Commemorating Memorial Day in JAX

Memorial Day is right around the corner! Here in JAX, we have a variety of places that give you the chance to honor and remember our brave soldiers who laid down their lives while protecting our country.

From learning about our nation’s military history to supporting veteran-owned businesses, here’s 5 different activities you can do to commemorate Memorial Day:

Visit the Veterans Memorial Wall in Downtown Jacksonville

Located in Downtown Jacksonville next to EverBank Stadium is a monument that honors the region’s men and women who served in the military — this memorial is actually the second largest memorial wall in the United States at 65 feet long and showcases the names of more than 1,700 local fallen heroes on it.

Each Memorial Day, JAX residents will visit this monument to not only remember our brave soldiers, but to also add names of military personnel who have passed away over the last year while serving our country.

This memorial is a beautiful way to honor our fallen heroes and, when you see it in person, it will take your breath away.

Photo Credit: @StuffToDoInJacksonville

Support a Veteran-Owned Business

JAX is home to a huge number of Veteran-owned businesses! From breweries to coffee shops, there are a bunch of businesses that you can visit to support our local Veterans. (Please note that many of these locations are actually closed for business on Memorial Day, so stop by before or after the 27^th to enjoy!).

Breweries/Bars:

Veterans United Craft Brewery – One of the largest microbreweries headquartered in Jacksonville, Veterans United Craft Brewery has a passion and pride for crafting the finest beer from the best ingredients.
Fishweir Brewing Company – With a goal to craft clean and locally inspired beer, Fishweir provides a unique brewery and taproom experience in Murray Hill.
Aromas Cigar, Wine, & Martini Bar – Located in the Southside neighborhood, Aromas is the largest cigar bar in state of Florida!

Coffee Shops/Bakery:

Urban Grind Coffee Company – From traditional cold brews to rotating seasonal flavors, this coffee shop Urban Grind is the go-to coffee destination for downtown’s local workforce and visitors.
Social Grounds Coffee Company – A portion of every purchase made at this Springfield-based coffee shop goes to a project with the City of Jacksonville to employ and empower transitioning Veterans and help the less fortunate.
Cookies and Crème Jax Beach – Located in Jacksonville Beach, this made-from-scratch cookies and ice cream sandwich shop provides some of the best sweet treats!

Photo Credit: @VUBrew

Spend Time in a Museum

If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity on Memorial Day, why not visit a museum? This gives you and your little ones the opportunity to learn more about the region’s military history, but also opens the conversation up about what Memorial Day is and why it’s observed as a national holiday. Here are a couple in JAX:

The Military Museum of North Florida – Located in Green Cove Springs, the museum features ship models, military vehicles, uniforms, weapons, equipment and flags.
Jacksonville Naval Museum – Hop on board the USS Orleck, stationed on the Downtown Jacksonville Riverfront, for a tour of one of the most distinguished naval ships of all time.

Photo credit: @JaxNavalMuseum

Run a Memorial Day Race

The Florida Strider’s annual Memorial Day 5K and 1-mile Fun Run starts at 8:00AM in Orange Park – this race is open to all ages and online registration closes at noon on Thursday, May 23rd

Photo Credit: Clay Today

Pay Respects at a Memorial Day Observance

Jacksonville – The City of Jacksonville and its Military Affairs & Veterans Department host the largest Memorial Day Observance in the Southeast every year at the Veterans Memorial Wall in Downtown Jacksonville.
St. Augustine – There will be a Memorial Day Observance at St. Augustine’s National Cemetery at 10:00AM featuring a speaker as well as a march in of massed flags from local veterans’ organizations.

Photo Credit: St. Augustine Record

Thank you to all our brave soldiers who have served our country. Today and every day, we honor you.