The event will feature the unfurling of hundreds of American flags in honor of deceased Veterans, serving as a powerful tribute ahead of the Wildwoods’ Unlocking of the Ocean ceremony and the official Opening of the 2026 Summer Season.
The Wildwoods, NJ – March 17, 2026 –Hundreds of families and supporters will gather at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall and the Wildwoods Convention Center to honor their deceased Veteran heroes. During the annual Flags of Liberty event on Friday, May 22 at 10 a.m., participants will unfurl the casket flags of their departed loved ones in a powerful tribute of remembrance and respect.
The Flags of Liberty ceremony will begin at the Wildwoods Convention Center turn around entrance, in front of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, before moving to the nearby Wildwoods Boardwalk where participants will honor their heroes by holding up a chain of unfurled American flags in remembrance. The event will feature the unfurling of over 200 American flags in honor of fallen Veterans, serving as a powerful tribute ahead of the Wildwoods’ Unlocking of the Ocean ceremony and the official Opening of the 2026 Summer Season, kicking off the Memorial Weekend. Registration for the Flags of Liberty Ceremony is open and in honor of the 10th anniversary of the ceremony and the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding, this year’s Flags of Liberty Ceremony registration is completely FREE. Registration can be accessed at WildwoodsNJ.com/FOL.
“Each year, the Flags of Liberty ceremony ensures each Veteran is remembered and treated with dignity, bringing families and supporters together into a living memorial of their loved ones and their service,” says Lory Kondor, member of the Elks Veteran Committee and event organizer. “The Friday of Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect time to reflect on our shared love of our country and to honor those who defended our freedoms.”
This moving patriotic event takes place at the Wildwoods Convention Center to honor the memory of veterans who have passed while bringing awareness and support to the needs of veterans and their families. Hosted by the Greater Wildwood Elks #1896 Veterans Committee and The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement & Development Authority (GWTIDA), the ceremony focuses on honoring fallen Veterans and ushering in the summer season by remembering the reason for the holiday.
“The Flags of Liberty ceremony reminds us why we celebrate Memorial Day, and we’re thrilled to put the ceremony at the forefront of our Memorial Day weekend festivities. It’s our hope that the ceremony welcomes visitors to the Wildwoods, inviting them to reflect on the holiday as they enjoy their time on the island,” explained Louis Belasco, GWTIDA Executive Director.
The Greater Wildwood Elks (GW Elks) and the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority (GWTIDA) set a goal to honor 250 Veterans. The total number of participants is expected to exceed the goal, due to free registration made possible with the help of new sponsors Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ and Welcome Home Veterans Radio Show. Each family that registers their Veteran is provided with a t-shirt with their Veteran’s name printed on the back as well as a Flags of Liberty commemorative pin, and 4 tickets to the light buffet luncheon (additional luncheon tickets are available for $10 each, additional t-shirts with Veteran’s name are available for $30 each).
This event provides a powerful way for Veterans to have a voice beyond their service, ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten. State and local dignitaries as well as guest speakers will share remarks about the meaning of Memorial Day and the Veterans being honored in the ceremony. Afterward, participants will proceed to the Boardwalk and prepare to unfurl their Veteran’s casket flag in an incredible chain of patriotic display.
The Posting of the Colors will be led by the Emerald Society Honor Guard, accompanied by bagpipes playing Amazing Grace, creating a stirring and emotional moment. As the flags wave proudly along the Wildwoods Boardwalk, the crowd will join in singing the National Anthem and God Bless America, uniting in shared patriotism and respect.
Participant check-in begins at 9 a.m. at the Wildwoods Convention Center and the ceremony begins at 10 a.m. For those who want to honor a Veteran by unfurling a casket flag in their memory, click here. For more information visit WildwoodsNJ.com/FOL or email [email protected]
This year’s event is a part of a year-long celebration across the Wildwoods honoring the United States 250th anniversary on July 4th. Throughout 2026, the Wildwoods are proud to host patriotic and celebratory events, such as 4th of July Fireworks and the Wildwoods Airshow in tribute to American history and those who served our country.
For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.
