The Washington area has scheduled a busy Memorial Day. Some weekend highlights: SUNDAY
The National Memorial Day Concert is free to the public and will be televised by PBS. Hosts Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise will join Colin Powell, Natalie Cole, Trace Adkins, rock band Daughtry, the National Symphony Orchestra and other performers.
When: 8 to 9:30 p.m. (gates open at 5 p.m.)
Where: West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
The Rolling Thunder First Amendment Demonstration Run features thousands of motorcyclists caravanning through the city.
When: Noon (participants meet at 7 a.m.)
Where: Bikers depart from the Pentagon parking lot, loop around the Mall and finish at West Potomac Park.
MONDAY
This year’s National Memorial Day Parade features a tribute to Iraq War veterans and those who died in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Organizers expect about 250,000 spectators to turn out for the marching bands and floats. Maj. Gen. Chuck Yeager is this year’s grand marshal. He will be joined by Buzz Aldrin, Gary Sinise, Joe Mantegna and musical performances by Laura Kaeppeler, Kris Allen, G. Love and Angie Johnson.
When: 2 p.m.
Where: West on Constitution Avenue from 7th Street to 17th Street NW
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War with a ceremony at the Wall. President Obama will speak. Seats are open to the public on a first come, first serve basis. Attendees will need a photo ID to clear security.
When: 1 p.m. (gates open at 10:30 a.m.)
Where: Vietnam Veterans Memorial, National Mall
Arlington National Cemetery will host its annual Memorial Day Observance. The event features speakers, a band and free shuttle service from the visitors’ center.
When: 11 a.m. (shuttles begin at 8 a.m.)
Where: Memorial Amphitheater
ALSO
Tribute to the Wounded Warrior: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Great Meadow Event Center, the Plains, Va. Tickets are $45 and include access to a symphony performance, bands, air show, car show, barbecue, beer and wine tasting.
Women’s Memorial: 4 p.m. Monday at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery
World War II Memorial remembrance ceremony: 9 to 10 a.m. Monday at the World War II Memorial, National Mall
35th Annual Memorial Day Jazz Festival: 1 to 6 p.m. Monday at Waterfront Park, Alexandria
-By Jacob Demmitt
