While most associate it with the start of the summer season, Memorial Day is actually a solemn holiday at its core. Observed on the last Monday in the month of May, the nationally recognized holiday is dedicated to honoring, mourning and remembering the men and women who have died while serving in the United States military.
Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day was first nationally formalized in 1868, proclaimed by Commander-in-Chief John A. Logan, of the Grand Army of the Republic, in honor of Union soldiers who died during the Civil War. It became an official federal holiday in 1971. Mostly consisting of parades, ceremonies and gun salutes at graves, cemeteries and memorials, and public gatherings, Memorial Day is above all a time for paying tribute to those who died serving their country.
So, while you’re going about your weekend, remember to pause and reflect on those people that died fighting to protect you and your rights as an American. Better yet, say thank you in person at one of these events we’re including here:
Sag Harbor
The Sag Harbor American Legion Chelberg and Battle Post 388 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9082 observes Memorial Day with their annual parade on Monday, May 26, beginning at 9 a.m. Launching from the World War I Memorial at Otter Pond at the corner of Main Street and Jermain Avenue (across from the entrance of Mashashimuet Park), the parade proceeds north through the village, stopping at war memorials, the Main Street Firehouse, and the Lance Cpl. Jordan C. Haerter Veterans Memorial Bridge, where wreaths will be laid, before concluding at Marine Park on Bay Street. The Sag Harbor Community Band will perform while veterans, scouts, the American Legion Auxiliary and public officials are slated to march. A reception will immediately follow at the American Legion on Bay Street featuring guest speaker and Sag Harbor veteran Carl Browngardt.
East Hampton
Memorial Day festivities kick off in East Hampton with the “Lost at Sea” ceremony at Main Beach on Monday at 9 a.m., hosted by the Everit Albert Herter Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 550 and American Legion Post 419. A short parade follows at 10 a.m., starting at David’s Lane and Route 27, by the East Hampton Presbyterian Church, ending at Hook Mill for a few remarks and “Missing Man” ceremony. Afterward, all are welcome to gather at Post 419, located at 15 Montauk Highway.
Southampton
Southampton Village’s Commission on Veterans Patriotic Events hosts a Memorial Day parade and service on Monday. The parade is slated to begin at 10:45 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church (2 South Main St.), proceeding down Jobs Lane and ending at Agawam Park. There’ll be a Memorial Day ceremony for veterans and parade participants at 11 a.m. Veterans that wish to march should arrive at the church parking lot by 10:30 a.m.
Hampton Bays
A ceremony will take place at the monument at the Hampton Bays American Legion Memorial Park, next to Hand-Aldrich American Legion Post 924 (located at 55 Ponquogue Ave.) on Monday at 10 a.m. Organizers are asking observers and participants to be seated no later than 9:45 a.m. Immediately following the ceremony there will be food and drinks downstairs in the legion hall. All are welcome.
Shelter Island
On Shelter Island, Memorial Day 2025 will be marked by a parade, ceremony and community barbecue. Beginning at 10 am, the parade steps off from the Center Firehouse (49 North Ferry Road), proceeding south to the American Legion Mitchell Post 281. Following the parade, a Memorial Day ceremony will be held at Wilson Circle in front of the Community Center including a community barbecue, hosted by the Shelter Island Lions Club, offering free hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and drinks.
