Polk County Prepares To Observe Memorial Day

Memorial Day Tribute

The Polk County Veterans Council in conjunction with Lakeland Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens will host a Memorial Day tribute Monday, May 28 at 10 a.m. at Lakeland Memorial Gardens, 2125 S. Bartow Highway.

Everyone is invited to bring a photo of their loved ones who served or are serving to be displayed on the Wall of Honor.

Lakeland Mayor Gow Fields will offer the invocation and Rep. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, will be the keynote speaker for the event.

A bagpiper will play an anthem for those fallen in battle, followed by the playing of taps.

A Field of Flags will feature a flag representing every American soldier killed in the last 10 years.

The groups will serve hot dogs and hamburgers following the ceremonies.

Call (863) 686-2125.

Memorial Day Service

The 14th annual Memorial Day service at Calvary Baptist Church, 1945 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland, will take place Sunday, May 27 from 10:45 a.m. to noon.

The guest speaker will be Army chaplain Maj. Phil Kramer.

The service will honor the sacrifice of three Army veterans: Spc. Justin D. Coleman, K.I.A. 7-24-09; Spc. Cody C. Grater, K.I.A. 7-29-07; and Spc. Alexander J. Miller, K.I.A. 7-31-09.

Marine Staff Sgt. Landon Beaty will perform the Final Roll Call. The color guard will be performed by the Mulberry High School J.R.O.T.C.

Memorial Day Movie

Lighthouse Ministries’ Men’s Gospel Rescue Mission, 117 E. Magnolia St., Lakeland, will host a Memorial Day Movie and Meal on Monday, May 28 from 6 to 7 p.m.

Following the free meal, there will be a screening of “Louis Zamperini: Captured By Grace,” about how Olympic track star Zamperini survived a Japanese POW camp and fought through his nightmares and bitterness.

Memorial Day Ski Show

Cypress Gardens, 199 E. Silver Drive N.E., Winter Haven, will host its annual free Memorial Day Water Ski Show Monday, May 28 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Bring a chair or blanket for seating. There will be food and drinks available.

Honor Guard Ceremony

Glenn Abbey Memorial Gardens, 2200 K-Ville Ave., Auburndale, will participate in an honor guard ceremony Sunday, May 27 at 1 p.m.

On Monday, May 28 at 8 a.m. Monday, the post will host a flag-raising ceremony at its headquarters, 2441 Seventh St. S.W., Winter Haven, followed by doughnuts and coffee. For more information, call 863-293-7469.

Memorial Day Barbecue

Lake Wales Cemetery, 630 N. U.S. 27, Lake Wales, will conduct a Memorial Day ceremony Monday, May 28 at 8 a.m. with Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2420. A barbecue will be hosted at 1 p.m. at the post, 200 W. Central Ave. For more information, call (863) 676-4150.

Observing Memorial Day

Lakeside Memorial Park Cemetery on U.S. 17 North in Winter Haven will host a Memorial Day Observance Monday, May 28 at 10 a.m. with American Legion Post 8. Call (863) 293-7029.

Candlelight Memorial

Oakland Cafeteria, 915 Ave. E., Haines City, will host its 10th annual Memorial Day service with a candlelight memorial Monday, May 28 at 11 a.m.

The Haines City High School Color Guard, led by Lt. Col. John Ingram, will present the flag. The guest speaker will be Stephone Sanders. A barbecue chicken dinner will be served following the ceremony. Call (863) 812-5384.

Memorial Day At Bok Tower

Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales, will offer free admission on Sunday, May 27 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for all military veterans and active-duty military.

Image via Cypress Gardens