Washington, D.C., home to many of America's memorials, is full of activities and events on Memorial Day. From parades and rallies, to festivals and memorial ceremonies, you would find it easy to have something to do on Memorial Day. Most of these events are solemn affairs attended by veterans or families who have lost loved ones, so be sure to conduct yourself in a manner befitting the event.
The Public Broadcasting System holds the National Memorial Day Concert every year on the West Lawn of the United States Capitol building. The concert is aired live around the nation but anyone in Washington is welcome to attend. The concert is free but very popular, so arrive early. Attendees do have to go through security checkpoints. The program honors the sacrifices made by Americans (both soldiers and families), and the program has music and speeches. Information about the current year's concert is posted on PBS's website (see Resources) in early May of the same year.
The National Memorial Day Parade is held by the American Veterans Center and celebrates the soldiers of any war or generation throughout America's history. Marching bands, floats, veterans of past wars, active military units and other groups all participate in the parade. The Memorial Day Parade follows a route on Constitution Avenue (downtown Washington) in the afternoon. More than 300,000 people attend the parade, so grab your seats early.
The Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Ride was first started as a way to increase awareness about prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action. More than 250,000 motorcycles participate in the rally and ride through the streets of Washington. The rally continues to be a demonstration in support of POW/MIA problems as well as a show of respect for soldiers and patriotism. The rally takes place on Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, and the route follows Constitution and Independence avenues.
Many of the memorials in Washington have a special ceremony on Memorial Day to place a wreath in honor of those who died serving their country. These memorials include the Air Force Memorial, Navy Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and World War II Memorial. At Arlington National Cemetery, soldiers from all branches of the military place flags on every grave (more than 250,000). On Memorial Day, a wreath ceremony is also held in the morning, and either the U.S. president or vice president places a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to commemorate the day.
