Memorial Weekend Traditions on Martha's Vineyard

May 21st, 2008 9:26am

Tisbury School students bearing flowers on the annual Memorial Day March to the Sea.

More than just full ferries, restaurant openings and a general sense of "Summer's Here" marked the Memorial Day weekend on MV. A couple of local traditions help Vineyarders honor the true meaning of the holiday - which has for a long time symbolized the beginning of the summer season.

The weather cooperated - with blue skies and soaring summer temps all weekend - as the Vineyard opened her arms and welcomed the returning flocks with a variety of community events, ranging from solemn ceremonies to celebratory parades and a road race.

On Friday, the Tisbury School held their annual March to the Sea. After parading up Main Street, hundreds walked down to the end of the Owen Park pier to toss spring flowers into the ocean, in memory of Vineyard serviceman who have sacrified their lives. A ceremony in Owen Park included a short speech to help remind kids (and others) of the true meaning of the holiday.

On Monday morning at 7am volunteers raised 417 American flags in Tisbury's Oak Grove Cemetery, followed by a ceremony and parade to honor Vineyard vets.

The Tisbury town picnic is a longstanding tradition that features live music, games for kids, food, pony and boat rides, and more The annual picnic is always a great opportunity to mingle with friends before the summer scatters locals in all different directions.

The unseasonably warm weather drew more crowds than usual and, all-in-all, the weekend was an wonderful preview of another fun-packed summer on the Vineyard.

Photo Gallery

The Vineyard has a number of ways to celebrate the official opening of the summer season. The festivities start on Friday with the Tisbury Schools' March to the Sea and conclude on Monday with a solemn flag raising, ceremony and parade in honor of our fallen countrymen, followed by the Tisbury town picnic.