Join us this Memorial Day as we Remember and Honor those who have served and given the ultimate sacrifice for our Country. Attend one of these upcoming events in the Fairfax County/Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. area. We have included ceremonies, wreath-laying events, parades, festivals and concerts. Events are free, family-friendly and open to the public.
Sunday, May 20 – Wednesday, May 30, 2018: Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Day Events
A full listing of official events happening at Arlington National Cemetery in support of Memorial Day are below. All events are open to the public to attend. If you are interested in participating in an event, please reach out to the organization direct.
Sunday, May 20
The Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Washington will conduct a wreath-laying ceremony at President John F. Kennedy’s grave in Section 45 at 2 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.rpcvw.org/.
Wednesday, May 23
The 173rd Airborne Brigade Association will conduct a wreath-laying ceremony at the 173rd Airborne Brigade Memorial Tree in Section 33 at 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.skysoldier.net/.
Thursday, May 24
In what is known as “Flags In,” Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment will place U.S. flags at the final resting place of all those interred or inurned at Arlington National Cemetery, starting at 1 p.m. The public is invited to watch as Soldiers work their way through the cemetery, but only Old Guard Soldiers will be able to place flags. Please note: the Old Guard Soldiers will start placing flags in sections west of Eisenhower Drive. They will not place flags below Eisenhower Drive until after all funerals have concluded (typically around 4 p.m.). If you are coming to the cemetery to watch Flags In, please be mindful of any funerals going on and give families privacy.
Saturday, May 26
Rolling Thunder’s annual Run for the Wall participants will arrive at the cemetery on motorcycles and conduct a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beginning at 9 a.m. If you would like to participate as a rider, or learn more about the event, visit https://rftw.us/.
The American Legion Riders will conduct a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tanner Amphitheater in Section 26 beginning at 10 a.m. If you would like to participate as a rider, or know more about the event, visit http://www.alrrollingthunder.com/.
The Special Forces Brotherhood Motorcycle Club will arrive at the cemetery on motorcycles and conduct a Memorial Day event in Section 60 beginning at 10 a.m. If you would like to participate as a rider, or know more about the event, visit http://specialforcesmc.info/.
The Native Youth Alliance will conduct a wreath-laying ceremony at the Indigenous People Memorial Tree in Section 8 at 11 a.m. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/395315720935758/.
Sunday, May 27
The Japanese American Citizens League of Washington, D.C., and Japanese American Veterans Association will conduct its 70th annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Pavilion in the Columbarium Courts in Section 63 at 9:30 a.m. For more information, visit https://jacl-dc.org/calendar/.
Volunteers interested in helping Memorial Day Flowers Foundation lay roses at headstones are meeting at noon. For more information, visit https://memorialdayflowers.org.
Monday, May 28
Volunteers interested in helping Memorial Day Flowers Foundation lay roses at headstones are meeting at 8 a.m. For more information, visit https://memorialdayflowers.org.
The U.S. Army Military District of Washington will conduct a Presidential Armed Forces Full Honor Wreath-Laying Ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, to be followed by an observance program hosted by the Department of Defense in the Memorial Amphitheater. For more details visit https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/News/Post/4564/.
Twenty and Four, the Honor Society of Women Legionnaires, will conduct a wreath-laying ceremony at the Civil War Tomb of the Unknown in Section 26 at 1 p.m. For more information, visit http://twentyandfour.org/.
Tuesday, May 29
The U.S. Army Military District of Washington will host an Armed Forces Full Honors wreath-laying ceremony in honor of President John F. Kennedy at the Kennedy gravesite in Section 45 at 10 a.m.
Wednesday, May 30
The Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War will conduct a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tanner Amphitheater in Section 26 at 5 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.suvcw.org/.
Questions
For more information on any of the Memorial Day weekend events or access procedures, please call 1-877-907-8585. Please note that line is staffed Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. All times are Eastern Standard Time. During off-duty hours, a voicemail can be left and someone will get back with you during business hours.
Friday, May 25, 2018: Rolling Thunder – Blessing of the Bikes at Washington National Cathedral
The Cathedral welcomes members of Rolling Thunder at the beginning of Memorial Day weekend for programs that include a “Blessing of the Bikes,” special tours, and prayers for those who have not come home.
Join hundreds of bikers as we recall the service of America’s military men and women. If you have a motorcycle, come join us for the blessing! Free and open to the public. 5:00pm to 6:00pm.
Saturday, May 26, 2018: Star-Spangled Salute presented by The Reston Chorale
Bring a lawn chair and enjoy patriotic music performed by The Reston Chorale at Reston Town Center Pavillion, 7:00pm to 9:00pm. They will also have family activities and Veterans Exhibits. Free. Donations of items for troop care packages are welcomed.
Sunday, May 27, 2018: Ride of the Patriots to Rolling Thunder
The Ride of the Patriots to Rolling Thunder on Sunday begins with a parade down Fairfax Boulevard in Fairfax City and an Opening Ceremony that brings the community and the bikers together to recognize the significance of this day. City leaders, State and Federal Delegates, the Fairfax High School Band, Fairfax City and County Fire and Police units, the Northern Virginia Firefighter’s Emerald Society Pipe Band, the American Legion, Honor Guards, etc. have active parts in the event on Sunday morning. Spectators from the community line Fairfax Boulevard to recognize the riders and honor this Memorial Day weekend. The Parade begins from Captain Pell’s parking lot at 7:20am, followed by the Ride of the Patriots Ceremony at 8:00am and then the Launch Ride of the Patriots at 9:00am.
Sunday, May 27, 2018: National Memorial Day Concert at the U.S. Capitol Building, Washington, DC
The National Memorial Day Concert features uplifting musical performances, documentary footage and dramatic readings that honor the military service of all our men and women in uniform and their families at home. One of PBS’ highest-rated programs, featuring an all-star lineup, the multi-award-winning television event has become an American tradition. The concert is broadcast live on PBS as well as to our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network. The concert is held on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. and is free and open to the public. No tickets are necessary. Gates open at 5:00pm and the concert begins at 8:00pm.
Monday, May 28, 2018: The City of Falls Church Memorial Day Parade and Festival
Join the community of Falls Church at their annual Memorial Day events. The Don Beyer Fun Run begins at 9am (free and no registration required). The festival is from 9am to 5pm on the grounds of City Hall (300 Park Ave) with rides, food, vendors. There will be a Memorial Day Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial outside the community center at 11am and then the parade begins at 2pm along Park Ave.
Monday, May 28, 2018: The 41st Annual Alexandria Memorial Day Jazz Festival
The Jazz Festival will feature a variety of talented musicians and diverse styles of jazz throughout the day. Festival attendees are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Food will be available for purchase or you can pack a picnic. Featured performers are:
U.S. Navy Band Commodores—Big Band
Encantada featuring Julie Mack—Brazilian
Project Natale—Infused
The Rick Whitehead Trio—Contemporary
The Village Jazz Band–Dixieland
This event will be held at Waterfront Park, 1A Prince Street, Alexandria, VA from 1:00pm to 6:00pm. The event will move indoors to the Lee Center, Richard Kauffman Auditorium,1108 Jefferson Street if inclement weather. Free.
Monday, May 28, 2018: Manassas National Battlefield Park Memorial Day Observance
Join park staff at Groveton Confederate Cemetery in observance of Memorial Day for a musketry salute in memory of war dead. Ceremony is from 12 noon to 12:45pm. Free.
Monday, May 28, 2018: National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C.
The National Memorial Day Parade, held annually along Constitution Avenue in our nation’s capital – Washington, DC – shares the story of American honor and sacrifice from across the generations. The parade, commemorating its fourteenth year, is our nation’s largest Memorial Day event, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators to the National Mall to pay tribute to those who have served, are serving, and most importantly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while in service to our country.
The National Memorial Day Parade is free and open to the public! No tickets are required to attend. The parade route is on Constitution Ave from 7th-17th Street, NW and is from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.