Everyone is welcome to attend a special ceremony on Monday, May 26, 2025, when the City of Pembroke Pines honors our country’s men and women who have died in the military. This Memorial Day observance begins at 9 a.m. at Fletcher Park, located at 7900 Johnson Street. Memorial Day may symbolize the start of summer for many, however, this is a special day set aside to honor all men and women who have died in military service for the United States. Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan, National Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. It was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The Day is now observed every year on the last Monday of May. The Pembroke Pines Police and Fire Honor Guard will present colors; and veterans, community leaders, and special guests will join together to pay tribute and take part in a wreath placing ceremony.
The Donnith H. Fletcher Park in Pembroke Pines was named after Fletcher who was the first Pembroke Pines casualty in the Vietnam War. On June 30, 1970, at the close of the Vietnam War, Fletcher and seven other soldiers were aboard helicopters which were shot down. Fletcher received a posthumous Purple Heart. In 1971, the City named the ball fields and park near Johnson Street and University Drive after Fletcher in his memory. For more information about the Memorial Day Observance, please call 954-392-2116.