San Diego's Memorial Day Guide

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 some Memorial Day events around the county that bring the day back to its roots. We're not saying forget the barbecues and beaches, but take a moment to remember what Memorial Day is all about with one of the commemorative events below.

Memorial Day at the Park

• When/where: Veterans Museum and Memorial Center, 2115 Park Blvd., San Diego from May 26-28 at various times.
• Why go: This special event stays true to Memorial Day origins and will honor veterans for their services. May 26-28, there will be readings, candlelight vigils and more at the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center.
• Price: Free.

Legacy Week on the Midway

• When/where: Midway Museum, 910 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego from May 26-29 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 on board the Midway, 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.

Remembrance Ceremony

• When/where: VANC Resource Center, 1617 Mission Ave., Oceanside May 28 at 10 a.m.
• Why go: North County residents can visit the VANC Resource Center to honor and remember those who have fought for our country in a memorial service.
• Price: Free.

Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial

• When/where: Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial, 6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive South, La Jolla on May 28 from 2-3:15 p.m.
• Why go: Three generations of the Eisenhower family will be present for aspecial plaque presentation honoring Dwight David Eisenhower, 34th President of the United States and General of the Army of the United States. Commemoration will be presented by Jerry Coleman, WWII and Korean War Marine pilot and San Diego Padres announcer.  There will also be music by 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 performing the Missing Man Formation at the end of the ceremony.
• Price: Free.

San Dieguito American Legion Post 416 Memorial Service

• When/where: , 95 N. Vulcan St., Encinitas on May 28 at 10 a.m.
• Why go: This memoriam will be followed by a pot luck at the park.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: Star Park, Orange Ave & C Ave, Coronado, on May 28 at 10 a.m.
• Why go: Pay tribute to veterans then head over to the VFW Hall on Coronado for a floral tribute and refreshments.
• Price: Free.

How are you spending Memorial Day weekend? Tell us in comments.