Memorial Day

How is Memorial Day Celebrated in Washington, DC?

Memorial Day weekend in Washington, DC is a time for remembrance and thanks for those who fought and died serving the United States. There is no location better suited to this celebration and memorial than Washington DC and it's numerous memorials permanently remembering the service of those who paid the ultimate price for the nation. The National World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Naval Memorial, Air Force Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery are among the nearby attractions hosting events on Memorial Day, in addition to major events including the National Memorial Day Parade and Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally.

When is Memorial Day, 2014?

In 2014 Memorial Day is Monday, May 26

What Events are being held in Washington, DC for Memorial Day, 2014?

• The National Memorial Day Parade (2pm, Monday, May 26, 2014): The Memorial Day Parade is a great celebration of the men and women who have served the United States. Floats, bands, military units, and veterans are among the nearly 200 groups participating in the parade. The parade is a chance to thank those who have served and remember those lost. The parade is similar to the famous 4th of July parade, but tends to be have somewhat lower attendance, making it a great opportunity to enjoy the festivities without the huge crowd. The parade travels along Constitution Ave., with the reviewing stand near the National Archives. Several metro stops service the National Mall. Those close to Constitution Ave include: Federal Triangle Station, Smithsonian Station, Archives Station, and JudicarySquareStation.

• Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally (Noon, Sunday, May 25, 2014): Held each Memorial Day Weekend, the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally recognizes those Americans held as Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action. The rally includes some 400,000 riders traveling from the Pentagon parking lot in Arlington, VA into Washington DC and around the National Mall, as well as other weekend events.

• Arlington National Cemetery Wreath Laying Ceremonies (11am and 4pm, May 26, 2014): A wreath laying and ceremony will be held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at 11am, and at the Women In Military Service For America Memorial at 4PM. Arlington Cemetery Station is located on the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery.

• National Memorial Day Concert (8pm, Sunday, May 25, 2014 - gates open 5pm): A concert sponsored by PBS, head on the West Lawn of the US Capitol Building, including the National Symphony Orchestra. Capitol South Station is closest. Federal Center Station, JudicarySquareStation, and Union Station are nearby.

• Air Force Memorial Wreath Laying and Ceremony (9am, Monday, May 26, 2014): Located at the Air Force Memorial, located south of Arlington National Cemetery, and west of the Pentagon. Though still a short walk away, Pentagon Station and Pentagon City Station are closest to the memorial.

• Navy Memorial Wreath Laying and Ceremony (10am and 1pm, Monday, May 26, 2014): Located at the Navy Memorial, just north of the National Archives. A Navy Band Concert is held at noon. The memorial is located at the Archives Station. It is also near many other stations, including Gallery Place Station, Metro Center Station, Federal Triangle Station, and JudicarySquareStation.

• Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wreath Laying and Ceremony (1pm, May 26, 2014): Located at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The memorial is located on the National Mall, closest to Foggy Bottom Station and Smithsonian Station

• World War II Memorial Wreath Laying and Ceremony (9am, May 26, 2014): Located at the National World War II Memorial on the National Mall. Close stations include Smithsonian Station and Federal Triangle Station