Memorial Day is a time to remember with gratitude and pride all those we have lost who served our country. As we honor these heroes, we also want to celebrate all they sacrificed. I think it is important to remember today how important mental health awareness is especially among veterans. Not all sacrifices from our troops are physical.

May your day be filled with memories and peace while you celebrate. Follow this guide to help make your Memorial Day memorable in Rowan County.

Attend the Memorial Day Parade in Kannapolis

    • When: Monday, May 27, 2019 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
    • Where: Veterans Park (119 North Main Street Kannapolis, NC)
    • Details: The parade begins at the intersection of Laureate Way and Main Street and concludes at Veterans Park on Main Street. A ceremony will follow in the park with special guests. For complete details, visit the Facebook Event Page here.

 

Take part of the Memorial Day Celebration at the Salisbury National Cemetery on the grounds of the W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center

    • When: Monday, May 27, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.
    • Where: 501 Statesville Boulevard Salisbury, NC

 

Visit the Price of Freedom Museum

    • When: Monday, May 27, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
    • Where: 2420 Weaver Road China Grove, NC
    • Details: The Price of Freedom Museum is an American war memorial dedicated to the men and women of the U.S. armed services who paid the ultimate price of freedom with their lives and service to our great country. On Memorial Day, they will be celebrating with restored army vehicles and singing groups. Admission is free to all though donations are accepted. For more information, please call 704-857-7474.

 

Take a Historic Salisbury Trolley Tour

    • When: Tours are offered every Saturday at 11:00 a.m.
    • Where: 204 E. Inness Street Salisbury, NC
    • Details: Take a ride through Historic Downtown Salisbury and let their narrators guide you through historic sites such as the Salisbury National Cemetery and the site of the only prison in North Carolina during the Civil War. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-10, and free for children under 5. Purchase tickets at the Rowan County Visitors Center on the day of the tour or in advance by calling 704-638-3100.

I would also like to mention a truly unique story about the Dixonville Cemetery. It serves as a burial ground for nearly 500 of Salisbury’s African American citizens. Some of which were also veterans. It is important that we pay tribute to the ones who came before us and sacrificed it all. It sounds cliche, but freedom is not free. History is one thing that gives everything a story, some real value.