The Iowa monument and surrounding graves on Memorial Day.
NPS/Alan Marsh
Memorial Day is one of the most important annual commemorations at the park, when we remember and honor those who died in service to our country.
Each year the park conducts activities to commemorate the Memorial Day Holiday. Learn more about previous speakers at the Memorial Day Service.
Prior to the holiday, the Avenue of Flags is raised in the National Cemetery by Park Staff and volunteers. Throughout the weekend, we ask that you honor our veterans by visiting the National Cemetery.
2021 Memorial Day Weekend Schedule
Due to ongoing pandemic conditions, no public ceremony will be held this year.
On Saturday, May 29, volunteers will place small American flags on the nearly 21,000 graves in Andersonville National Cemetery. Pre-registration is required. To provide for social distancing, groups will be assigned to specific areas of the cemetery. All visitors wishing to place, tend, pick up flags, or attend the event for Memorial Day must fill out the 2021 Flag Placement and Tending form. To request a form please e-mail Charles Barr at charles_barr@nps.gov. Forms must be returned by May 21.2021. Flags will remain in place until Tuesday, June 1.
On Sunday, May 30, memorial wreaths will be placed and displayed at the Rostrum in Andersonville National Cemetery. No public cermony will be held.
On Monday, May 31, at 10:00 a.m., Retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Dan Gillan will play the bagpipes as he walks throughout Andersonville National Cemetery to honor and remember each one buried there. This performance of commemorative bagpipe music will be streamed live to the park's Facebook page.
Also on Monday, May 31, at 3:00 p.m., Retired U.S. Navy Mike Saliba will play Taps at the Rostrum in Andersonville National Cemetery as part of the National Moment of Remembrance, when buglers across the country play Taps simultaneously to remember those who died in service to our nation. This performance will be streamed live to the park's Facebook page. No public cermony will be held.
