West Alabama Memorial Day events for 2023

Memorial Day is Monday, May 29, this year, and there are plenty of local events happening focused on honoring members of the U.S. military who died while serving.

Here’s a list of what’s happening and how you can participate:

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6022 Memorial Day Event

The veterans and families of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6022 is hosting an event honoring fallen veterans beginning at noon on Memorial Day.

The program will be followed by a family day event culminating in a fireworks display after dark. There will be food, including a shrimp boil fundraiser featuring a pound of shrimp, potatoes, sausage and corn for $20 for adults and $10 for children.

Summer items like watermelon, cookies, hot dogs and drinks will also be available.

Children’s activities include swimming, water balloons and sidewalk chalk. Parents are encouraged to bring a towel and a change of clothes for children who are swimming.

The event also features music and a special presentation of the winner of the Voice of Democracy Audio Essay competition.

Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority Veterans Memorial Park Memorial Day Program

The Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority’s Veterans Memorial Park Association is teaming up with the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center and the University of Alabama Office of Veteran and Military Affairs for a Memorial Day Program at 9 a.m. at Tuscaloosa Veterans Memorial Park in front of University Mall, 1701 McFarland Blvd. E. in Tuscaloosa.

This event is free and open to the public.

The keynote speaker this year is Tuscaloosa County District Attorney Hays Webb, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps in the 1980s and is a board member of the Alabama Marines Foundation.

The program also includes the Hillcrest High School AJROTC’s presenting of the colors, the Tuscaloosa Firefighters Local 403 Emerald Society Pipes and Drums and more.

In case of inclement weather, the program will be moved to the Magnolia Shelter in Snow Hinton Park.

Northport Memorial Day Program

The city of Northport is teaming up with the American Legion Post 123 and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 301 for a Memorial Day program May 29.

The program begins at 10:30 at Northport City Hall, 3500 McFarland Blvd. in Northport.

Other events this week

Tuscaloosa city lighting buildings in honor of Memorial Day

Tuscaloosa City Hall, the Intermodal Facility and the Fountain at Alberta Park in Tuscaloosa will be lit red, white and blue between May 26 and May 30 for Memorial Day.

Run for the Wall

Run for the Wall, the largest and longest cross-country motorcycle run of its kind, is stopping at the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center Tuesday, May 23. Riders will ride through the VA at 10:15 a.m. and have lunch at the Tuscaloosa Harley Davidson dealership in Cottondale.

This story will be updated as more events are announced.