Services, events mark Memorial Day

There's plenty of activites to honor those who gave their lives

JACKSONVILLE, Fla – News4Jax has a list of area events to honor those who gave their lives for our country, and family-friendly things to do on the Memorial Day holiday.

Jacksonville Memorial Ceremony
Music by the 13th Army Band, Florida Army National Guard, 8:30 a.m.; ceremony, begins 9 a.m. at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall. Patriotic attire suggested.

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Between EverBank Field and Veterans Memorial Arena

28th Annual Memorial Day RiverFest
Memorial Day RiverFest will provide a range of events including an opening ceremony to honor local veterans, food, arts and craft booths and live entertainment. The event starts at 10 a.m. and will end with a fireworks display.

Spring Park; 321 Walnut St, Green Cove Springs

Camp Blanding Memorial Day Ceremony
The ceremony will honor those who died while serving the United States. Retired Major Frank Towers will be the guest speaker. The ceremony will include a wreath laying and a 21-gun salute. The ceremony starts at 10 a.m.

Camp Blanding Museum & Memorial Park, near the main gate; 5629 State Rd. 16 West, Starke

Field of Crosses Memorial Ceremony
The “Field of Crosses” (or “Fallen Heroes Memorial Tribute”) individually name the fallen Florida-born military heroes from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Program followed by a free lunch. The Tribute is open from dawn to dusk through Tuesday.

River of Life United Methodist Church, 2600 Racetrack Road, St. Johns

Atlantic Beach Program
Program to honor the fallen men and women of the Vietnam War, 50th anniversary. Presented by the Military Officers Association of America, Mayport Chapter. Program starts at 8:45 a.m.

Memorial Park, 1500 Main St., Atlantic Beach.

Green Cove Springs Memorial Day Ceremony
Includes patriotic music by Jonathan Lamm and a display of refurbished military vehicles supplied by the Military Museum of North Florida. Ceremony starts at 10 a.m.

Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, 2315 Sandridge Road.

Fernandina Beach Memorial Day Service
A recognition of all branches of the service, a reading of the names of the fallen from Nassau and Camden counties, the laying of Memorial Wreaths and Echo Taps. Wearing of service uniforms is encouraged. Service starts at 11 a.m.

Soldier’s Memorial, Front and Centre streets, Fernandina Beach

Blue Crab Festival 
The Blue Crab Festival will feature carnival rides, live music, arts and crafts, and vendors. There will also be a parade that will feature marching bands and various floats. The festival concludes at 5 p.m..

210 St. Johns Ave., Palatka

Rock on the River 7
The concert is free and open to the public. The show will feature Young the Giant, Bear Hands, Joywave, The Wombats, The Strumbellas, Finish Ticket, and TOMBOI. The show starts at 12:45 p.m.

Jacksonville Landing; 2 Independent Drive, Jacksonville

Music and Dinner
There will be music by Contraband from 2-6 p.m. and a dinner featuring chicken presented by the Color Guard.

American Legion Post 137, 5443 San Juan Ave.

Lunch and Ceremony
Barbecue pulled pork with sides and desserts, noon to 3 p.m.; ceremony, 3 p.m.;

VFW Post 7909 6204 Blanding Blvd.

Family Friendly Sunset Cruises
Starting at 7:30 p.m., veterans and active military receive 15 percent off on Memorial Day.

Amelia River Cruises, 1 N. Front Street, Fernandina Beach