Washington, D.C. is a great place to celebrate Memorial Day, with a variety of unique and meaningful events that celebrate the selfless service of our military and veterans:
1. Salute the sacrifice of veterans at the National Memorial Day Concert
On Sunday, May 27 from 8 – 9:30 PM PBS hosts the National Memorial Day Concert in honor of the sacrifices made by the military and their families. The concert, which is free, takes place on the U.S. Capitol’s West Lawn and features numerous celebrity performers.
2. March in the National Memorial Day Parade
The nation’s largest Memorial Day parade, which pays tribute to veterans and those serving in the U.S. military, takes place in downtown D.C. Monday, May 28 at 2 PM. Watch as marching bands, youth groups, floats, performers, and veterans parade down Constitution Avenue.
3. Visit National Mall memorials honoring American servicemen and women
There are numerous opportunities to honor American troops and veterans on the National Mall, including the National World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Women’s Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial.
4. Honor POWs and MIAs at the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally
More than 900,000 motorcycle riders from all over the country will converge in D.C. for the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally on Sunday, May 27. The route starts at the Pentagon and winds through West Potomac Park.
5. Attend the National Memorial Day Choral Festival
The Kennedy Center hosts the free National Memorial Day Choral Festival on Sunday, May 27, an inspiring concert featuring a 300-voice choir accompanied by the U.S. Air Force Orchestra. The choir will perform patriotic classics in honor of fallen U.S. servicemen and women.
