National Capital Region Activities and Events

National Park Service
2005 Park Visitor Information

National Capital Region

Antietam National Battlefield Visitor Center, Maryland:
Wreath Laying Ceremony - There will be a special wreath laying ceremony on November 11 at 11 a.m. in the Sharpsburg Town Square in honor of Armistice Day at Antietam. This ceremony is in honor of the ending of World War I on the 11^th day and the 11^th hour. For further information call 301-432-5124.
17^th Annual Memorial Illumination at Antietam National Battlefield -(December 3 at 6 p.m.) Volunteers place over 23,000 candles on the battlefield, each representing a casualty from the bloodiest single-day battle in American history. Driving tour begins at 6 p.m. on Route 34 east of Sharpsburg. The illumination is always the 1^st Saturday in December. In case of inclement weather, the illumination will be postponed to the following Saturday evening. For individuals or groups interested in volunteering to help place the candles, call 301-733-7373. For more information call 301-432-5124.

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Maryland:
51^st Anniversary of the Annual Justice William O. Douglas - (dates to be determined) - Hancock C&O Canal Visitor's Center, 326 East Main Hancock, Md. This year C&O Canal will celebrate the 51^st anniversary of Justice Douglass hike that created a park. Walkers, hikers ramblers, rovers, strollers, stragglers, there will be something for all at the Annual Douglas Hike. Plenty of parking is available. The C&O Canal Association has planned a 184.5 mile hike to commemorate the 51^st anniversary of Douglas' 1954 hike to save the canal. National Park Service rangers and volunteers will present several site-specific programs including a mule-drawn replica canal boat ride aboard The Georgetown at Fletcher's Boathouse. The two-week hike will begin in Cumberland and finish in Georgetown. Watch for further information or visit www.nps.gov/choh or you may call 301-739-4200.
CanalFest - The annual 3-day CanalFest on July 8-10 will be filled with activities to include music, walking tours, programs, exhibits, crafts and canal boat replica tours, food and more. Times and events to be announced. For further information on activities call 301-722-8226 or 1-800-989-9394.

Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site,
Washington, DC:
Bethune Statue - Lincoln Park, 11th and East Capitol Streets NE, Washington, DC - July 10^th is the official birthday of Mary McLeod Bethune. A formal wreath-laying ceremony at 6 p.m. celebrates the 130th birthday of the African-American educator, human rights activist and founder of the National Council of Negro Women, Mary McLeod Bethune. This year's celebration marks the 31^th anniversary of the wreath-laying ceremony the erection of the Bethune Memorial on July 10, 1974. Those wishing to attend will gather in Lincoln Park at the 12-foot tall Bethune Statue. For further information call 202-673-2402.

President's Park (White House), Washington, DC:
"Twilight Tattoo” - (7 p.m., May 4,11,18,25 and June 1,8,15,22, and 29; Ellipse, south of the White House) - The Twilight Tattoo is an hour-long sunset military pageant. The program features The U.S. Army Old Guard Third Infantry, The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and The U.S. Army Drill Team; and The U.S. Army Band Blues jazz ensemble and vocalists from The U.S. Army Chorus and The U.S. Army Chorale. For further information call 202-685-4989.
National Christmas Tree Lighting and Pageant of Peace - This year marks the 82^nd National Christmas Tree, opening the annual Christmas Pageant of Peace. Date and time to be determined. For further information call 202-208-1631.
Lighting Ceremony – (NW end of Ellipse near Constitution Ave)- This year is the 27^th Anniversary of the National Chanukah Menorah and the 26^th Lighting Ceremony. The lighting of the world's largest Menorah to mark the Festival of Chanukah, eight day Jewish holiday commemorating the success of the Jewish Maccabean army against Syrian oppression, and the liberation and rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem nearly 2,200 years ago. Tickets are required. Date and time to be determined. For further ticket information please call 202-332-5600.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, DC:
Mother’s Day at the Wall - Mother’s Day at the Wall on Sunday, May 8 - This year marks the Sixth Annual Mother's Day at the Wall to honor the Mothers of those who served and sacrificed in America's military conflicts. Mother's Day marks a special time at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Many mothers watched their children go off to war in Vietnam, some of whom never returned home. The Wall honors their children's service and sacrifice. For further information call 202-393-0090.
Memorial Day Observance - This year's annual Memorial Day observance on May 31 at 1 p.m. pays tribute to those that served and died in Vietnam. The ceremony will include Presentation of the Colors, remarks by special guest. The observance also includes a lying of wreaths by Patriotic Organizations. Contact: 202-619-7222.
Veterans Day Observance – Veterans Day will be observed with speeches, speakers and color guard, and a wreath-laying ceremony on November 11 at 1 p.m. at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. This year's special guest to be announced. For further information call 202-619-7222.

Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington , VA:
Memorial Day - Memorial Day will be commemorated at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with a wreath laying ceremony and a special military concert on May 31 at 11 a.m. The U.S. Army Band will perform. For further information call 703-695-3175.
The Women’s Memorial Annual Memorial Day - The Women's Memorial annual Memorial Day ceremony on May 31will include remarks by military women and personal tributes to departed comrades. The Women In Military For America Memorial is the nation's only major memorial honoring all servicewomen, past, present and future. For further information call 703-533-1155.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - The nation's veterans who died in war are honored with a wreath-laying ceremony on November 11 at 11 a.m. followed by a memorial service. The President of the United States or a representative will lay the wreath. A military band will provide music. For further information call 703-607-8000.
Women In Military Service For America Memorial, at the gateway to Arlington National Cemetery - A wreath will lay at the memorial during a ceremony at the memorial with formal military honors, keynote address and veteran's remarks on November 11 at 3:30 p.m. For more information call 1-800-222-2294.

U.S. Navy Memorial, Washington, DC: Pennsylvania Ave. NW at 9 th Street
Wreath Laying Ceremony - A wreath-laying ceremony in observance of Memorial Day - Takes place at the Navy Memorial on May 31 at 1 p.m. For further information call 202-737-2300.
The United States Navy Band - Outdoor concert at the Navy Memorial on May 31 at 8 p.m. For further information call 202-737-2300.
Wreath Laying Ceremony - The Naval District of Washington will lay a wreath at the Lone Sailor Statue in commemoration of Veterans Day on November 11 at 1 p.m. The U.S. Navy Ceremonial Band, Ceremonial Guard and Color Guard will participate in the public ceremony. For further information call 202-737-2300.
Wreath Laying Ceremony - December 7 at 1 p.m. to commemorate the attack on Pearl Harbor. Contact: 202-737-2300.

National Mall
National Mall , Washington, DC:
39^th Annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival - The 39^th Annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival (June 23-27 and July 4) is co-sponsored by the National Park Service and continues its run on the National Mall from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. between 7^th and 14^th Streets. Evening performances are from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This year's festival celebrated events to be announced. For additional information, call 202-357-2700. All events are FREE.
America’s 2005 Independence Day Parade - Constitution Ave. between 7^th to 17^th Streets, NW. The parade on July 4 at 11:45 a.m. celebrates the 229^th birthday of the United States of America. More than 3000 performers, dancers, cultural organizations, giant balloons, floats, and military personnel from thirteen States will march down Constitution Avenue from 7^th to 17^th streets. The parade is estimated to last approximately 2 hours. The parade is free and open to the public. Contact: 202-619-7222.

George Washington Memorial Parkway
George Washington Memorial Parkway, Virginia:
Netherlands Carillon - Grounds of the carillon at route 50 and the GW Memorial Parkway. Every Saturday evening in July from 6-8 p.m. guest artists play the 50-bell carillon, which was given to the U.S. in appreciation for the liberation of Holland on May 5, 1945, during World War II. During the month of July there will be special Sunday afternoon concerts. See concert listing below. Visitors are welcome to go up in the tower to watch the carillonneur perform and view the city of Washington and other surrounding features. For further information call 703-289-2500/2552 or visit our web site for concert listings at www.nps.gov/gwmp.

Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, Washington, DC:
Garden tours - Anacostia Ave. & Douglas Street NE. It's that time of the year, July 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. visitors are invited to enjoy more than 75 varieties of blooming lilies and lotus in a park setting that is of outstanding design and beauty. Night tours of the gardens will also be held during the months of August and September. Visitors are encouraged to bring a flashlight and insect repellant. Entertainment will be provided for the children. Mini-workshops will also be available on water gardening, nature videos and tours of the greenhouses. A photography contest will be held based on photos taken of the scenery at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. Submit original photographs only. Please call for details. For further information call 202-426-6905.

Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington, DC:
Korean War Armistice Day Ceremony - (July 27 at 10 a.m.) This year marks the 55^th Anniversary of the Korean War. On June 25, 1950, the North Korean Army-organized, equipped, and abetted by the Soviet Union-lunged across the 38^th Parallel to subdue its countrymen to the south. This year also marks the 52^nd Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice, and 9th Anniversary of the dedication of the Korean War Veterans Memorial. Armistice Day will be observed on the same day and time the cease fire took effect in Korea in July 27, 1953. A formal wreath-laying ceremony will take place. Contact: 202-619-7222.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in the National Capital Region:
September 15-October 15 - Listed below are the monuments and memorials in our Nation's Capital under the preservation and protection of the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, National Capital Region, which relate to Hispanic Heritage: (Contact: 202-619-7222)

Aritagas, José, 18^th and Constitution Ave., NW
Bolivar, Simon, 18^th Street at C street and Virginia NW
Columbus, Christopher, Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Ave., NE
Farragut, Admiral David G., Farragut Square, 17^th & K Sts. NW
Gálvez, Bernardo de, Virginia Ave. and C Streets. NW
Juarez, Benito Pablo, Virginia Ave. and New Hampshire Ave., NW
San Martin, General Jose de, Virginia Ave. and 20^th Street, NW
United Spanish War Veterans Memorial, Memorial Avenue, west of Arlington Memorial Bridge.

Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial, Virginia:
Open House - Reservations are required for the Annual Open House at Arlington House and can be made by calling 703-235-1530. Date and time to be announced.

Columbus Memorial Statue, Washington, DC:
Anniversary celebration - Columbus Plaza, Union Station. This year we celebrate the 93^rd Anniversary of the dedication of the Columbus Memorial Statue. The monumental statue was dedicated June 8, 1912. The National Columbus Celebration Association and the National Park Service invite you to participate in the Columbus Day Ceremony. The official national ceremony celebrates the achievements of the great explorer. Columbus Day is always celebrated the 2^nd Monday in October (this year it’s October 10 at 11 a.m.) For information call 202-619-7222.

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, Washington, DC:
14^th Anniversary of Memorial - E Street, between 4^th and 5^th Sts. NW. The NPS will honor Law Enforcement officers with a wreath-laying ceremony and commemorate the 14^th anniversary of the dedication of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial on October 15 at 1 p.m. Free. For further information call 202-737-3400.

Vietnam Women's Memorial, Washington, DC:
Vietnam: In Their Own Words - This year marks the 12^th anniversary of the Vietnam Women's Memorial. Come and witness Vietnam: In Their Own Words-Throughout the day (November 11, 8 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.) storytelling will be featured every 10-15 minutes near the Vietnam Women's Memorial, located at 23^rd and Constitution Ave. NW. Children and families will find the stories compelling and educational. For further information call 301-314-8505 or visit www.VietnamWomensMemorial.org.