Many Memorial Day tributes, including a spectacular parade and the first of the National Symphony Orchestra's summer concerts will take place in Washington, D.C. throughout the Memorial Day weekend.
National Memorial Day Concert:
Sunday, May 27, 2007 from 8 to 9:30 p.m. on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol - Free
Sunday, May 27, 2007 from 8 to 9:30 p.m. on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol - Free
This annual multi-award winning concert features an array of actors, musicians, military bands, the National Symphony Orchestra and much more. The popular event will be broadcast live on PBS from 8 to 9:30 p.m.
More about the Concert.
The National Memorial Day Parade:
Memorial Day at 2 p.m.
Memorial Day Parade Photos
Memorial Day at 2 p.m.
The National Memorial Day Parade honors all who have served our country in uniform from the American Revolution to the present. Features include marching bands, patriotic floats and much more. A few highlights:
- The Grand Marshals, riding on a float with actor Gary Sinise, will be wounded heroes from each branch of the services.
- Adrian Cronauer, the disc jockey portrayed in Good Morning, Vietnam!
- Frank Buckles, one of only three living WWI American veterans.
- A U.S. Air Force flyover.
- Tribute performed by Pat Boone
- National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m.
Memorial Day Parade Photos
Arlington National Cemetery:
Ceremonies: A wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the Tomb of the Unknowns, followed by a remembrance ceremony in the Arlington National Cemetery amphitheater. The event will begin at 10:20 a.m. with a prelude concert by the U.S. Navy Band inside the amphitheater. For more information, visit Memorial Day Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
Ceremonies: A wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the Tomb of the Unknowns, followed by a remembrance ceremony in the Arlington National Cemetery amphitheater. The event will begin at 10:20 a.m. with a prelude concert by the U.S. Navy Band inside the amphitheater. For more information, visit Memorial Day Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
Flags-in: Every veterans gravestone or niche is decorated with American flags by soldiers of The Old Guard. More about Flags-in.
More about Arlington National Cemetery
Congress Bells to Ring - Old Post Office Tower: Monday, May 28, 2007 at 3 p.m. - The Washington Bell Ringing Society will play a one-quarter peal on the Congress Bells. Old Post Office Tower
Annual Rolling Thunder Ridee for Freedom: On Friday, May 25, a Candle Light Vigil will be held at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. On Sunday, May 27, the Annual Memorial Day motorcycle rally in honor of all POW-MIA's with over 30,000 motorcycles will assemble from the north end of the Pentagon parking lot at 7:00 a.m. The rally will leave at 12 noon for the ride through Washington, D.C. to the West Potomac Park Soccer Field area east of the Ericsson Statue for a rally at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Steps and Plaza with speeches and music at approximately 1:00 p.m. Rolling Thunder Web Site
The GI Film Festival (GIFF): The GI Film Festival, the first film festival in the nation to exclusively celebrate the successes and sacrifices of the American military through the medium of film, will be held May 26-28, 2007 during Memorial Day Weekend in Washington, D.C. at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center. GIFF Web Site
Annual Memorial Day Jazz Festival - Alexandria, Virginia: May 28, 2007 at Fort Ward Park, 4301 West Braddock Road from 1 - 7 p.m. Admission is free. Food and drinks will be for sale with picnic baskets welcome. In case of rain, festival will relocate to the Lee Center at 1108 Jefferson Street. For additional information, call 703-883-4686 or visit Alexandria May Events.
Ceremonies at the National Memorials:
U.S. Navy Memorial - Monday, May 28, 2007:
- A wreath-laying ceremony will take place in observance of Memorial Day at 1 p.m.
- A Memorial Day Concert will be held at 8 p.m.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial - Monday, May 28, 2007 at 1 p.m.:
- This year's annual Memorial Day observance pays tribute to those that served and died in Vietnam. The ceremony will include Presentation of the Colors, remarks by special guests and a lying of wreaths by Patriotic Organizations.
- A wreath laying ceremony will take place at the World War II Memorial.
- The Memorial Day tribute ceremony includes formal military honors, a keynote address and personal tributes to departed comrades. Members of the public are invited to join in the personal tribute segment of the program. For more information, call 703-533-1155 or 800-222-2294.
