Southern Arizona’s Memorial Day Ceremonies: Know What’s Open and Closed

Memorial Day is approaching on Monday, bringing various ceremonies and events in Tucson and surrounding areas to honor fallen heroes. These gatherings provide opportunities for reflection and connection with loved ones.

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has proclaimed that flags will be flown at half-staff until noon. Afterward, they will be raised in tribute to all veterans. “On Memorial Day, we honor our fallen heroes and remember with profound gratitude the sacrifices they made in both war and times of peace,” Hobbs stated. She emphasized that their sacrifices should inspire us to live in service of others and uphold the values of freedom.

The Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services will hold a Memorial Day Observance Ceremony at the Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Marana at 8 a.m. Following this, the Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Day Ceremony will occur at 8:30 a.m. at the Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery. A ceremony at Camp Navajo is scheduled for 1 p.m. Additionally, a Memorial Day Tribute Ceremony will take place at Evergreen Cemetery from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., providing complimentary lunch after the event.

Several other ceremonies will be happening throughout the day. The South Lawn Cemetery will host its own event at 8:30 a.m., featuring performances by the Tucson Concert Band. East Lawn Palms Mortuary and Cemetery will hold a ceremony from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., featuring music by Sons of Orpheus and honors by the Scottish American Military Society.

For families, Reid Park Zoo will offer free admission for veterans and active military members on Memorial Day, with a nominal fee for dependents. The zoo will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additionally, the Tucson Pops Orchestra will present a free Memorial Day concert on Sunday at 7 p.m. at the DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center, featuring guest performers from the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus.

In terms of local services, most government offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day, including post offices and banks. However, trash and recycling collections will proceed as scheduled, and the Los Reales Sustainability Campus will remain open. The Pima County Public Library and various school districts, including the University of Arizona, will also be closed for the holiday.

U.S. stock exchanges and bond markets will observe the holiday with a closure on Monday.