Monday is Memorial Day, a time to honor and remember the men and women who died while serving the country.
The weekend families will come together, hold special ceremonies, visit cemeteries, and more.
There are several ways to celebrate in Newport Beach this weekend.
• On Monday, the American Legion local post 291 will hold both a public ceremony and a private event for members and their guests only.
Everyone is invited to attend the 11 a.m. ceremony by AL291 at Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona del Mar on Monday, said Jackie Hancock, of the local post’s administration.
The public event will include the Legion’s color guard and rifle squad, presentation of the wreaths, releasing of doves and the Mountain Fife and Drums band.
The poem, “In Flanders Field,” by John McCrae, will also be read.
“It’s to honor the veterans that gave their lives,” for their country, Hancock said.
Families are invited to come out, bring blankets to set on the grass and honor the veterans who have passed.
The 1 p.m. ceremony at the post will be for members and their guests only, she added. Lunch served at noon in main hall.
The members only ceremony will also include floating petals in the bay, a 21-gun salute, and the Surftones playing live music on the patio.
They are expecting a couple hundred guests at each event, Hancock said.
May is also poppy month, she explained, where the AL Auxiliary distributes red crepe paper poppies in exchange for donations for the VA Hospital.
For more information, visit al291.com
• At Newport Dunes on Friday, catch the whale launch: “Moe B” the whale returns to the bay. Friday will also feature contests, volleyball, and a barbecue.
The Memorial Day celebration continues on Saturday with Hula Hula Luau, crafts, contests, and more.
Movies on the Beach will also kick off on Saturday with a screening of the film, “Finding Nemo.” Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnic food. Concessions will also be available for purchase. Jackets are advised. The event is free, but there is a parking fee.
According to the Dunes website, “Movies on the Beach even better this year with a new, bigger screen.”
Sunday will offer brunch, water sports, volleyball, horseshoes, pizza party and a dance social.
Come Monday, the activities will also include USA crafts, whiffle ball, jewelry making, and more.
For more information, call (949) 729-3863 or visit newportdunes.com.
• Newport Beach Wine Festival will also be held this weekend at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort.
The event “celebrates fine wines from across the globe, epicurean delights and spirits over three spectacular days and two nights.”
Winemakers, chefs, sommeliers, and noted experts will be on hand holding educational seminars, tastings, and dining experiences.
For more information, visit BalboaBayClub.com.
• The Alley Restaurant in Newport Beach will hold their annual Memorial Day BBQ on Monday from noon to 3 p.m.
“We host an all day outdoor BBQ complete with our famous baby back ribs, burgers, potato salad and corn on the cob,” according to the restaurant’s website. Cost is $15 per plate or $25 all you can eat. Drink Special all day include $4 Memorial “Shooters” and $3 Drafts.
For more information, visit thealleynewportbeach.com.
