5 Ways to Spend Memorial Day

1. Start out your Memorial Day by remembering those who have lost their lives on the field of battle and as a result of injuries in service to their country.

Serenity Meadows Memorial Park, Funeral Home & Crematory, 6919 Providence Rd., Riverview, will host Memorial Day services Monday starting at 8:30 a.m.

Guest speakers will be County Commissioner Al Higginbotham, Michael Whitt, commander of AMVETS Chapter 44 of Brandon, and Walt Raysic, president of the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County.

The event will include a flag-folding demonstration narrated by Houston Tucker of the Marine Corps League Auxiliary Detachment 1226, a Flower of Remembrance Ceremony, a Navy Two-Bell Ceremony, a rifle salute by the auxiliary and the playing of “Taps.”

The Riverview High School Candy Apples will provide patriotic music and the Spoto High School JROTC and Scout Troop 110 will present the colors.

“Memorial Day is an opportunity to offer our profound respect and utter gratitude to the military men and women who have loved their country more than themselves,” Higginbotham said. “Hillsborough County has lost 48 sons in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operating Enduring Freedom, and we are forever grateful for their sacrifice.”

Since being elected in 2006, Higginbotham has attended every funeral held in Hillsborough County for a fallen soldier as a sign of respect to the soldier and his family.

 2. Consider touring the SS American Victory ship, located at 705 Channelside Dr., Tampa. The historic 455-foot SS American Victory, built in 1945, served during World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars, carrying “guns, gear, grub and gas” and other supplies to GIs. On Memorial Day, all active-duty military and veterans can tour the SS American Victory at no charge.

3. Visit to the Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa. Families are invited to picnic on the grounds outside the zoo and then tour the zoo facility. In honor of Memorial Day, any active-duty, activated, retired or drilling reservist or National Guardsman will receive free admission.

4. Check out the new exhibits at the Museum of Science & Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. MOSI is giving all active and retired military personnel, EMTs, firefighters and police officers $5 admission for up to six family members on Memorial Day weekend.

5. Head to Largo to tour the Armed Forces Military Museum at 2050 34th Way N., Largo. The Armed Forces Military Museum is hosting a Memorial Day Funfest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., complete with food, games and prizes, a rock-climbing wall, power jump, military dress-up photos and live entertainment. The Bloodmobile will be on hand and those who donate will receive a gift.