Photo by Stephanie Rivera. 

You weren’t imagining that melody drifting toward your ears in the wind. It won’t stop, you say? Well tough—Memorial Day is calling.

This glorious three day weekend will not only serve as the official kickoff for 100 Days of Summer (an actual event series), it will provide a much-needed chance to rejuvenate, followed by a reflection on the lives lost in the name of our country. Here’s a look at what’s going on in Long Beach this holiday weekend.

First things first—while the weekend is dedicated to the somber remembrance of those who have served, 100 Days of Summer, hosted by Long Beach Parks and Rec will officially kick off a summer of carefree days.

100 Days of Summer is a partnership between Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine and the Long Beach Convention & Visitor’s Bureau that seeks to promote opportunities to “stay and play” in Long Beach. Beyond being able to now wear white, you’ll get to partake in Flashpants, a high-energy “80s party dance band” event held at Marine Stadium on Friday, May 27 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM.

Later in the weekend, you can follow up with a similarly high-spirited event, coincidentally also with an ‘80s theme. From 9:00PM Saturday to 12:00AM Sunday, Why Knot? Party Cruises is hosting a booze cruise for those looking to soak up the festivities in a unique atmosphere. Tickets are $25-$30, and participants are instructed to meet at Berth 55 in Long Beach (555 Pico Ave). For more information, like how to win the Michael Jackson contest, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/memorial-day-80s-party-booze-cruise-tickets-24939236929?aff=ebrowse.

On Memorial Day, the Queen Mary will be offering free admission to active service members of the armed forces, retired military personnel and veterans. If you’ve been waiting to see the Churchill exhibit and more, now’s the time to do so—and treat that loved one who served. 

Meanwhile, ceremonies for the Honoring Our Fallen Memorial Wall at Rosie the Riveter Park (4900 E. Conant St.) begin at 6:00AM the same day. Construction on the Honoring Our Fallen Memorial Wall began last may, at the entrance to the park (Clark Avenue and Conan Street). Names of these modern soldiers—6,900 U.S. Armed Forces members who have died in Operations Enduring Freedom, Freedom’s Sentinel, Inherent Resolve, Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn and related combat deployments—will be inscribed on the wall. Take time to visit the wall to look at the cost of modern war, and seize the chance to honor those who served.

Lastly, the Forest Lawn Memorial Day Event (held at 1500 E. San Antonio Dr.) will feature a ceremony at 11:00AM—complete with a rifle salute, Color Guard and wreath laying. It’s time to remember those who’ve made a lasting contribution to our quality of life, something that, as Americans, we can always be grateful for.