county said. The exhibit will be on display at the veterans park from noon Friday until 6 p.m. on Memorial Day.

• Details: 9 a.m. Monday, May 25. Donald L. Courtney Veterans Park, 176 Waterfront Drive, Bradenton.
• Info: MyMCVC.org/memorial-day

Mobile museum: The Lakewood Ranch Library will host the Freedom 250 Mobile Museum from May 22 to 24. The mobile museum, which will be hosted in the library’s parking lot, is open from noon to 5 p.m. on May 22, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 23 and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on May 24.

• Details: Mobile museum open noon to 5 p.m. Friday, May 22, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 23 and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 24. Lakewood Ranch Library, 16410 Rangeland Parkway, Bradenton.

Anna Maria Island observes Memorial Day: The City of Anna Maria will host a Memorial Day ceremony on Monday featuring tributes to service members with ties to Manatee County.

• Details: 10 a.m. Monday, May 25 at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Avenue, Anna Maria.
• Info: Instagram.com/thecityofannamaria

Community cleanup at Old Memphis Cemetery: The county, in partnership with the cities of Bradenton and Palmetto, will host a Community Cleanup Day at the Old Memphis Cemetery in Palmetto on Saturday.

The cemetery was recently vandalized. In an attempt to restore the graves of many veterans and service members laid to rest there, volunteers are wanted to help with beautification efforts at the historic site.

• Details: 7 a.m. Saturday, May 23. Old Memphis Cemetery, 202 25th St. W., Palmetto.
• Info: Facebook.com/ManateeGov

Memorial Day events in Sarasota County

Memorial Day ceremony: The Sarasota National Cemetery will hold a formal Memorial Day ceremony on Saturday. The ceremony will begin at 7:30 a.m. and feature a wreath-laying, guest speakers and military honors. Those interested in registering as a volunteer for flag placement can visit SarasotaWreaths.com.

• Details: 7:30 a.m. Saturday, May 23. Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota.

Memorial Day parade: At 10 a.m. Monday, the City of Sarasota will host its annual Memorial Day parade. The parade will start at Main Street and Orange Avenue and end at J.D. Hamel Park, where there will be a commemorative ceremony, according to the city.

“The parade will include performances by the Sarasota Military Academy band and participation from local law enforcement agencies, first responders, color guards, veterans’ groups, community organizations and local dignitaries,” the city said.

• Details: 10 a.m. Monday. Downtown Sarasota.
• Info: SarasotaFL.gov

Memorial Day hike: SRQ VETS will host the 11th Annual Memorial Day 5K Hike on Saturday meant “to honor the fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

The walk starts at J.D. Hamel War Memorial Park, goes over the Ringling Bridge and then heads back to the park, where there will be a cookout, inflatables and music.

The event raises money to support SRQ VETS and their work to help local veterans.

• Details: Registration begins at 8 a.m. Hike at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 23. J.D. Hamel War Memorial Park, 199 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota. 5K registration: $45 for ages 14 and up; $10 for ages 13 and under.
• Info: SRQVets.org/annual-memorial-hike.