Where to observe Memorial Day in metro Phoenix

With a three-day weekend coming up, there are ample opportunities to relax, hit the pool in the high-90s sun or party it up at a bar or nightclub.

But it’s easy to forget the reason for the extra day off. Memorial Day has been a federal holiday since 1868, just after the end of the Civil War. It became a day to honor and remember the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military.

There are several events and gatherings going on around the Valley during which the more solemn-minded can observe the holiday, remember the fallen or mourn lost loved ones.

Here are notable events that are going on Monday, May 26, around metro Phoenix.

Heard Museum

2301 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix’s museum dedicated to Native American art and history is hosting an event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with music performances in the Steele auditorium and a screening of a documentary about the Navajo Code Talkers in Harnett Theater. Attendees can also explore the museum, see art exhibitions and visit the American Indian Veterans National Memorial – the first such memorial in the nation for the men and women who have served at the highest rate of any ethnic group. The event is free for military service members and veterans, as well as their families, while it costs $26 for most, $21 for seniors and $10 for kids and college students. In addition, veterans and their families can get into the museum for free all weekend (so can anyone with a tribal ID).

National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona

2929 E. Pinnacle Peak RoadFrom 8 to 9 a.m., the cemetery will hold a more traditional military ceremony featuring Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, a Marine Corps vet, as its keynote speaker. The event is free to the public.

Gilbert Town Hall

50 E. Civic Center Drive, Gilbert
HD South, Gilbert’s historical museum, will host a 8:30 a.m. “morning of remembrance” ceremony that will feature military traditions for the holiday and remarks from Mayor Scott Anderson. It will feature a flag and wreath ceremony, a battlefield cross and a POW/MIA table. It is free to attend.

Litchfield Elementary School

255 W. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield ParkThe event is the city of Litchfield Park’s official Memorial Day ceremony, located in front of a World War II memorial site. The brief, 30-minute event will be led by Litchfield Park Mayor Thomas Schoaf and feature floral tributes, prayer, light refreshments, and Taps being played. It’s free to the public.

Avondale Civic Center Amphitheater

11465 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale
The 8:30 a.m. ceremony will be run by various organizations, including American Legion’s Crandall Palmer Post 61, VFW Pat Tillman Memorial Post 40, and the Blue Star Moms. Attendees can expect to see memorial exhibits, a musical tribute, and a flag ceremony for the fallen. It’s free to attend and organizers encouraged people to bring a chair or blanket to sit on at the outdoor amphitheater.