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The National Park Service and its partners will honor those who gave their lives in defense of the country through virtual and in-person programming throughout the National Mall this Memorial Day weekend
Wreath Laying Ceremonies
Monday, May 31
World War II Memorial – 9 a.m.
The Friends of the National World War II Memorial and the National Park Service will pay tribute to the more than 400,000 Americans who lost their lives during World War II on Memorial Day. World War II veterans will lay wreaths at the Freedom Wall in remembrance of their fallen comrades and the Military District of Washington will provide military support for the event. The ceremony is open to the public, but advance registration is required at www.wwiimemorialfriends.org. Social distancing practices will be in place, including the wearing of face masks. The program will also be streamed live to the Friends' Facebook page (@WWIIMemorialFriends).
Korean War Veterans Memorial - 11 a.m.
The Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation would conduct an online commemoration reflecting on the significance of those who gave their lives for in the Korean conflict. There will be no in-person participation for the public, but the ceremony will be livestreamed on the Korean War Memorial Foundation’s Facebook page (@KWVMFUSA).
U.S. Navy Memorial – 1 p.m.
The U.S. Navy Memorial will remember the fallen with a Memorial Day ceremony to honor service men and women who have made the supreme sacrifice in defense of their country. Register online for the livestream at http://ow.ly/8xsF50EQInz.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial – 1 p.m.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) will host a small in-person ceremony to commemorate Memorial Day, featuring remarks by author and Vietnam War veteran Karl Marlantes and Nancy George Wilson, who served in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps from 1964-69. Advance registration is required to attend in person and attendance is limited. All attendees are strongly encouraged to wear masks for the event. The ceremony will also be livestreamed on the VVMF website and Facebook page (@VietnamVeteransMemorialFund)
World War I Memorial – 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Taps will be played at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. in honor of Memorial Day, sponsored by the Doughboy Foundation.
National Memorial Day Concert
While it will not originate from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, as is tradition, the National Memorial Day Concert will be broadcast on PBS on Sunday, May 30 from 8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. The program, which will be available online only, will include new performances and tributes filmed in different locations around the country and iconic stories from past concerts to honor our troops, veterans, wounded warriors, all those who have given their lives for our nation, and their families. The concert will also be live streamed on Facebook, YouTube, and the National Memorial Day Concert website.
If You Go
The monuments and memorials on the National Mall, including the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, World War II Memorial, are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
All monuments and memorials on the National Mall are open with the exception of the Washington Monument, as are restrooms and visitor facilities including food kiosks and bookstores. Additionally, temporary restrooms will be located between the Lincoln Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial through Memorial Day.
National Park Service rangers and volunteers (easily identifiable by their bright yellow hats and shirts) are on duty at all of the veterans memorials this weekend to answer questions and provide information about how these memorials honor those who gave "the last full measure of devotion" to their country.
Please show your fellow visitors and the people honored by the memorials the proper respect during your visit. Bicycles and scooters are welcome on the National Mall, but please remember that riding is not permitted within the memorials themselves. Please walk your bike or scooter through the memorials, or use the designated parking areas provided. Your assistance in preserving a respectful and safe experience for all visitors is appreciated.
