Remember. Reflect. Explore.
Memorial Day marks a time of remembrance for those who gave their lives in military service — and in beach-town Muskegon, Michigan, it’s also a time for reflection, community events, and exploring local history.
A Short History of Memorial Day
Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day began after the Civil War to honor those who died in service. In 1920, the poppy became the official flower of remembrance, inspired by the poem In Flanders Fields. It became a federal holiday in 1971 and remains a day to remember U.S. service members who gave their lives.
A Time of Remembrance… and Travel
The long weekend unofficially ushers in the summer season and marks one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. According to AAA, more than 45 million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday and Memorial Day Monday. That’s 1.4 million more travelers than last year, setting a new record and surpassing the previous high established over 20 years ago. While many will hit the road by car, others will travel by air, rail, and water, making Memorial Day a peak period for holiday travel.
If you find yourself visiting the beach-town of Muskegon, Michigan this Memorial Day, explore our many military museums, memorial sites, and events that honor and remember those who served.
Historic Military Monuments and Memorials
Hackley Park Civil War Monuments in Downtown Muskegon
Visit Hackley Park in downtown Muskegon, a National Historic Designated Park. Stroll through this historic space and view monuments honoring General Ulysses S. Grant and William Tecumseh Sherman by artist J. Massey Rhind, Admiral David Farragut by Charles Niehaus, and the Sailors and Soldiers Monument.
Sailors and Soldiers Monument
Standing at the center of Hackley Park, the Sailors and Soldiers Monument honors those who served in the Civil War. A bronze figure of “Victory” rises atop a 75-foot granite column. At the base, four statues represent the Infantry, Artillery, Cavalry, and Navy. Created by sculptor Joseph Carabelli and gifted to the city by Charles Hackley, the monument was dedicated on May 30, 1892.
📍 350 W Webster Ave, Muskegon, MI 49440
Kearny Memorial Park and Fountain
This small park at Peck and Terrace features a statue of General Philip Kearny Jr. and a restored fountain. Read more about its history and General Kearny HERE
📍 Corner of Peck and Terrace St, Muskegon, MI 49441
USS LST 393 Veterans Museum
The USS LST 393 Veterans Museum is a historic World War II tank landing ship located in Muskegon, Michigan. Launched in 1942, this LST-1-class vessel is one of only two remaining in its original configuration. During its service, LST 393 earned battle stars for its role in the Sicilian occupation, Salerno landings, and the D-Day invasion at Normandy. The ship completed 75 overseas missions and was one of the few LSTs equipped with an onboard aircraft. Today, visitors can explore the ship and its museum to learn more about its important role in military history.
📍 560 Mart St, Muskegon, MI 49440
“Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” Sculpture
The “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” statue by artist Ari Norris stands near the bow of the USS LST 393 Veterans Museum in downtown Muskegon. It honors Clarence Zylman, a Muskegon native and World War II bugler who inspired the famous song made popular by The Andrews Sisters.
📍 560 Mart St, Muskegon, MI 49440
USS Silversides Submarine Museum
Tour the historic Gato-class submarine USS Silversides, launched for the US Navy between 1941 and 1943. She earned 12 battle stars and a Presidential Unit Citation for her service across four patrols, sinking 23 ships—the third-highest total of any Allied WWII submarine. According to the Joint Army-Navy Assessment Committee (JANAC), she holds the most prolific combat record of any surviving American submarine.
Now retired and docked in Muskegon, the Silversides is the centerpiece of the USS Silversides Museum. Visitors can explore the submarine itself, the nearby US Coast Guard Cutter McLane, and a two-story museum filled with historic naval artifacts and interactive exhibits.
📍 1346 Bluff St, Muskegon, MI 49441
Veterans Memorial Park
Veterans Memorial Park, a living memorial dedicated to honoring the World War dead, spans 50 acres along the historic West Michigan Pike. The park features a peaceful lagoon with a small island accessible by two footbridges. Visitors can explore several war memorials, including a Vietnam Memorial, and enjoy a large fountain at the center. Discover more about this historic and significant park HERE
📍 Muskegon Causeway, Muskegon, MI 49445
Vietnam War Memorial “Final Approach” at Hidden Cove Park
Tucked inside Hidden Cove Park is the Vietnam War Memorial “Final Approach.” This monument features a UH-1D helicopter, a combat veteran of the Vietnam War, rising above the park and surrounded by flags, benches, and plaques honoring those who served. Learn more about this memorial and Hidden Cove Park HERE.
📍 3941 Grand Haven Rd, Norton Shores, MI 49441
Memorial Day Events to Attend
Honor and remember those who served by attending these Memorial Day events across Muskegon County.
- Enjoy parades in Downtown Muskegon, Lakeside, Ravenna, and Fruitport.
- Experience patriotic music during “An American Salute” presented by Mona Shores Bands at the historic Frauenthal Theater.
- Visit the Muskegon Museum of History and Science “Home Front Heroes: World War II” exhibit
- Celebrate the holiday at the Milwaukee Clipper’s Memorial Day Party on board this historic ship docked in Muskegon.
In Closing
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy
Make your Memorial Day meaningful with a visit to Muskegon County’s memorials, museums, and events that honor our military heroes.