The City of Killeen will hold its 2025 Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 26, at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery (11463 State Highway 195) at 9 a.m. The event will pay tribute to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.

The ceremony will feature Gen. James E. Rainey, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Futures Command, as the keynote speaker. Based in Austin, Gen. Rainey leads efforts to transform the Army for future combat readiness, overseeing 30,000 soldiers and civilians across 128 locations worldwide.

To ensure smooth traffic flow, the main entrance turnaround will be blocked until the event concludes. Additional turnarounds further north will also be closed until 9 a.m., then reopened. The Clear Creek exit will serve as the designated turnaround point for vehicles returning toward the cemetery. Traffic control devices will guide motorists, and a maintenance gate near Chapparal Road will be available for visitors not attending the ceremony.

The ceremony will include participation from the Fort Cavazos 1st Cavalry Division and band, the Area Veterans Advisory Committee (AVAC), and the Texas Veterans Land Board. Several veteran and civic organizations will take part in the wreath-laying ceremony, with those posting colors and wreaths required to arrive by 8:30 a.m..

Mayor Debbie Nash-King will deliver remarks, and the event will feature a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps to honor fallen service members.

In case of bad weather, the ceremony will be moved to the Killeen Civic and Conference Center, with a final decision announced by May 22.

The community is invited to attend and pay tribute to those who gave their lives for the country. For more details, visit the City of Killeen’s official website.