Fort Walton Beach will honor fallen veterans on Memorial Day

Tina Harbuck, The Destin LogMon, May 11, 2026 at 7:44 PM UTC

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Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember U.S. military members who died while serving.

In keeping with the true meaning of the day, the Veterans Tribute Tower Committee will host a Memorial Day Ceremony at Beal Memorial Cemetery on May 25 at 10 a.m.

“This is a tradition we have been doing for years,” said Tom Rice, a retired U.S. Army first sergeant and chair of the Veterans Tribute Tower Committee.

The public is encouraged to place flowers in the community wreath on Memorial Day.

During the ceremony at Beal Memorial Cemetery, the names of veterans who have died since last Memorial Day will be remembered.

Mayors from Fort Walton Beach, Shalimar, Cinco Bayou and Mary Esther, along with state Rep. Patt Maney, R-Shalimar, (a retired U.S. Army brigadier general) will each read a section of names.

As each section is read, flowers will be placed in the wreath that goes around the flagpole.

“When we finish reading the names of all the fallen, then we invite the public to come forward and place their flowers,” Rice said, noting they encourage everyone to participate.

Army First Sergent retired Tom Rice salutes as.Reid Soria sings the National Anthem at last year's Memorial Day cememony.

Cadets from the Fort Walton Beach High Junior ROTC will participate by placing more than 2,000 flags at the cemetery where veterans are laid to rest as well as presenting the colors.

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Reid Soria will sing the National Anthem, and there will also be a special speaker as well.

Chairs and a tent will be provided.

“We encourage everyone that attends to bring a small bouquet or use some of the flowers we will have there to place in the community wreath,” Rice said.

The Veterans Tribute Tower Committee will host a Memorial Day Ceremony at Beal Memorial Cemetery on May 25, beginning at 10 a.m.

The community wreath table is around the flagpole and is there so everyone can participate, Rice said.

The ceremony is expected to last 45 minutes to an hour.

In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to American Legion Post 235 on Hollywood Boulevard.

For more information, contact Tom Rice at 850-302-0266.

This article originally appeared on The Destin Log: Fort Walton Beach will hold Memorial Day ceremony for fallen veterans

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Source: “AOL Breaking”