Did you know that the Memorial Day holiday
began after the Civil War, and at that time was known as “Decoration Day?”
While it was originally founded to honor the soldiers who died in the Civil
War, Decoration Day turned into Memorial Day and we now observe this
holiday as a day to honor all of the Americans and patriots who have died in
service to their country.
Memorial Day weekend marks the
beginning of the busy summer season in the Washington, DC metro area. We DMV’ers celebrate this weekend with family
and friends, usually over a grill and with a beer. But the true meaning of Memorial Day goes far
beyond barbecues and mattress sales.
This holiday weekend is a time of remembrance for those who have died
serving our country. This is a great time to honor our veterans by visiting the
monuments in
Washington, DC and attending special events open to
the public.
Here’s a quick list of things you and
your family can do to observe Memorial Day 2016
Events in
Washington, DC
National Memorial
Day Concert
Sunday, May 29, 2016, 8 p.m. Gates open at 5 p.m. PBS sponsors a FREE concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The concert features actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, and other guest artists along with the National Symphony Orchestra.
National Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 30, 2016, beginning at 2 p.m. The parade of marching bands and Veteran units from all 50 states begins at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Streets, NW and proceeds along Constitution Avenue past the White House. The National Memorial Day Parade will also include patriotic floats and helium-filled balloons.
Rolling Thunder
Sunday, May 29, 2016, 8 p.m. Gates open at 5 p.m. PBS sponsors a FREE concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The concert features actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, and other guest artists along with the National Symphony Orchestra.
National Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 30, 2016, beginning at 2 p.m. The parade of marching bands and Veteran units from all 50 states begins at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Streets, NW and proceeds along Constitution Avenue past the White House. The National Memorial Day Parade will also include patriotic floats and helium-filled balloons.
Rolling Thunder
Rolling
Thunder is a motorcycle demonstration that hosts thousands of
motorcycles as they ride through Washington DC in an annual demonstration
seeking to improve veteran benefits and resolve POW/MIA issues. Over the years, the ride has also evolved into a display of
patriotism and respect for all who defend our country.
· * Saturday, May 28, 2016, 11 a.m. Rolling Thunder
visits the Navy Memorial and holds a wreath-laying ceremony featuring special
guests and live performances.
·
* Sunday, May 29, 2016. Rolling Thunder will
depart from the Pentagon at 12 p.m. There will be a musical tribute 1:30 p.m.
at the Reflecting Pool across from The Lincoln Memorial.
·
* Sunday, May 29, 2016, 10 a.m. The Buffalo
Thunder Memorial Motorcycle Ride will begin in the Sears parking lot at 2101
Brightseat Rd. in Hyattsville, MD and end at the African American Civil
War Memorial and Museum at 1925 Vermont Ave NW in Washington, DC.
Arlington National Cemetery
·
Monday, May 30, 2016, 11 a.m. A wreath-laying
ceremony and concert will be held at the Tomb
of the Unknown Soldier.
·
Monday, May 30, 2016, 4 p.m. The Women In
Military Service For America Memorial, located at the gateway to Arlington
National Cemetery, will hold a ceremony that includes formal military honors, a
keynote address, wreath-layings and the Memorial’s signature event, the
scattering of rose petals in tribute to departed comrades. Members of the
public are invited to join in the personal tribute segment of the program.
World War II Memorial
Monday, May 30, 2016, 9 a.m. The National Park Service will host a wreath-laying ceremony in honor of our veterans. Guest speakers will give remarks. The theme for the commemoration is "Honoring our Fallen Warriors." Many surviving WWII veterans will be in attendance.
Monday, May 30, 2016, 9 a.m. The National Park Service will host a wreath-laying ceremony in honor of our veterans. Guest speakers will give remarks. The theme for the commemoration is "Honoring our Fallen Warriors." Many surviving WWII veterans will be in attendance.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Monday, May 30, 2016, 1 p.m. Thousands of veterans and their families will visit The Wall to remember and to honor the U.S. armed forces. The wreath-laying ceremony is open to the public.
Monday, May 30, 2016, 1 p.m. Thousands of veterans and their families will visit The Wall to remember and to honor the U.S. armed forces. The wreath-laying ceremony is open to the public.
Air Force Memorial
Monday, May 30, 2016, 9 a.m. wreath laying ceremony is open to the public. Activities include the National Anthem, the laying of the wreath and Taps.
President Lincoln's Cottage
Monday, May 30, 2016. Take a free guided tour of the USSAH National Cemetery (predecessor of Arlington National Cemetery) at 10:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. A wreath laying ceremony will also take place at the Soldiers' Home at 10 a.m. Tours of the Cottage will be available from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the regular price of $15 for adults and $5 for children. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch. Advanced reservations for Cottage Tours are strongly recommended.
Monday, May 30, 2016, 9 a.m. wreath laying ceremony is open to the public. Activities include the National Anthem, the laying of the wreath and Taps.
President Lincoln's Cottage
Monday, May 30, 2016. Take a free guided tour of the USSAH National Cemetery (predecessor of Arlington National Cemetery) at 10:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. A wreath laying ceremony will also take place at the Soldiers' Home at 10 a.m. Tours of the Cottage will be available from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the regular price of $15 for adults and $5 for children. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch. Advanced reservations for Cottage Tours are strongly recommended.
Events in
Maryland and Virginia
Hometown Holidays
May 28-30, 2016. The city of Rockville's Memorial Day event is a three-day street festival with live music, children's entertainment, a parade and more.
Chestertown Tea Party Festival
May 27-29, 2016. The historic river-front town on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay (about an hour and half from DC) kicks off each summer with a weekend of fun for the whole family including a tea toss reenactment, colonial parade, cocktail party, raft race, street performances, colonial crafts, strolling musicians, local fare, 5k & 10 mile run and more.
Viva Vienna
May 28-30, 2016. Vienna, Virginia celebrates with a community festival including food, crafts, music, carnival rides and a Memorial Day tribute.
May 28-30, 2016. The city of Rockville's Memorial Day event is a three-day street festival with live music, children's entertainment, a parade and more.
Chestertown Tea Party Festival
May 27-29, 2016. The historic river-front town on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay (about an hour and half from DC) kicks off each summer with a weekend of fun for the whole family including a tea toss reenactment, colonial parade, cocktail party, raft race, street performances, colonial crafts, strolling musicians, local fare, 5k & 10 mile run and more.
Viva Vienna
May 28-30, 2016. Vienna, Virginia celebrates with a community festival including food, crafts, music, carnival rides and a Memorial Day tribute.
Delaplane Strawberry Festival
May 28-29, 2016, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sky Meadows State Park, Delaplane, VA. The annual festival includes live entertainment, children's games, pony rides, hayrides, a petting zoo, a 5K fun run, a raptor exhibit, antique cars, food, crafts and, of course, strawberries.
Alexandria Memorial Day Jazz Festival
Monday, May 30, 2016, 1-7 p.m. Waterfront Park, 1 Prince Street Alexandria, VA. The annual event features big band, swing, and contemporary jazz music. Picnics are allowed and food and beverages will also be for sale. In case of inclement weather, the festival will be relocated to the Lee Center's Kauffman Auditorium, 1108 Jefferson St. Admission is free.
May 28-29, 2016, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sky Meadows State Park, Delaplane, VA. The annual festival includes live entertainment, children's games, pony rides, hayrides, a petting zoo, a 5K fun run, a raptor exhibit, antique cars, food, crafts and, of course, strawberries.
Alexandria Memorial Day Jazz Festival
Monday, May 30, 2016, 1-7 p.m. Waterfront Park, 1 Prince Street Alexandria, VA. The annual event features big band, swing, and contemporary jazz music. Picnics are allowed and food and beverages will also be for sale. In case of inclement weather, the festival will be relocated to the Lee Center's Kauffman Auditorium, 1108 Jefferson St. Admission is free.
Falls Church Memorial Day Parade
Monday May 30, 2016, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The City of Falls Church, Virginia celebrates Memorial Day with a festival featuring pony rides, arts and crafts booths, live entertainment, food and a community parade.
Monday May 30, 2016, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The City of Falls Church, Virginia celebrates Memorial Day with a festival featuring pony rides, arts and crafts booths, live entertainment, food and a community parade.
We all look forward to the Memorial Day weekend. It’s the weekend most of us have our first
grilled hot dog or hamburger of the summer season. Federal employees get a day off from work. It
is, after all, the unofficial start of summer!
…but that’s not all it is….
”I have never been able to think of the day as one of mourning; I
have never quite been able to feel that half-masted flags were appropriate on
Decoration Day. I have rather felt that the flag should be at the peak,
because those whose dying we commemorate rejoiced in seeing it where their
valor placed it. We honor them in a joyous, thankful, triumphant
commemoration of what they did.” -- Benjamin Harrison
That’s what it’s all about.
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