Memorial Day 2025: How Iowans can celebrate
The United States will celebrate Memorial Day on Monday, May 26, by honoring soldiers who died during service.
Originally known as Declaration Day, the tradition can be traced back to May 30, 1868. Gen. John A. Logan, 3rd commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former Union soldiers, proclaimed it a day to commemorate the soldiers who lost their lives in the Civil War. This year, many organizations across Iowa will keep the tradition alive.
Here's where Iowans can participate in Memorial Day 2025 with a variety of local events:
Iowa Gold Star Military Museum Memorial Day Celebration – 6 a.m.
Camp Dodge, 7105 N.W. 70th Ave., Johnston.
This family-friendly event held by the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum features a complementary military-style breakfast from 6 a.m.-9 a.m., a LifeServe blood drive from 7 a.m. to noon, live music vendors, and special exhibits and activities.
Iowa Veterans Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony – 8 a.m.
34024 Veterans Memorial Drive, Adel.
The Iowa Veterans Cemetery will be hosting a ceremony to honor all those who served in the U.S. military. The service begins at 8 a.m. and will be streamed on the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs Youtube channel.
Raymon Veteran Park Memorial Day Service – 8 a.m.
307 W. Johnson St., Albion.
Live music and a raising of the colors by several local veteran associations will be hosted in Albion by the Marshalltown Chamber of Commerce.
Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery Memorial Day Celebration – 8 a.m.
1 N.E. 60th Ave., Des Moines.
This celebration held by Highland Memory Garden and American Legion Post 374 will begin with a bagpipe performance and tribute from the Iowa Patriot Guard Riders at 9 a.m. The service will begin with a reading listing the names of all veterans buried in the Garden since Memorial Day 2024, and will conclude with a gun salute and taps. Refreshments will follow the service. Participants are encouraged to bring their own outdoor seating.
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Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery Memorial Day Event – 9 a.m.
1022 E. 39th St., Davenport.
The Davenport Memorial Park will host a Memorial Day event to allow families to stroll the grounds and pay their respects to the fallen soldiers who rest there. There will be food trucks on site.
Memorial Day Murph with REPX – 9 a.m.
5335 Carey Ave., Davenport.
REPX is a local Davenport crossfit gym that will be hosting a workout event in honor of Navy Lt. Michael P. Murphy. The traditional Murph challenge begins with a 1-mile run, followed by 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 air squats, followed by a second and final 1-mile run.
Holy Cross Parish Memorial Day Mass – 9 a.m.
2223 Indian Hills Dr., Sioux City.
This service will be held at St. Michael Church by Holy Cross Parish to honor those who served in the U.S. military.
Burke Memorial Park Memorial Day Ceremony – 9 a.m.
635 E. University Ave., Des Moines.
The Larry Nehring Detachment #103 of the Marine Corps league will be hosting a service near Burke Memorial Park, at the Polk County Gold Star Monument. This service is open to all and will begin at 9 a.m. with a ceremonial firing detail.
Waterloo Annual Memorial Day Parade – 10 a.m.
Along 6th and Commercial streets, Waterloo.
The annual Waterloo Memorial Day Parade begins at 6th Street, then travels down Lafayette Street, finally ending at Commercial Street. Participants should set up along these streets for the best experience.
Capitol Complex Memorial Day Ceremony – 10 a.m.
East Walnut between Finkbine Drive & East 12th Street, Des Moines.
The Larry Nehring Detachment will also be holding a service at 10 a.m. at the memorials on the south side of the State Capitol Complex. Following the service, Amvets Post 2 will host a luncheon at 2818 5th Ave., Des Moines.
Rock Island Arsenal Memorial Day Ceremony – 10:45 a.m.
Bldg 118, Rodman Ave., Rock Island, Illinois
This year's speakers include Dr. Amanda Hale, from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting agency, and Col. Joe Parker, the Rock Island Garrison commander. Visitors should park in Memorial Field where buses will shuttle them to and from the ceremony.
Memorial Day Tribute at Cedar Memorial – 11 a.m.
4200 1st Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids.
This ceremony will include patriotic music, rifle volley, taps, and a speech from Dustin Peterson, director of Linn County Veteran Services. Participants are encouraged to bring their own outdoor seating.
Council Bluffs Memorial Day Service – 11 a.m.
100 Pearl St., Council Bluffs.
Join American Legion Post #2 in celebrating their annual Memorial Day service. Rev. Nathan Sherrill, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, will serve as master of ceremonies. Michele Takin will sing the National Anthem. Mayor Matt Walsh, Post 2 Commander Sharlene Anderson, and Honor Guard Captain Brad Powell will give speeches. This ceremony will also include a special drill presentation by the Abraham Lincoln ROTC Drill Team.
Memorial Day Ceremony at Bettendorf Veterans Memorial – 2 p.m.
1645 23rd St., Bettendorf.
Bettendorf Veterans Memorial is a monument to those who previously served or are on active duty. A Memorial Day ceremony will be held in the afternoon for all to attend.
Fleet Farm Salutes Taps Across America – 3 p.m.
5858 Sunnybrook Drive, Sioux City.
At 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, a live bugler will perform Taps at all Fleet Farm stores across America followed by a minute of silence during the National Moment of Remembrance.
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