May 20, 2025 – As Memorial Day approaches, the Georgia World War II Heritage Trail invites the public to honor the more than 1.3 million American military personnel that have died in wars and other military conflicts since the Revolutionary War by participating in local Memorial Day events. Below is information about events and programs offered by Trail partners.
CAF Airbase Georgia
On May 24–25, CAF Airbase Georgia will bring living history to the skies over Atlanta with a special Memorial Day weekend event at Dekalb-Peachtree Airport (KPDK). From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, visitors can view and even book flights on fully restored WWII-era aircraft, including the P-51 Mustang, SBD Dauntless dive bomber, LT-6 Mosquito, PT-19A Cornell trainer, and T-34 Mentor. This event is part of Airbase Georgia’s 2025 Warbird Tour, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy and Marines.
Museum of the Mighty Eighth: Flags for the Fallen: 26,000 Flags | One Mission
From May 23 to May 26, the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force in Pooler will present its annual Flags for the Fallen tribute. This powerful memorial features 26,000 48-star American flags—one for each airman of the Eighth Air Force who never returned home during WWII. Visitors are invited to walk through the solemn flag garden and reflect on the courage and sacrifice of these heroes. For more info: https://www.mightyeighth.org/flagsforthefallen/
National Prisoner of War Museum at Andersonville National Historic Site
Saturday, May 24, 2025
9:00 AM: Volunteer registration opens.
9:30 AM: Performance by the U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence Band.
10:00 AM: Memorial Day Ceremony begins, followed by the placement of American flags on over 20,000 veterans’ graves by scouts and volunteers.
The Avenue of Flags, organized with assistance from Rolling Thunder Chapter 3, will line the cemetery road, creating a powerful and patriotic atmosphere.
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Volunteers are invited to assist with the respectful removal of flags placed during the weekend’s events.
- More info: https://www.nps.gov/ande/planyourvisit/memorialdayobservance.htm
St. Marys
Saturday, Mat 26, 2025
Memorial Day Ceremony Historic Oak Grove Cemetary, 290 West St. Marys Street. The guest speaker will be Chaplain Col. Linda Pugsley. Burgers and Hot Dogs will be served at the VFW (150 Camden Woods Parkway East, Kingsland) following the ceremony with the Camden Community Band providing music.
More info: Memorial Day Ceremony
Memorial Day Remembrance Crosses. The James Jarret Brown VFW Post 8385 will be placing white remembrance crosses honoring wartime veterans. Location is the lawn area between the St. Marys Welcome Center at St. Marys City Hall around the Toonerville Trolley building.
May 31, 2025, 10AM
This ceremony will honor all Vietnam and Vietnam Era Veterans. Free PBR boat rides will be available to all veterans and first responders. For more information or to register a veteran for recognition please contact Patsey Schreiber at patsey.schreiber@georgiavfw.org (912) 439-8909 or Dave Worthen at dave.worthen@georgiavfw.org (912) 409-6760.
Honoring Georgia’s WWII Legacy
“The Georgia WWII Heritage Trail exists to honor the Georgians who served and those who gave their lives in defense of freedom,” said Ed Coleman, Chair of the Georgia WWII Heritage Trail. “These Memorial Day events are a powerful reminder of their courage and sacrifice, and an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the cost of liberty.”