Flags are unfurled in tribute to deceased military veterans during the Flags of Liberty ceremony. (Photo courtesy of the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement & Development Authority)
More than 125 families and hundreds of supporters gathered at the Wildwoods Convention Center to honor their deceased veteran heroes at the Flags of Liberty ceremony.
Participants lined the Wildwood Boardwalk, where casket flags were unfurled in a moving ceremony to remember fallen loved ones.
Hosted by the Greater Wildwood Elks 1896 Veterans Committee and the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement & Development Authority, the ceremony Friday maintained focus on the reason for the Memorial Day holiday.
“It’s our honor to bring veteran families together to recognize the lives, service, and sacrifice of their loved ones,” said Louis M. Belasco, GWTIDA’s executive director. “We’re excited to kick off an unforgettable summer season, but we’re especially honored to host the Flags of Liberty event.”
In conjunction with Flags of Liberty was the Wildwoods’ Unlocking of the Ocean ceremony, which marks the official opening of the 2025 summer season.
This year, the ceremony featured a photo opportunity in which three ceremonial keys were presented to the mayors of the Wildwoods and their respective beach patrol captains. They then used their key to “unlock” their respective beaches during their own local ceremonies, ushering in the summer season.
Additionally, the North Wildwood Memorial Day and Wildwood Memorial Day ceremonies will take place on Monday, May 26, and continue the Wildwoods’ focus on honoring veterans.
Other family-friendly events kick off Memorial Day weekend in the Wildwoods, including the 39th annual Wildwoods International Kite Festival, with kites of all shapes and sizes filling up the sky over the beaches.
The holiday weekend also includes the Downtown Wildwood Farmers Market season kickoff on Saturday, and the Memorial Day weekend Boardwalk Craft Show, which will continue throughout the summer.
