National Capital Region Activities - 2006 and Events

National Park Service
2006 Park Visitor Information

National Capital Region

Antietam National Battlefield, MD
Artillery Weekend, June 10, 2006 - June 11, 2006 -
Artillery Weekend - The rolling terrain and the heavy reliance on artillery by Union and Confederates made Antietam one of the most significant artillery battles in the Civil War. Artillery firing demonstrations will be held throughout Saturday and Sunday. Near the visitor center, Park Staff, 301 432-5124.
First Texas Weekend at Sharpsburg, July 29, 2006 - July 30, 2006 - First Texas Weekend at Sharpsburg- Living history volunteers from Medich's Confederate Battalion will tell the story of the men from the First Texas regiment at Antietam. Weapons and tactics demonstrations will be held throughout Saturday and Sunday, with ongoing interpretation in the camp throughout the day.
Battle Anniversary Weekend, September 15, 2006 - September 17, 2006 - Battle Anniversary Weekend- A weekend full of special hikes and programs will be announced in late August.
Torch Light Tour, September 16, 2006 - Torch Light Tour - Living History volunteers portray vignettes of the Maryland Campaign. Witness the impact of the bloodiest single day in American History on the men who fought as well as the local civilians. Call (301) 432-5124 for reservations starting August 1, 2006.
18 th Annual Memorial Illumination, December 2, 2006 - Eighteenth Annual Memorial Illumination- 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 6:00 p.m. on Route 34 east of Sharpsburg. In the event of high winds or heavy rain, this event will be rescheduled to December 9th. Note: The Visitor Center will be open from 8:30 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. Several of the park roads will not be available to tour after 3:00 p.m.

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, MD
CanalFest - The annual 3-day CanalFest on July 7-9 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, 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 131st 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 32 nd 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.

Presidents Park (White House), DC
National Christmas Tree Lighting and Pageant of Peace - This year marks the 83 rd 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 28 th Anniversary of the National Chanukah Menorah and the 27 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, DC
Memorial Day Observance - This year's annual Memorial Day observance on May 29 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 DayObservance - 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. For further information call 202-619-7222.

Arlington National Cemetery, 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 29 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 29 will 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
Wreath Laying Ceremony - A wreath-laying ceremony in observance of Memorial Day - Takes place at the Navy Memorial on May 29 at 1 p.m. For further information call 202-737-2300.
The United States Navy Band - Outdoor concert at the Navy Memorial on May 29 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, DC
40 th Annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival - The 40 th Annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival (June 30 - July 4 and July 7-11) 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 7th and 14th 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 2006 Independence Day Parade - Constitution Ave. between 7th to 17th Streets, NW. The parade on July 4 at 11:45 a.m. celebrates the 230 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 7th to 17th streets. The parade is estimated to last approximately 2 hours. The parade is free and open to the public. Contact: 202-619-7222.

Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, DC
Garden tours - Anacostia Ave. & Douglas Street NE. It's that time of the year, Every 3rd Saturday of July 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, DC
Korean War Armistice Day Ceremony - (July 27 at 10 a.m.) This year marks the 56th 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 53rd 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.

Arlington House, VA
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, DC
Anniversary celebration - Columbus Plaza, Union Station. This year we celebrate the 94th 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 2nd Monday in October (this year it's October 9 at 11 a.m.) For information call 202-619-7222 .

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, DC
15th 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 13th 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 23rd 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.