Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally Rolling Thunder, a nonprofit group that draws attention to American troops who fought in wars and are still unaccounted for, organizes this annual motorcycle ride to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. An anticipated 250,000 motorcyclists will depart from the Pentagon at noon Sunday and a tribute will follow at the Reflecting Pool across from the Lincoln Memorial at 1:30 p.m.
Concert and Parade
Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna will host the National Symphony Orchestra’s salute to America’s servicemen and women. Also, various artists will fill the U.S. Capitol Building lawn, Pennsylvania Avenue and First Street NW areas for the 90-minute concert. Gates open Sunday at 5 p.m.; show starts at 8.
The National Memorial Day Parade kicks off Monday at 2 p.m., starting at Constitution Avenue between Seventh and 17th streets NW. Those interested in watching the parade on TV, it will be broadcast on the Military Channel, FamilyNet Television, the Pentagon Channel, and the American Life Network.
World War II Memorial
The National Park Service will observe a public wreath-laying Monday at 9 a.m. at the World War II Memorial, 17th Street between Constitution and Independence avenues NW. The Armed Forces Color Guard will make the presentation of colors and the U.S. Army Band will perform a musical tribute.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Vietnam Women’s Memorial
The National Park Service and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund will sponsor this year’s annual Memorial Day observance, Monday at 1 p.m., at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, 22nd and Constitution avenues NW. Singer-songwriter Tenley Westbrook will sing the national anthem and bagpiper Chris Jackson will play “Amazing Grace.” The number of names on “The Wall” is now 58,272 men and women who were killed or remain missing in action.
Before and after the observance, at the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, is the 29th annual storytelling, paying tribute to Red Cross workers, journalists, military women and civilians. From 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., with a break from 12:30 p.m. until 2:30.
Compiled by Natalie Plumb
