News Release

2022 Memorial Day Commemoration at National Cemetery

NPS Photo

News Release Date: May 4, 2022

Contact: Frank A. O’Reilly, 540-693-3200

FREDERICKSBURG, VA - On Monday, May 30 (Memorial Day), the National Park Service will host its annual Memorial Day Commemoration at the Fredericksburg National Cemetery. The program will start at 12 noon in the cemetery and is free to the public. In the event of rain, the event will be cancelled.

The National Park Service’s Memorial Day Commemoration honors the men and women who gave their lives in military service to the United States. The keynote speaker this year is Colonel Marcum L. Thompson, U.S. Air Force (Retired). Colonel Thompson served 28 years in the U.S. Air Force as an Air Intelligence Officer with the Joint Staff, U.S. European Command and U.S. Strategic Command. He retired as the Assistant Deputy Chief, Central Security Service with the National Security Agency. Colonel Thompson has a strong connection to the Civil War in the Fredericksburg area. He worked as a volunteer at the Chancellorsville Battlefield and is a former president of the Rappahannock Valley Civil War Round Table. He has led tours on many of the Civil War battlefields.

The 23rd Regiment United States Colored Troops living history unit will provide the color guard for the ceremony. The 23rd U.S.C.T. portrays a Civil War regiment. Its members write and teach about the diversity of military experience in the Civil War. In addition, a bugler will play “Taps” at the conclusion of the event.

National Park Service Rangers will offer guided walking tours of the Sunken Road, a significant part of the Fredericksburg Battlefield. Tours start at 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at the Visitor Center—and are free to the public.

The Fredericksburg National Cemetery was established in 1866 and remained open for military burials until 1945. It holds the remains of 15,243 soldiers, sailors, and Marines, most of whom died during the Civil War. At least 85% of the graves are unidentified, resulting in over 12,770 unknowns. Memorial Day commemorations in the National Cemetery date back to 1871.

The cemetery is located at the intersection of Sunken Road and Lafayette Boulevard. Parking will be available at or adjacent to the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center at 1013 Lafayette Boulevard.

A separate luminaria event will also be held at the Fredericksburg National Cemetery on Saturday, May 28th from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Learn more about the luminaria.

Please note that pets are not permitted in the cemetery.

For additional information, call [phone].