Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of summer, but it means a lot more than that.
Since 1971, the last Monday in May has been set aside as a federal holiday to honor the men and women in the U.S. military who have died in service. Several traditions have been adopted over the years, including holding observances at memorials and cemeteries. Farther down is a list of observances planned for the Coastal Bend.
For those who can’t get to one, here are a few other ways to observe:
• At 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, stop what you are doing and think of those who have died serving the United States.
• If flying a flag, fly it at half-mast until noon, raising it to full mast until sunset on Memorial Day.
• Wear a red poppy, which can be obtained from a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars or the American Legion posts.
• Decorate the graves of veterans with flags, poppies, or roses.
For those spending their summer vacations in the Coastal Bend, take a look at some of the Memorial Day celebrations planned. Maybe one will fit into your schedule.

MONDAY, MAY 27

CORPUS CHRISTI
9 AM
MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
Sherrill Park
222 S. Shoreline Drive
Corpus Christi
The Veterans Band of Corpus Christi plays as part of this salute to our fallen and departed heroes.

11 AM
MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
Rose Hill Memorial Park
2731 Comanche Street
Refreshments following ceremony.

NOON-1 PM
Memorial Day Ceremony
COASTAL BEND STATE VETERANS CEMETERY
9974 Interstate 37 Access Road
Corpus Christi
Observance hosted by the state cemetery and the Texas General Land Office.

NOON-3 PM
ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY BBQ
Ayers Event Center
3433 Ayers St.
Corpus Christi
The Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary Unit 150 serves barbecue for $9 a plate

1 PM
HONORING OUR MILITARY
Seaside Memorial Park
4357 Ocean Drive
Corpus Christi Army Depot Commander Col. Gail E. Atkins is guest speaker. Special recognition given to Gold Star Wives, Gold Star Mothers, Blue Star families, veterans organizations, and military personnel past and present. Refreshments served after ceremony.

2 PM
COMMEMORATION & WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY
USS Lexington Museum on the Bay
2914 North Shoreline Boulevard
Remarks by Executive Director Steve Banta followed by flag retirement ceremony on the flight deck.

ROCKPORT
2-3 PM
MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE AND RECEPTION
Veterans Memorial Park
Austin and Broadway Streets next to Rockport Harbor
Rockport
Reception following at American G.I. Forum Hall, 1911 South Hardee. In case of rain, the program will be held at American G.I. Forum Hall.

ARANSAS PASS
10-11 AM
MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATION
Veterans Memorial Park
Corner of North McCampbell Street and West Maddox Avenue
VFW Post 2932 of Aransas Pass invites local communities to attend an official observance of Memorial Day.