Memorial Day Observance at the Mississippi Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The Memorial Day Observance at the Mississippi Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Ocean Springs gives you a focused hour to pause and reflect. Set on Bienville Boulevard near the Gulf Coast, the memorial’s black granite walls carry the names of Mississippians lost during the Vietnam War. If you are spending the weekend in the coastal towns and bayous, we suggest making time for this ceremony as a grounding counterpoint to the holiday’s pace.

You can expect a community gathering centered on remembrance, typically including a presentation of colors, guest speakers, and the reading of names. The mood is quiet and respectful, and you will see families, veterans, and locals standing together. Many attendees leave flowers or small mementos at the base of the granite panels. Admission is free, and the program usually runs exactly one hour.

Plan to arrive at least 20 minutes before the 1:00 PM start to park and choose a comfortable spot. Wear shoes suitable for both paved paths and grass, and bring a small umbrella or a wide-brim hat since shade is limited. Once the ceremony begins, keep conversation and phone noise to a minimum to match the tone of the site. If you bring a pet, keep it leashed and quiet during speakers and the name readings.

Good to know: the ceremony is generally held rain or shine, though severe weather may shift the program to a nearby community center. The memorial grounds include flat, paved walkways that work well for wheelchairs and strollers, and you can visit outside the ceremony from dawn to dusk. For an easy base nearby, Ocean Springs has boutique hotels and coastal rentals around downtown, and you can also browse Lake.com for beach houses within a short drive of the memorial and the Gulf Islands National Seashore.