Memorial Day in Washington, DC, is a time to honor those who have served who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Find Memorial Day events, activities, local memorials, plus a few book recommendations. With family and friends, let’s honor all the women and men who have served our country completely.
Memorial Day Events & Activities
1. National Memorial Day Parade
Constitution Avenue NW (7th to 17th Streets), Washington, DC
Monday, May 25 at 10 am
Experience the nation’s largest Memorial Day parade featuring marching bands, veterans, and historical reenactments.
2. National Memorial Day Observance
Memorial Amphitheater, Arlington National Cemetery
Monday, May 25 at 12 pm
A solemn ceremony featuring a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a parade of colors, and remarks from national leaders honoring those who died in service.
3. National Memorial Day Concert
West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
Sunday, May 24 at 8 pm
Enjoy a free concert honoring military service, hosted by Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna.
4. Flowers of Remembrance Day
Arlington National Cemetery
Sunday, May 24 from 8 am to 4:30 pm
Place a flower at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and participate in guided tours highlighting the history of Memorial Day.
Memorials to Visit in and around Washington, DC
1. Vietnam Veterans Memorial Constitution Ave, NW, Washington, DC
See a black granite wall etched with the names of over 58,000 service members who died or went missing during the Vietnam War. The reflective surface invites personal contemplation and connection too.
2. World War II Memorial 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC
The World War II Memorial honors the 16 million Americans who served and supported the armed forces during the war. Surrounded by fountains and 56 large granite pillars, the memorial symbolizes unity and national sacrifice.
3. Korean War Veterans Memorial 900 Ohio Drive, SW, Washington, DC
Near the Lincoln Memorial find 19 stainless steel statues representing a squad on patrol, symbolizing the courage and determination of U.S. troops. Also find a granite wall inscribed with images and a Pool of Remembrance as a tribute to those who served in the Korean War.
4. Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, VA
Arlington National Cemetery is the resting place for more than 400,000 military service members, veterans, and their families. Including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the eternal flame at President John F. Kennedy’s grave.
5. Lincoln Memorial 2 Lincoln Memorial Circle, NW, Washington, DC
Visit the massive tribute to President Abraham Lincoln and view the iconic seated statue of Lincoln and read his Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural Address inscribed on the walls.
6. Marine Corps War Memorial near Arlington National Cemetery
Standing over 78 feet tall, the statue depicts the famous World War II photograph of six Marines raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima. This sculpture symbolizes courage, sacrifice, and teamwork. Free parking available!
7. World War I Memorial 4th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Near the White House, find the World War I Memorial that honors the 4.7 million Americans who served during the “Great War.” This memorial combines art and landscape and shows our nation’s emergence as a global power.
Memorial Day Book for Kids
Introduce children to the significance of Memorial Day with these thoughtful books:
“A Day for Rememberin’” by Leah Henderson
A book about the origins of Memorial Day, focusing on the African American community’s role in its inception.
“The Wall” by Eve Bunting
The story of a boy and his father visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
“America’s White Table” by Margot Theis Raven
Explains the tradition of the white table set in honor of fallen, missing, or imprisoned military service members.
“F Is for Flag” by Wendy Cheyette Lewison
An alphabet book that celebrates the American flag and what it represents.
We hope you have a wonderful weekend and talk with your children about the sacrifice some women and men have made for our country. We are grateful for their service, sacrifice, and want to honor them!
