Memorial Day 2009 in Washington, DC

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, DC. The Memorial Day weekend also marks the beginning of the busy summer season and the Washington, DC 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, 2009, 8 p.m. Gates open at 5 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. See Photos of the performers in the 2009 concert.

National Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2009, 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, Gary Sinise, Joe Mantegna, Admiral Michael Mullen and Bob Feller. See Photos of the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC.

Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally
Sunday, May 24, 2009. Departure from the Pentagon at 12 p.m. 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. See Photos of Rolling Thunder

GI Film Festival
May 13-17, 2009. In its 2nd year, the festival will be held prior to Memorial Day weekend. See classic and premier films celebrating the heroic stories of the American Armed Forces including a variety of films presented by award-winning Hollywood actors and directors. Participate in panel discussions with soldiers, journalists, authors, and filmmakers.

Arlington National Cemetery
Monday, May 25, 2009, 11 a.m.
A wreath-laying ceremony and concert will be held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in honor of Memorial Day.See Photos of Arlington National Cemetery.

Navy Memorial
Saturday, May 23, 2009.
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.
12:00 p.m. - Live performance by Gaslight Society
2:00 p.m. to sunset - Black Creek Gourd Society Navajo Dance Ceremony.

Monday, May 25, 2009
10:00 a.m. - Fleet Reserve Association wreath laying with guest speaker Ernest Borgnine
11:00 a.m. - Live music: World War II Radio Hour
12:30 p.m. - Navy band concert
1:00 p.m. - Naval District Washington wreath laying

Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Monday, May 25, 2009, 1:00 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, 2009, 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, 2009, 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, 2009.
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, 2009.
Vienna, Virginia celebrates with a community festival including food, crafts, music, carnival rides and a Memorial Day tribute.

Wolf Trap Farm Park
Sunday, May 24, 2009, 8:00 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, Virginia
Monday, May 25, 2009, 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. In case of inclement weather, the festival will be relocated to the Lee Center’s Kauffman Auditorium, 1108 Jefferson St. Admission is free.

Falls Church Memorial Day Parade
May 25, 2009, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The City of Falls Church, Virginia celebrates Memorial Day with a festival featuring pony rides, arts and crafts booths, live entertainment, food and a community parade.