COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Memorial Day is observed in the U.S. on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the military.
This year, there are many events where central Ohioans can pay their respects to those in the armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Here is a list of parades, ceremonies and other events taking place in and around central Ohio:
Blendon Township
• Memorial Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. on May 26
Blendon Central Cemetery, 6330 S Hempstead Rd., Westerville, OH 43081
• The ceremony will be at the Blendon Central Cemetery flag pole, followed by a free lunch at the Blendon Senior Center.
• No reservations are required; everyone is welcome.
Canal Winchester
• Memorial Day Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on May 26
Union Grove Cemetery, 400 Winchester Cemetery Rd., Canal Winchester, OH 43110
• VFW Post #10523 will host Canal Winchester’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony. The ceremony will feature a keynote speaker, Boy Scouts Troop 103, Cub Scouts Troop 103, and the Canal Winchester High School Band.
• The public is invited. Lawn chairs or blankets are encouraged for seating.
Dublin
• Memorial Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. on May 26
Historic Dublin, West Bridge Street
Dublin Cemetery, 83 West Bridge Street, Dublin, OH 43017
Monterey Park, 135 Monterey Drive, Dublin, OH 43017
• 11 a.m. — Procession through Historic Dublin starting at Riverside Crossing Park and ending at Dublin Cemetery with a wreath-throwing ceremony at the Bridge Street Bridge.
• 11:30 a.m. — Memorial Day Ceremony at the Dublin Cemetery, 83 West Bridge Street.
• Noon — Community picnic lunch at Monterey Park. Bring blankets and chairs. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.
• Free parking is available at the Dublin Cemetery, Dublin Community Church and along Monterey Drive.
Grandview Heights
• Memorial Service at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 22
Memorial Park, 1135 W. Second Ave., Grandview Heights, OH 43212
• Memorial Day Parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 24
The parade begins at First Avenue and Cambridge Boulevard, along First Avenue to Oxley Road.
• Parade features walkers, trucks and floats. The parade lineup is on Cambridge Boulevard.
Grove City
• Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony at 11 a.m. on May 26
Town Center Park, 3359 Park St., Grove City, OH 43123
Grove City Cemetery, 3605 Grove City Road, Grove City, OH 43123
• Hosted by American Legion Paschall Post 164 and Veterans of Foreign Wars 8198, the parade travels through historic Town Center.
• The service is immediately following the parade. The event is rain-or-shine.
Powell
• Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony at 10 a.m. on May 26
Downtown Powell
Greater Powell Veterans Memorial, 47 Hall Street, Powell, OH 43065
• The parade begins at 10 a.m. downtown. The route is along Grace Drive, south on North Liberty Street and west on West Olentangy Street.
• After the parade is a special ceremony at the Greater Powell Veterans Memorial.
• The Olentangy Rotary Club is hosting the annual Field of Flags display in Village Green Park throughout the weekend.
Prairie Township
• Memorial Day Service at 9:30 a.m. on May 26
• 9:30 a.m. — Galloway Cemetery, Galloway, OH 43119
• Noon — Alton Cemetery, Galloway, OH 43119
Westerville
• Field of Heroes all day from Friday, May 23, to Monday, May 26
• 5k Run/Walk for Heroes, Sunday, May 25
Westerville Sports Complex, 325 N Cleveland Ave., Westerville, OH 43082
• Field of Heroes is a visual display of more than 3,000 American flags. This year’s theme will be the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. Flags can be purchased to honor a hero. The field is illuminated at night.
• More events are planned throughout the weekend.
Worthington
• Memorial Day Parade at 10 a.m. on May 26
Downtown Worthington
• Sponsored by the American Legion in Worthington, the parade will begin at 10 a.m. on E. Dublin-Granville Road and proceed south on High Street in Worthington to Cemetery Drive.
Sunbury
• Memorial Day Market on May 26
Sunbury Town Square, 51 E Cherry St., Sunbury, OH 43074
• The market has been held annually on Memorial Day for more than 30 years, and all proceeds go directly to music programs for Big Walnut’s students.
Memorial events at National Veterans Memorial Museum
• Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at 10 a.m. on May 26
300 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
• The National Veterans Memorial and Museum will host a series of ceremonies and events at the museum and online in honor of Memorial Day. Admission is free on Memorial Day. Donations are accepted.
• CrossFit Hero Workout heats at 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 24.
• Gold Star Family Candlelight Vigil begins at 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 25, to honor families who have lost a loved one in service to our country. The vigil procession will begin on the museum rooftop and travel down to the Soldiers Cross in Memorial Grove.
• The Memorial Day Remembrance ceremony begins at 10 a.m. on May 26. Nate Boyer, U.S. Army Green Beret Veteran and former NFL player, will provide the keynote address.
