Memorial Day Program at Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home

Start Memorial Day morning in Hot Springs, South Dakota with the Memorial Day Program at the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home. At the southern gateway to the Black Hills, this annual ceremony brings residents, military families, and visitors together on the grounds for a sincere tribute, followed by a lunch hosted by the local VFW Auxiliary. You can arrive as a guest and leave feeling part of the community.

You will join veterans and their families for a formal remembrance program featuring readings and honors that keep the focus personal and local. The setting near the sandstone canyons of the southern Hills supports quiet reflection, and the pace is steady and respectful. After the ceremony, lunch offers time to talk with residents and other attendees. The event welcomes all ages, and it works well if you are bringing children to learn what the day represents.

Plan to arrive by 9:45 AM so you can find seating before the 10:00 AM start. Admission is free, with no tickets or reservations needed for either the ceremony or lunch. Parking is available on campus, but the spots closest to the main entrance fill early; a light jacket and hat help with fast changing Black Hills weather. If rain moves in, the program typically shifts indoors to common areas or a nearby hall. The facility is fully ADA compliant with ramps and paved walkways, service animals are welcome, and the ceremony usually wraps within an hour, with lunch served right after. Because this is a residential home, please respect privacy and follow posted signage for accessible entry points.

For overnight plans, Hot Springs has historic hotels and local inns, and you can also book vacation rentals in the southern Black Hills or near Angostura Reservoir through Lake.com. From this base, you are a short drive from Wind Cave National Park and the Wildlife Loop for an easy extension to your weekend.