Memorial Day Events, Including Romney Appearance at Balboa Park

The last Monday of May is always reserved for Memorial Day—a day to commemorate the fallen soldiers of the armed forces. But for many, Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer and the perfect excuse to throw on those white pants again.

We’ve got Memorial Day events around the county that bring the day back to its roots – some commemorations are spread throughout the weekend.

We’re not saying forget the barbecues and beaches, but take a moment to remember what the day is about with your fellow citizens at one of the events listed below.

Coronado:

• When/where: Star Park, Orange Ave & C Ave, Coronado, on 10 a.m. Monday.
• Why go: Pay tribute to veterans then head over to the VFW Hall for a floral tribute and refreshments.
• Price: Free.

San Diego:

Memorial Day at Balboa Park

• When/where: Veterans Museum and Memorial Center, 2115 Park Blvd., San Diego, Saturday through Monday at various times.
• Why go: This special event stays true to Memorial Day origins and will honor veterans. There will be readings, candlelight vigils and more. Likely Republican Party nominee Mitt Romney and former nominee John McCain are set to appear Monday.
• Price: Free.

Legacy Week on the Midway

• When/where: Midway Museum, 910 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego from Saturday through Tuesday at various times.
• Why go: The week kicks off with a wreath ceremony and Three Dog Night concert (click here to buy tickets) and continues with a new exhibit, a Discovery Zone, a meet and greet with pilots, a concert by Navy Band Region Southwest 40-piece band and a Memorial Day ceremony on the flight deck hosted by American Legion Post 492, where heroes will be remembered and honored with performances and guest speakers.
• Price: $9-$17 general admission (if you buy online here.) The Navy Band Region Southwest Band concert is free with Midway admission and the Three Dog Night concert ranges from $25-$74.

Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial

• When/where: Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial, 6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive South, La Jolla, 2-3:15 p.m. Monday.
• Why go: Three generations of the Eisenhower family will be present for a plaque presentation honoring President Dwight D. Eisenhower, also an Army general. The commemoration will be presented by Jerry Coleman, the WWII and Korean War Marine pilot and San Diego Padres announcer. There also will be music by the Navy Band Southwest Brass Quintet, soloist Vincent Martin of the San Diego Opera, Marine Color Guard and Rifle Team and a fly-over by the San Diego T-34 Performance Aircraft Team, assuming the Missing Man Formation at the end of the ceremony.
• Price: Free.

Throughout the county:

Remembrance Ceremony

• When/where: VANC Resource Center, 1617 Mission Ave., Oceanside, Monday, 10 a.m.
• Why go: North County residents can honor and remember those who have fought for our country in a memorial service.
• Price: Free.

San Dieguito American Legion Post 416 Memorial Service

• When/where: , 95 N. Vulcan St., Encinitas, 10 a.m. Monday.
• Why go: The memorial will be followed by a pot luck at the park.
• Price: Free.