Each year, Memorial Day arrives as more than just the unofficial start of summer- it is a solemn reminder of the men and women who gave their lives in service to the country. While backyard barbecues and long weekends have become part of the tradition, the true purpose of the day calls for reflection, gratitude, and remembrance. Across communities, flags are lowered, names are honored, and stories are shared- ensuring that sacrifice is never forgotten. Celebrating Memorial Day means pausing to recognize the cost of freedom and taking time to honor those who made it possible. Here are a few ways you can honor those who have served for us on Memorial Day, right here in St. Augustine.
BARRACKS TOURS
Most locals have driven past the St. Francis Barracks countless times, but here’s what many don’t realize: it’s not just historic, it’s active. Overlooking the Intracoastal just south of the Bridge of Lions, the barracks serves as headquarters for the Florida National Guard, where decisions impacting troops across the state and beyond are made right here in St. Augustine. It’s not just a landmark, it’s a working command center. Yet despite its significance, many residents have never stepped inside or realize they can. Behind the coquina walls is a completely different experience than what you see from the street: a quiet courtyard, historic buildings still in use, and a front-row view of military traditions that are very much alive. Across the street, the parade field is more than just for show. Throughout the year, visitors can catch formations, flag ceremonies, and even cannon firings. With Memorial Day approaching, it’s a reminder that this isn’t just history, it’s ongoing service happening in our own backyard. The barracks offers free public tours, including access to the on-site museum with artifacts spanning centuries of military history. If you’ve never gone, this is the time, especially during the St. Augustine History Festival in May, when special tours make it even easier to step inside. We’re a city known for our history, but this is one of the few places where it isn’t just preserved, it’s still in motion.
BIG-HEARTED CHARLIE
If the name Krista Keating-Joseph sounds familiar to you, it should. She’s served on the St. Johns County Commission since 2022. She also holds the title of Gold Star Mom, a mother who has lost a child in an armed conflict. Her son, 31-year old Navy SEAL Charles Keating IV, was killed in action in 2016 while fighting ISIS forces near Mosul, Iraq. The shock of hearing the news from two sailors on her doorstep was devastating, but she channeled that grief into a series of award-winning Big-Hearted Charlie books. Her most notable book is Charlie Don’t Be a Hero, A Mother’s Story of the Extraordinary Life of Her Son, Charles Keating IV. As we observe Memorial Day this month, you can walk miles of Krista’s memories through this book to fully understand the sacrifice that affects a mother and her entire family when a soldier doesn’t return home. Available on Amazon.
MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
Each year, St. Augustine residents pause to honor those who gave everything in service to our country at a Memorial Day ceremony hosted by the Veterans Council of St. Johns County and the Military Officers Association of America. It will take place at the St. Augustine National Cemetery May 25th at 10 am. The ceremony features a keynote speaker, a roll call of deceased local veterans, a wreath-laying, and a rifle salute. Volunteers are needed on May 22nd at 10 am to place flags on the graves.
ROMANZA FESTIVALE OF ARTS
The 2026 Romanza Festivale of Arts happening May 1-17, takes on greater significance this year with many performances celebrating America’s 250th birthday. From music and dance to theatre and visual arts, the performances focus on those cultural mile markers that are uniquely American, perhaps evoking fond memories of a day at the ballpark, the majesty of the American West, or songs from a bygone era. Show schedule and venue details can be found online.
MEMORIAL DAY MASS
LETTERS TO VETERANS
For many military service members, a letter from home was the closest reminder that they were connected and loved. Now, as many of these veterans reach the final stages of life, they might once again feel isolated or forgotten, feeling that their sacrifices are overlooked or hidden behind the curtains of history. This tragic reality inspired Kristy Skonieczny, Clinical Resource Nurse at Community Hospice & Palliative Care, to launch the Mail Call program, expanding on the organization’s existing veteran recognition ceremonies to enrich end-of-life care for those who served. Community Hospice & Palliative Care staff invite all families, students, and community members to join in this meaningful effort to write heartfelt letters to veteran patients. These thoughtful notes recreate the spirit of cherished “mail calls” once experienced in service, offering comfort, gratitude, and joyful reminders of letters from loved ones during their time in uniform.
Kristy shares “receiving these letters evokes powerful memories and emotions, connecting them with the community and reminding them of the impact of their service.” Each letter becomes a bridge, reminding veterans that they are seen, valued, and never forgotten. Short or long, every personal message of gratitude carries weight, allowing the sender’s personality and sincerity to shine through, making each letter authentic and deeply meaningful. After writing your letter, contact the program coordinator to learn when, where, and how to mail or hand-deliver it to the center. While veterans may not meet these letter writers face-to-face, the words they receive build a tangible connection with a community that honors and cherishes them, celebrating both their sacrifices and their lasting contributions.
