MAP IT. A mix of exciting events, along with the city's monuments, memorials and museums , shine a light on the selfless service of our active duty military and veterans. Read below for a selection of things to do in the lead-up to or the day of this start-of- summer holiday. Be sure to check out our weekend roundup as well.
The National Memorial Day Parade: Our Sacred Honor tells the story of American sacrifice from the Revolution to today along Constitution Avenue through live, on site historical re-enactors, veterans, and active duty military personnel, joined by musical performances and celebrity appearances. This motorcycle rally on May 23 is held to raise awareness of critical issues faced by veterans every day, as well as in tribute to those missing in action and prisoners of war.
Rolling to Remember aims to deliver a message to Congress and the American people that veterans are in need of assistance, as the group struggles with a suicide crisis. Visit the event website for scheduling updates, registration and attendance info for this year's procession.
The National Memorial Day Concert salutes the sacrifice made by the men and women in uniform, as well as their families. Capitol on Sunday, May 25 at 8 p. Actors Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna will host the proceedings, which will feature numerous other celebrity performers. The event will also be live-streamed online and will be available on-demand for two weeks after the performance. The National Mall features plenty of ways to honor American servicemen and women. And a visit to the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial is a solemn and powerful reminder of the very human cost of war.
In the lead up to Memorial Day, servicemen and women place American flags at more than , graves, with the Memorial Day Flowers Foundation providing free roses to visitors who come in tribute. Historic Georgetown 's river waterfront is home to tons of great restaurants โ many, including Sequoia , Tony and Joe's Seafood Place , Nick's Riverside Grill and Farmers Fishers Bakers , offer patio seating in warm weather โ and plenty of outdoor activities.
