Bay Area Memorial Day Ceremonies
- courtneynestor6
- May 23
- 3 min read
As we enjoy the long weekend and the beauty of the Bay Area, let’s pause to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day.

This day honors the brave service members who gave their lives in defense of our nation. Their sacrifice is the reason we have the freedoms we do today.
As a veteran and military family member, this day carries deep personal meaning. I remember the faces and names of those who never made it home—and I carry their memory with me always.
Let’s take a moment to reflect, remember, and honor them.
The following events will be supported by Local Moffett Military Network Service Members.
Date & Time: Monday, May 26, 2025, at 9:00 AM
Location: Orchard City Green, Campbell City Hall, 70 N First St, Campbell, CA
Details: Hosted by the Campbell Veterans Memorial Foundation (CVMF), this annual ceremony honors veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The event will feature:
Keynote Speaker: COL John Nestor, Congressional Legislative Liaison and Director of Strategic Communications, 63rd Readiness Division, Mountain View, CA
Admission: Free and open to the public
More Info: Campbell Veterans Memorial Foundation
Oak Hill Memorial Park Ceremony
Date & Time: Monday, May 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM
Location: Oak Hill Memorial Park, 300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA
Details: Including an amazing display of vintage military equipment, USAF 129th Air wing, blackhawk helicopters, numerous veteran resources and live entertainment
Guest Speaker: Colonel Robert M. Barnhart Jr, Commanding Officer, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th MarDiv, Marine Forces Reserve
Time: Doors open at 10:00 AM; main event at 1:00 PM
Details: Commemorative ceremony aboard the historic aircraft carrier, including a wreath-laying, guest speakers, and a flyover by the Memorial Squadron. Free admission for veterans and active-duty military personnel.
Guest Speakers:
CDR Trisha J. Kelly, Commanding Officer, Naval Reserve Center Alameda
CDR Michael “BC” Molloy, Commanding Officer, Navy Talent Acquisition Group, Golden Gate
Flyover: A special aerial salute by the Memorial Squadron
More Info: Museum Website
Other events around the Bay Area
San Francisco National Cemetery at the Presidio
Time: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Details: The largest Memorial Day commemoration in the Bay Area, featuring a formal program with speakers, a 24-gun salute, and musical performances. A meditative organ concert follows at 12:15 PM at the Presidio Chapel.
Saratoga Memorial Day Observance – Monday, May 26, 2025
Time & Location:
9:30 AM: Flag ceremony at the Memorial Arch in Blaney Plaza (20450 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road).
10:00 AM: Procession up Oak Street to Madronia Cemetery for the main ceremony
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Gary B. Laine, former U.S. Navy Dental Corps member, WWII history enthusiast, and Bay Area Honor Flight board member. His address is titled “Greatest Generation, Greatest Inspiration.
Looking for a non-traditional way to Honor Memorial Day?
Date & Time: Monday, May 26, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Location: Colton Hall Lawn, Monterey City Hall
Program: Features performances by the Soquel High School Jazz Singers, Heartstrings Monterey, and the Seaside High School Band. The Monterey County Pops! 40-piece orchestra, conducted by Dr. Carl Christensen, will present a program including "Deep River" by William Grant Still, "An American Fanfare" by Rick Kirby, "God Bless America" by Irving Berlin, and John Philip Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever"
Date & Time: Monday, May 26, 2025, 0900
Location: Capitola Beach




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