Memorial Day Program Planned for Tuscaloosa Veterans Memorial Park

The Tuscaloosa Parks and Recreation Authority (PARA) Veterans Memorial Park Association plans to host a Memorial Day program on Monday, May 25.

When is the Tuscaloosa Memorial Day Program?

The Memorial Day program is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Memorial Day. The program will honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

“Memorial Day is a day of honor and remembrance,” said PARA CEO Brian C. Davis. “It is a time when we pause to remember and honor those servicemembers who gave their lives in defense of our freedom. Their courage, dedication, and selflessness secured the liberties we enjoy today, and it is our responsibility to ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten.”

Where Will the Tuscaloosa Memorial Day Program Be Held?

The ceremony, which is free and open to the public, will be held at the Tuscaloosa Veterans Memorial Park, located in front of University Mall.

In the event of inclement weather, the service will be moved indoors to the atrium of the Men's Belk within the mall.

Who is the 2026 Tuscaloosa Memorial Day Program Keynote Speaker?

Dr. Andrew M. Del Gaudio, Department Commander for the Alabama Military Order of the Purple Heart, will serve as the keynote speaker at the ceremony.

“We are honored to welcome a distinguished member of our armed forces to serve as keynote speaker for this year’s program.  His experiences and perspective will help us reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day and pay tribute to those who gave everything for our country," said Veterans Memorial Park Association Chairman Brian Butler.

Dr. Del Guadio served with the Marine Corps for 26 years, with deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Haiti. His military honors include the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V."

PARA highlighted his distinguished service in a press release announcing the ceremony:

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Del Gaudio held tactical leadership roles and strategic assignments at the Pentagon, where he served as a strategic planner, military advisor, and foreign affairs expert specializing in the Middle East and Eurasia. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Villanova University, a master’s degree in Operational Studies from Marine Corps University, and a Doctorate in History from University of Liverpool.

Can Local Veterans Be Listed on the Ceremony's Honor Roll?

PARA's press release stated that individual listings on the Honor Roll remain open to local veterans who have served honorably in any branch of military service.

More information on the 2026 Memorial Day Program may be found HERE.