Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died serving our country. This is a great time to honor our veterans and famous Americans by visiting the monuments in Washington, D.C. The Memorial Day weekend also marks the beginning of the busy summer season and the Washington, D.C. region celebrates with family friendly events and special services. Here is the 2009 Memorial Day event schedule:
PBS' National
Memorial Day Concert
Sunday, May 24, 8 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 conductor Erich Kunzel and the National Symphony Orchestra.
National Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25
beginning at 2 p.m.
The parade of marching bands and veterans units from all 50 states steps off at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th streets, NW and proceeds along Constitution Avenue, past the White House, ending at 17th Street. The National Memorial Day Parade is sponsored by the World War II Veterans Committee and includes patriotic floats and helium-filled balloons. This year's parade will feature Ernest Borgnine, Lee Greenwood, Edith Shane, and Gary Sinise.
Rolling Thunder
Motorcycle Rally
Sunday, May 24
Departure from the Pentagon at noon. Speaker Program and Musical Tribute 1:30 p.m. at the Reflecting Pool across from The Lincoln Memorial. Thousands of motorcycles ride through Washington in an annual demonstration seeking to improve veteran benefits and resolve POW/MIA issues.
Rolling Thunder is an annual motorcycle rally that is held in Washington, D.C. during the Memorial Day weekend to call for the government's recognition and protection of Prisoners of War (POWs) and those Missing in Action (MIAs). About 400,000 veterans will roar across Washington, D.C. on their motorcycles as a tribute to American war heroes.
Arlington National Cemetery
Monday, May 25, 11 a.m.
A wreath-laying ceremony and concert will be held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in honor of Memorial Day.
Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., serves as a cemetery and a memorial to America's war heroes. More than four million people visit Arlington National Cemetery each year, attending graveside services and special ceremonies to pay tribute to veterans and historical figures.
Navy Memorial
Saturday, May 23, 11 a.m.
Rolling Thunder visits the Navy Memorial and holds a wreath-laying ceremony featuring a Native American Veterans Honor Guard and P.J. "Gunny" James, the first Navajo Marine Corps drill instructor, as guest speaker.
Noon -- Live performance by Gaslight Society
2 p.m.-sunset -- Black Creek Gourd Society Navajo Dance Ceremony.
Monday, May 25
10 a.m. -- Fleet Reserve Association wreath laying with guest speaker Ernest Borgnine
11 a.m. -- Live music: World War II Radio Hour
12:30 p.m. -- Navy band concert
1 p.m. -- Naval District Washington wreath laying
The Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center in Washington D.C. honor and commemorate the sailors of the United States Navy. The memorial is an outdoor public plaza and the Heritage Center serves as a place to learn about the history and heritage of the men and women of the sea services.
Navy Memorial
The circular outdoor plaza, located in the heart of Washington, D.C., features a "Granite Sea" map of the world, surrounded by fountains, pools, flagpole masts, and sculpted panels depicting historic achievements of the United States Navy. A statue of the Lone Sailor represents all people who ever served in the sea services.
Naval Heritage Center
Adjacent to the memorial, the Naval Heritage Center houses interactive naval exhibits and a movie theater with daily screenings of the award-winning film At Sea and the Discovery Channel's A Day In the Life of the Blue Angels. The Commemorative Plaque Wall is a permanent memorial dedicated to individuals, groups, ships, squadrons, commands, battles or events within the U.S. Sea Services. Also onsite is a Media Resource Center, which provides a library of historical documents on the Navy. The Navy Log room provides a computerized registry to search for Sea Service members and veterans. The Ship's Store sells nautical souvenirs and clothing.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Monday, May 25, 1 p.m.
This year's annual Memorial Day ceremony includes Presentation of the Colors, remarks by a special guest and wreath-laying service.
Air Force Memorial
Monday, May 25, 9 a.m.
wreath laying ceremony.
Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley is the keynote speaker at this ceremony, which is open to the public.
Kennedy Center
National Memorial Day
Choral Festival
May 24, 2 p.m.
A 90-minute program features American choral classics in honor of those who have fought to preserve our nation's heritage. Admission -- $10.
Hometown Holidays
May 23-25
The city of Rockville's Memorial Day event is a three-day street festival with live music, children's entertainment, a parade and more.
Viva Vienna
May 23-25
Vienna, Va., celebrates with a community festival including food, crafts, music, carnival rides and a Memorial Day tribute.
Wolf Trap Farm Park
Sunday, May 24, 8 p.m.
The park for performing arts kicks off the summer season with a free performance by the U.S. Marine Band followed by fireworks. The Filene Center gates open at 6:30 p.m. Arrive early because the park closes once capacity is reached.
Fort Ward Park,
Alexandria, Va.
Monday, May 25, 1-7 p.m.
The annual Memorial Day Jazz Festival features big band, swing, and contemporary jazz music. Picnics are allowed and food and beverages will also be for sale.
