Memorial Day 2026: Bay Area events to honor fallen heroes
America’s fallen heroes will be remembered Monday, May 25, at Memorial Day events throughout the Bay Area. Here’s a sampling of major ceremonies; for others, check local cemeteries and city parks. Organizers recommend attendees arrive early and bring water and sun protection.
SAN JOSE: Col. Jerome Greco of the U.S. Marine Corps will present the keynote address at Oak Hill Memorial Park. The cemetery’s 100th-plus Memorial Day observance will feature a flyover by the 129th Air Rescue Wing; a special tribute to Vietnam War veterans; a historical re-enactment of a wartime trench; music from the U.S. Air Force Band; and a display of military vehicles. The main ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. in the veterans section of the cemetery. Details: 300 Curtner Ave., www.dignitymemorial.com
ALAMEDA: The USS Hornet Sea, Air and Space Museum will partner with the C4 Foundation and the Daughters of the American Revolution for this year’s commemoration, which starts at 11 a.m. Veteran Navy aviator Chris Flaherty, the CEO of Nations Finest, will deliver the keynote address, and DAR State Regent Christina M Ramos will serve as emcee. The Hornet’s event will conclude with the ceremonial wreath laying.
Meantime, on the flight deck, “Operation Charlie,” a charity fitness event presented by C4 and Aurelius Systems, will honor the legacy of Navy Seal Charlie "Chuck" Keating IV. That free event invites families to take part in a military-inspired workout, ongoing from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants should wear athletic clothing and running shoes.
Details: Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free for veterans and active-duty military; for others, event included in admission ($25 for adults, $15 for seniors, students, $12 for kids 7-17). https://uss-hornet.org
DANVILLE: Veterans and residents of Danville will hold a daytime ceremony at the town’s Oak Hill Park and an evening lighting of the Mt. Diablo Beacon. Events begin at 10:30 a.m. at the All Wars Memorial with a concert by the Danville Community Band, followed by recognition of each branch of the U.S. military and guest speakers. In the evening, ceremonies move to the Veterans Memorial Building (400 Hartz Ave.), where a remote switch at the flagpole will turn on the aviation beacon on the Mt. Diablo summit at 8:20 p.m. Details:www.danville.ca.gov
LOS GATOS: The Los Gatos Memorial Park cemetery will hold its annual commemoration featuring the San Jose Metropolitan Band playing marches and patriotic music from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by the official ceremony — with a release of doves — from 11 to noon. Family activities are planned and Wreaths Across America will hold a hot dog fundraiser. Details: 2255 Los Gatos Almaden Road, San Jose; street parking advised as onsite parking is limited. www.facebook.com/LosGatosMemorialPark/
SARATOGA: The Saratoga Foothill Club and the city of Saratoga will host the 99th annual Memorial Day Observance, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Blaney Plaza in the Saratoga Village. After a ceremony at the plaza's Memorial Arch honoring veterans and current members of the U.S. armed forces, a procession will head to Madronia Cemetery (14766 Oak St.) for a 10 a.m. service honoring fallen veterans. Details:www.saratoga.ca.us
WALNUT CREEK: At this annual tribute to the city’s fallen war heroes, (Ret.) Lt. Col. Karl Davis will present the keynote address and Mayor Kevin Wilk will be the emcee. The 11 a.m. ceremony will start at Civic Park (Civic Drive and North Broadway) with speakers and music by the Walnut Creek Concert Band, then proceed to the Veterans Memorial outside City Hall for the playing of taps and the lowering of the flag to half-staff. Details:www.walnutcreekca.gov
LOS ALTOS: The tribute to veterans at Gate of Heaven Cemetery will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by a Memorial Day Mass. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early; chairs will be provided for the all-outdoors event. Details: 22555 Cristo Rey Drive; www.cfcssanjose.org
CLAYTON/CONCORD: This year’s ceremony will feature World War II veterans Charles "Chuck" Kohler, a Pearl Harbor survivor, and Lou Gibbs. Jointly hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1525 and auxiliary, Blue Star Moms Chapter 20 and the cities of Clayton and Concord, the event will run from 10 to 11 a.m. at The Grove. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair. Details: 6100 Main St., Clayton; https://claytonca.gov
REDWOOD CITY: The city of Redwood City's annual Union Cemetery Memorial Day ceremony, scheduled for 10 to 11:30 a.m., will feature music, speeches, the decorating of graves, and the ceremony's traditional anvil firing. Biking, walking or carpooling to the cemetery is encouraged; transportation to the seating area will be provided for those who need assistance. Details: 316 Woodside Road; https://historicunioncemetery.org
OAKLAND: The 102nd annual Memorial Day Commemoration Program at Mountain View Cemetery will feature the presentation of colors by Boy Scout Troop No. 6 of Piedmont, salute to the fallen, guest speakers, music and singers. The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon. Guide Dennis Evanosky will lead a Civil War tour from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Details: 5000 Piedmont Ave.; www.mountainviewcemetery.org
MILPITAS: The Milpitas Recreation and Community Services Department will hold a Memorial Day ceremony starting at 9 a.m. The event at the Milpitas Civic Center Veterans Plaza will include the bell ringing for the fallen, a performance by the Milpitas Community Concert Band and a wreath presentation. Details: 457 E. Calaveras Blvd.; www.facebook.com/MilpitasRecreation
SAN RAMON: From 9 to 10:30 a.m., the city’s program at San Ramon Memorial Park will feature the commemorative Field of Flags, patriotic music by Olympia Fields Brass. presentation of colors by the San Ramon Police Department color guard, a poetry reading and remarks by veterans group and civic officials. Details: 5001 Bollinger Canyon Road; www.sanramon.ca.gov
CAMPBELL: At its annual ceremony at the Orchard City Green, the Campbell Veterans Memorial Foundation will feature Gen. Kent Hillhouse as the keynote speaker, along with civic and business leaders. The event will begin at 9 a.m. Details: Civic Center Drive at Central; www.campbellveteransmemorial.com/events
NATIONAL CEMETERIES: Memorial Day services are scheduled for 11 a.m. at both Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno and San Francisco National Cemetery at the Presidio, according to the National Cemetery Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Details:www.cem.va.gov/Memorial-Day/
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This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 2:54 PM.