Throughout American history, men and women have loved our country so deeply that they were willing to give their all to preserve its safety and freedom. On the last Monday in May, our nation honors the selfless heroes who gave their lives to defend the land we love and the freedoms we believe everyone deserves.
REMEMBERING THE SACRIFICES
Memorial Day was first observed as Decoration Day in May 1868, and — though the name has changed — the day still reminds Americans to reflect on the sacrifice and honor of the men and women who gave their lives in defense of the country.
NATIONAL EVENTS IN WASHINGTON
Observe Memorial Day in the nation’s capital region by attending one of the many long-running traditional events:
• The National Memorial Day Parade commemorates the American spirit and the sacrifices made by our service members. The parade begins at 2 p.m. on May 30, 2016 and runs along the National Mall. The three-hour parade will include patriotic floats, high school marching bands, veterans, service members, local and national celebrities, service organizations and clubs.
• Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 400,000 service members, veterans and their families. Each year, ceremonial honor guards from each of the services place more than 250,000 flags at Arlington National Cemetery. The flags remain through Memorial Day.
• The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery will host the annual wreath-laying ceremony at 11 a.m. on May 30.
• The Women In Military Service for America Memorial will hold a ceremony with formal military honors, a keynote address, wreath-laying ceremonies and the memorial’s signature scattering of rose petals in tribute to departed comrades. The event will begin at 4 p.m., May 30.
• The National Memorial Day Concert begins at 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 29 on the U.S. Capitol West Lawn. The free show features uplifting musical performances, documentary footage and dramatic readings that honor Americans who have sacrificed for our country.
• The World War II Memorial will host a wreath-laying ceremony sponsored by the National Park Service and the Friends of the National World War II Memorial at 9 a.m., May 30.
• The Vietnam Veterans Memorial will host a wreath-laying ceremony at 1 p.m., May 30 for veterans and their families to congregate, remember and honor the U.S. armed forces.
• The U.S. Navy Memorial will host the Fleet Reserve Association wreath-laying ceremony at 10 a.m., a U.S. Navy Band concert at noon and a Naval District Washington wreath-laying ceremony at 1 p.m. on May 30.
• The Air Force Memorial will host a ceremony at 9 a.m., May 30 that includes the national anthem, invocation, speeches, a wreath laying and the sounding of taps.
• The U.S. Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery will host a wreath-laying ceremony at the Soldier’s Home at 10 a.m. on May 30.
CELEBRATE IN YOUR HOMETOWN
Even if you can’t attend the national events, you can honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation:
• Display the flag: Whether you choose to fly the stars and stripes or the POW/MIA flag to honor prisoners of war and those missing in action, you can find information on how to display the flag on Memorial Day from the Department of Veterans Affairs Guidelines for Display of the Flag.
• Visit a cemetery: Honor the fallen at a family member’s or other veteran’s gravesite by decorating their graves with flowers. You can find the nearest national or state veterans cemetery through the National Cemetery Administration.
• Participate in the National Moment of Remembrance: Pause wherever you are at 3 p.m. local time on May 30 for a moment of silence to remember and honor the fallen.
• Attend local Memorial Day parades: Many cities and towns across America have Memorial Day parades to remember those who sacrificed so much for our country.
• Wear Memorial Day poppies: Red poppies are traditionally worn on Memorial Day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war.
Wherever you are this Memorial Day, there are local events to commemorate the sacrifices of the men and women who gave their all in defense of our country. Find out what’s available and do your part to honor their service.
Contact your installation Military and Family Support Center for information on local events.
– Military OneSource
