This Memorial Day is the ideal time for saluting those who have served the country, and a great time to explore the rich variety of natural and cultural resources of the state. Here are 8 places to visit in the state that carry significance to our military and military history:
1. USS North Carolina
The USS North Carolina in Wilmington will have a Memorial Day observance at 5 pm Monday. Click here to view times and admission prices.
2. Bennett Place Memorial
Bennett Place State Historic Site is having their Memorial Day Military Timeline Event.
Following the American Civil War, a “Decoration Day” began in communities across America remembering soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Senator John A. Logan, a former Union officer on staff with Major General William T. Sherman, was instrumental in making this a formal national day honoring our fallen soldiers, which became Memorial Day. Join military living historians representing the American soldier of all time periods throughout our nation’s history.
The event begins Sunday, May 26, at 10 am.
3. Cannon Day at Fort Macon
Heading back to the coast, visit Fort Macon to learn how different Civil War-era cannons were loaded, aimed, and fired. This is happening at various times on Saturday, May 25th. Click here for more information
4. Maritime Museum at Southport National Maritime Day Celebration
On Saturday, May 25, make it a sailor's day! Starting with the Age of Sail and continuing through to present day, learn about the First Mariners and those who carry on traditions today. This event includes activities and local food.
No registration required.
5. Lake James State Park
Did you know, most State Parks are free and open to the public during Memorial Weekend? Some of the parks even have some military history. For example, Lake James State Park includes a two-mile section of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail from the Revolutionary War era.
6. Hanging Rock State Park
The U.S. Army Signal Corps used Hanging Rock State Park for training in 1943 and the 92nd Medical Battalion did week-long trainings there that year. This state park is free and opent o the public during Memorial Weekend.
7. Tryon Palace
Tryon Palace will offer free admission to all active duty and military veterans, and their dependents and minor children in honor of Memorial Day. Since Tryon Palace is closed to the public on Mondays, the free admission will be granted on Sunday, May 26.
This free admission will include the Governor's Palace, historic homes, North Carolina History Center, and 16 acres of gardens. Military ID or proof of service is required for free admission.
8. NC Museum of History WWI Exhibit
The North Carolina Museum of History is free and open to the public this Memorial Weekend. It is also the last chance to see the North Carolina & WWI exhibit, a great opportunity to experience the North Carolina military history. This free, award-winning exhibit commemorates the centennial of US entry into World War I and focuses on North Carolina’s role in the War to End All Wars on the western front in France and Belgium. Visitors will experience a re-created trench warfare environment to discover what life was like for Tar Heel soldiers, who entered the war in 1917.