Gulf Cemetery will host the annual Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 29 at 10AM in Santa Rosa Beach. The 125 veterans interred in the cemetery will be honored in a service that will include a keynote speech by Major Scott C. Willis, a Special Operations Officer on active duty with the United States Air Force. This year, the Girl Scouts of South Walton will be posting the colors for the event. Also, Cloud 9 Orchestra, a local big band, will play music during the ceremony. A "missing man" flyover formation will be performed with WWII aircraft by the Destin Warbirds.
The memorial day ceremony is a wonderful opportunity for the entire family to join in a dignified, respectful and patriotic tribute to these men and women who served our country in the Armed Forces. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the children present will be provided American flags to place on each of the veterans' grave sites.
For more information, please go to www.gulfcemetery.org
Gulf Cemetery is designated as a historic site by the State of Florida.
Gulf Cemetery is located at 1466 S County Highway 393, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.
A tour of the 40 acres at Gulf Cemetery reveals many memorials, remembrances, personal items, tombstones (some weathered with unreadable inscriptions), simple wooden crosses, photos and homemade plaques. The 103 year-old resting place is just a short walk from the beach at Gulf Place.
Gulf Cemetery Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization managed by volunteers. Tax deductible donations and the sale of lots help with repairs and upkeep of the site.
The Historical Marker Council in Tallahassee designated Gulf Cemetery as a State of Florida Heritage Site in 2013. The Cemetery was established in 1914 and is located on the highest point in Santa Rosa Beach, fronting Scenic Highway 393. The historical marker was unveiled at the cemetery's 100th birthday on Memorial Day, May 26, 2014.