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Contact: Frank O’Reilly, 540-491-4487
FREDERICKSBURG, VA. — On Saturday, May 24, 2025, the National Park Service will host the 30th annual luminaria at the Fredericksburg National Cemetery. On Monday, May 26, 2025, visit the cemetery for a quiet ceremony and observance. Come to the park this Memorial Day weekend to honor those who lost their lives in service of the United States.All events are free and open to the public.
Saturday, May 24, 2025: Fredericksburg National Cemetery Luminaria
The Fredericksburg National Cemetery Luminaria runs from 8 pm to 11 pm and is free to the public. In the event of rain, the date will be moved to Sunday, May 25, 2025.The luminaria honors those who died in the service of this country. Local scouts will light 15,300 candles in the cemetery – one for each person buried there. In addition, a bugler will play “Taps” every 30 minutes during the evening as park staff posted throughout the cemetery relate stories about some of the individuals.
The cemetery is located at the intersection of Sunken Road and Lafayette Boulevard. Event parking is available at the University of Mary Washington lot at the corner of William Street and Sunken Road. The Fredericksburg Trolley will provide shuttle service between the parking area and the national cemetery. Accessible parking will be located at the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center parking lot. Golf carts will be available for transport up to the cemetery for people with mobility needs.
Monday, May 26, 2025: Memorial Day Ceremony and Observance
On Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2025, visit the Fredericksburg National Cemetery for a quiet observance of this hallowed holiday.The event will begin at 10 am with a short 15-minute ceremony in the cemetery, including a playing of taps and the presentation of the colors of the 23rd USCT living history group. From 10:15 am to 4 pm park staff will be stationed in the cemetery to share stories about the history of Memorial Day in Fredericksburg and facilitate remembrance activities to honor those who lost their lives in service to the United States. Golf carts will be available to facilitate access up to the cemetery.
Join staff at 10:30 am and 2 pm for walking tours of the Sunken Road.
About the Fredericksburg National Cemetery
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 who mostly died during the Civil War. At least 85% of the graves are unidentified, resulting in over 12,770 unknowns. The annual luminaria has served as a poignant tribute to the fallen since 1996.Please note that pets are not permitted in the cemetery.
For additional information, call (540) 693-3200, or check www.nps.gov/frsp.
Last updated: May 8, 2025