May 28 is Memorial Day when Americans pay tribute to the men and women who sacrificed their lives while serving their country. Despite its somber roots, Memorial Day today is a celebration of freedom; full of events, parades, music, and tributes. Here are eight ways to observe this special day.

Mill Valley Memorial Day Parade
Join the Mill Valley's biggest community event of the year. Enjoy a pancake breakfast from the Volunteer Firefighters before the parade, followed by the Lytton Square Memorial Ceremony, 9:45am, The Depot. There will be speakers, flag raising, singing and more. Enjoy the Memorial Day Parade and the Historic Wells Fargo Stagecoach is returning for this very special Veterans ceremony. Kiddo! Carnival and Concerts on the Green follow the parade. 

Memorial Day BBQ at the Legion
Join us for Memorial Day 2018 Free BBQ at 1pm, get there early. First drink free for vets! Full Bar Bake Sale Memorial Wall Live music by Frank Bohan & Friends!

Memorial Day Services
The Marin County Memorial Day observance, conducted by Marin County United Veterans Council, will feature music, remembrance program, flag displays and wreath-laying ceremonies, Marin Civic Center, San Rafael.

Memorial Day Celebration
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Presidio’s participation in the city’s annual ceremony, dating back to the establishment of this national day of remembrance in 1868. The ceremony will honor the one million Americans killed while serving in the U.S. armed forces and will connect the public to the commitment and sacrifices made by military personnel, veterans, and their families. Parade with Veterans and the South San Francisco High School Marching Band begins at Beginning at Presidio Officers’ Club, 10:30 am, 21-Gun Salute with the U.S. Army’s 75th Pacific Division, 50 Moraga Avenue.

Memorial Day Remembrance
Each year, on the Monday designated by the Government as Memorial Day, the UVC conducts a public ceremony at Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose, California. Local Boy and Girl Scouts place 3,600 American flags at the headstones of veterans of all wars in six burial plots: the Veteran's Plot, Field of Honor Plot, Spanish American War Plot, two Civil War Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Plots and Women's Relief Corps GAR Auxiliary Plot. The UVC Memorial Day Ceremony is held at the Veteran's Plot at 11 am and includes the posting of military and veteran organization colors, placing of wreaths, a rifle salute and playing of Taps.

USS Hornet Aircraft Carrier
Remembering those who served during this annual ceremony beginning at 11 AM on our Hangar Deck. The ceremony is about a half hour followed by a wreath toss off our Fantail. Stay the rest of the day for various activities, meet veterans, and tour the ship either on your own or through a docent-led tour. The Museum opens at 10 AM and closes at 5 PM. General Admission applies; free for veterans and museum members.

60th Annual Sonoma Valley Joint Memorial Day Observance
Following the ceremony, everyone is cordially invited to the complimentary Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley “All-American Picnic” at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Building, 126 First Street West, Sonoma, CA 95476

Memorial Day Civil War Plot Tour
Presentation of colors, salute to the fallen, and guest speakers.