Memorial Day is not just a kickoff to summer, but a day to honor fallen soldiers. This year, celebrate the true meaning of the holiday with these Memorial Day events in Washington D.C.
Memorial Day History Tour at Arlington National Cemetery
May 21, 11am
Arlington National Cemetery
Start with a history tour of Arlington National Cemetery, where in 1868 the Commander-In-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic designated May 30th as Decoration Day (eventually renamed Memorial Day), a time for the nation to mourn and decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers.
National Memorial Day Choral Festival
May 27, 2pm
Kennedy Center Concert Hall
Featuring a 350-voice choir and the U.S. Air Force Orchestra, this 90 minute performance will feature plenty of patriotic favorites.
May 28, 8pm
West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
This concert features uplifting musical performances, documentary footage and dramatic readings that honor the military service of all our men and women in uniform, their families at home and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. You can also watch the concert live on PBS.
American Veteran Centers’ National Memorial Day Parade
May 29, 2pm
Constitution Avenue, Washington, D.C.
This annual tradition honors the true meaning of memorial day, paying tribute to those who have served, are serving, and most importantly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while in service to our country from the American Revolution to the present.