Writer: Liz Palmer
2 min read May 2022 — In a city whose military sector employs over 210,000 individuals and contributes over $40 billion to the state’s economy, San Antonio’s local governments, businesses and citizens come together each Memorial Day weekend to remember those who passed away while serving their country. Invest: explores the various ways to spend this Memorial Day in San Antonio:
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery has a rich history of immortalizing the memory and dignity of military personnel who served throughout the years. Loved ones and any others who wish to pay their respects to fallen service members are welcome to visit the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at any time between sunrise and sunset according to the cemetery’s visitation policy.
For more information, visit https://www.cem.va.gov.
VFW Post 76
In collaboration with the Jacqueline Smith Foundation, VFW Post 76 is hosting “Remembering the Fallen” on May 21 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. where families will attend a service and moment of silence in remembrance and appreciation. On Memorial Day, VFW Post 76 is putting on a “Tribute” event from 12 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. that will provide activities and educational opportunities for attendees featuring traditional ceremonies. Families are encouraged to attend.
For more information, visit https://vfwpost76.org.
San Antonio Zoo
The San Antonio Zoo will be open for the entire holiday weekend and offers $5 off admission as a military discount year-round. From May 26 to 27, the Monarch Champion City is hosting Monarch Fest to celebrate monarch butterflies and encourage community involvement when it comes to protecting the species. After the festival, feel free to feed giraffes, ride the carousel, meet a flamingo, hop with a kangaroo or simply roam the zoo’s 50 acres.
For more information, visit https://sazoo.org/.
Memorial Day River Walk Artisan Show
The Memorial Day River Walk Artisan Show offers free admittance to those interested in shopping at over 40 local artisan stands. Here, attendees can witness and support the creativity of their neighbors at the show located at the River Walk Extension on May 28 and May 29 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Memorial Day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information, visit https://www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com
SeaWorld® San Antonio
At SeaWorld® San Antonio, veterans, active service members and their loved ones receive a 50% discount on admission, and if you purchase a season pass to SeaWorld® Memorial Day weekend, you will automatically receive a year’s membership to the Aquatica amusement park. While you’re there, be sure to attend the Seven Seas Food Festival until May 30 to enjoy food and drink from over 60 countries from Jamaica to Korea and ride the park’s newest addition, the Tidal Surge.
For more information, visit https://seaworld.com/san-antonio/.
Virtual Memorial Day Race
If you’re feeling active, this nationwide Memorial Day Race initiative is in the throws of hosting its third annual virtual event where participants are running or walking for 1 mile, 5 kilometers, 10 kilometers, 13.1 miles or 26.2 miles wherever they are on a date of their choice this month to benefit Operation Gratitude. It’s not too late to lace up and sign on to take part in the challenge. Sign up here.
For more information, visit https://www.virtualrunevents.com.
