Memorial Day Dallas

Memorial Day is a time of remembrance and appreciation for those who gave their lives to better protect our country, a tradition held in America since the 1880s. Originally known as Decoration Day —because family and friends would decorate the graves of those in military service with carnations, poppies or flags — this tradition stems from paying respect to Union Civil War Soldiers. Only after World War I was Memorial Day expanded to pay homage to all fallen soldiers enlisted in military service. There are several ways to observe Memorial Day. Citizens can visit a memorial, they can decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flags or flowers, and they can fly the U.S. Flag at half-mast from dawn until noon. For more ways to honor Memorial Day in and around Dallas, you can participate in a number of special activities offered over the three-day weekend:

• May 30 - Central 214 Memorial Day Patio Party, with cocktails and a late night menu, benefits the North Texas Food Bank. Suggested donation $10, 7 p.m. at the Hotel Palomar 5300 E. Mockingbird Dallas 75206 or 214-443-9339 for more info.

• May 31 – University Meadow’s Neighborhood Associations Annual Memorial Day Parade.
9:45 a.m. – Parade participants line up at Berwyn and Creighton (75214). Ribbons will be given for the coolest antique cars, decorated bicycles, scooters, wagons and anything on wheels. Snazziest looking pets will also be recognized. 10 a.m. – Parade begins, with Fire Department and Police escorts, and proceeds to Zion Lutheran Church. 10:30 a.m. – Awards and ceremony honoring Veterans. Special guest include Councilman Sheffie Kadane, the Lake Highlands Wranglers Dance Club and Pageant winners. Join the parade or cheer neighbors along the parade route.

• May 31 - Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Rep. Kenny Marchant will speak at the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Texas National Cemetery Foundation’s Memorial Day ceremony. 3 p.m. at the Texas National Cemetery 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas 75211 or call 214-467-3374 for more information.

• May 31 - Eddie Coker Memorial Day Children’s Concert and Picnic in the Garden at the Dallas Arboretum features Sara Hickman, singer songwriter, from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. on the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage. 8525 Garland Rd. Dallas 75218 or 214-515-6500 for more information.

• May 31 - Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s Memorial Day Concert at Flagpole Hill features Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture solennelle, Opus 49. 8 p.m. 8100 Doran Circle Dallas 75238 or www.dallassymphony.com for more information.

Courtesy of Barbara Johnson - White Rock Lake Weekly