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Things to Do in Jacksonville on Memorial Day: History, Jazz, and Fun Activities

Things to do in Jacksonville on Memorial Day

More than 620,000 soldiers lost their lives in Civil War while serving their countries. The war ended when Robert E. Lee surrendered his major troops at the Appomattox Court House on 9 April 1865. General John A. Logan selected May 30, 1868 a day to tribute fallen soldiers. The reason behind this date was that on this date flowers would bloom in almost every corner of the country.

The graves of fallen soldiers strewed with flowers. The decoration of graves also became tradition. Small American flags are placed on each soldier ‘s grave. This tradition is still followed by the major national ceremonies on this day. Now every family decorates graves of their loved ones. Until The First World War South states used to honor their fallen soldiers on their specific day.

Things to do in Jacksonville on Memorial Day

 

Honoring fallen soldiers on May 30 has been held for many decades. In 1968, Congress decided to pass the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. According to that act, last Monday in May will be Memorial Day so that federal employees can have three day weekend. The change for this Act took place in 1971. This law also declared Memorial Day the federal holiday in America.

Things to do in Jacksonville on Memorial Day

Memorial Day weekend is a summertime holiday weekend for Americans. This is a 2 day weekend but the most important day is last Monday of May. On that day fallen soldiers’ families put flowers and decorate the graves of their loved ones. Putting a small American flag on soldiers is now tradition. A moment of silence at 3 PM is maintained on that day to honor the fallen soldiers.

 

Jacksonville is a military town. To remember fallen soldiers or learn the history. From Naval Station Mayport, Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Kings Bay Naval Base to Naval Aviation Depot of Jacksonville. There are lots of military related attractions you can visit on Memorial Day Weekend. of them. You can visit military bases and armed forces monuments and attractions located in Jacksonville.

Top 4 Things to do in Jacksonville on Memorial Day

To have a great summer holiday weekend here is top 4 Things to do in Jacksonville on Memorial Day Weekend:

Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall

Located at 1145 East Adams Street, The Veterans Memorial Wall is a quarter million dollar monument built in November, 1995 to honor and pay tribute to more than 1,700 Jacksonville American war heroes. This memorial wall in Jacksonville is second largest memorial wall in the United States. Names of peoples that served in World War I to the War on Terror are inscribed on the 65-foot-long black granite monument. With military theme this is the best Things to do in Jacksonville on Memorial Day.

Things to do in Jacksonville on Memorial Day

Every year on the last Monday of May thousands of families, elected officials, locals and other elected officials pay tribute to the fallen soldiers whose names are written on wall. People are allowed to estimate the fallen soldiers’ names that are not written on wall. After verification, the fallen veteran soldier name will be written on the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall.

Jacksonville Jazz Festival

Started in 1981 Jazz Fest Jacksonville is famous free jazz festival in Jacksonville. It is a 3-day Memorial Day Weekend Festival starting from May 25 – 28, 2023. This festival gathers a large number of music lovers all over the United States of America. Music lovers gather and share their music style. They talk about their favorite artists and share their opinions about them. If you are a music lover in Jacksonville this festival is a must see for you. It is a great festival to make musician friends.

Number of award-winning artists perform in Jazz Fest Jacksonville. This event is free but for special treatment there are also VIP tickets available.
Jazz Fest Jacksonville is a perfect place to enjoy music, food and drink. Festival starts with a Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition then moves towards major events. There are two stages GROOVIN’ STAGE and SWINGIN’ STAGE in the Jazz Fest Jacksonville. Many of the famous artists like Tony Bennett, Miles Davis, Kenny G and more have performed in Jacksonville Jazz Festival.

Jacksonville Official Silent Party ( Memorial Weekend Edition )

If you are looking to have something different but exciting and entertaining this year Memorial Day Weekend. You should go to Jacksonville Official Silent Party. This is a no sound party event. Three live DJ’s are here to play your favorite R&B, Hip Hop and twerk music to make a wonderful party. The music by Silent Party Dueling DJs will take your hidden party spirits to the world. This event is highly social, you can talk to anybody only by lowering volume of your headphones.

Things to do in Jacksonville on Memorial Day

With your entrance to this party club, you will be given a pair of wireless headphones. You can switch between 3 different channels and adjust volume from these wireless headphones. With three different DJs there are three different colors LEDs of headphones that shows to which Dj are you listening to. You can change color whenever you want according to your music taste or can go for the same color as your partner or friend.

Social 904- Memorial Day Weekend!

If you are looking to do something extroverted then you should be part of Social 904- Memorial Day Weekend! This is a dance event held in San Jose Blvd, Suite 1 Jacksonville. The main dance theme of this event is Latin. You still do have different Latin dances like zouk, kizomba, bachata and salsa. With $15 entry fee, duration of this energetic event is 3 hours 30 minutes.

Conclusion

To sum up, there are plenty of Things to do in Jacksonville on Memorial Day Weekend. To keep the patriotism alive you can visit different military ports and attractions. Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall is a place to honor and tribute the fallen soldier of Jacksonville. At the Jacksonville Jazz Festival you can enjoy music and make friends. If you are looking for something new you can also visit Jacksonville Official Silent Party or Social 904 to dance and enjoy music.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Memorial Day?

Last Sunday of May is Memorial Day in United States. Honoring fallen soldiers on May 30 has been held for many decades. In 1968, Congress decided to make it last Monday of May so federal employees can have three -day weekend.

What are the best Things to do in Jacksonville on Memorial Day?

There are lots of things to do in Jacksonville on Memorial Day and some of the best are:

  • Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall
  • Social 904- Memorial Day Weekend!
  • Jacksonville Jazz Festival
  • Jacksonville Official Silent Party ( Memorial Weekend Edition )