Celebrate Memorial Day this month on Monday, May 28th! In this Courtland Towers Blog post, we are highlighting a few places and events that you can visit or attend to observe this national holiday here in Arlington, VA or nearby in a patriotic way.
Memorial Day is a National holiday observed on the last Monday of May which honors men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, at least, it marks the beginning of summer.
Places to Visit
Arlington National Cemetery (6 minutes away)
Make a visit to the Arlington National Cemetery this Memorial Day. The grounds of Arlington National Cemetery honor those who have served our nation by providing a sense of beauty and peace for all guests. The rolling green hills are dotted with trees that are hundreds of years in age and complement the gardens found throughout the 624 acres of the cemetery. This impressive landscape serves as a tribute to the service and sacrifice of every individual laid to rest within the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery.
Memorial Amphitheater (8 minutes away)
Located within the Arlington National Cemetery is the Memorial Amphitheater where national memorial services to honor all American service members are held three times a year. On Memorial Day, the memorial service begins at 11 a.m. About 5,000 visitors attend each of the three major annual memorial services in the Amphitheater. They take place Easter, Memorial Day and Veterans Day and are sponsored by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington.
The National Portrait Gallery (19 minutes away)
The National Portrait Gallery gives visitors a chance to meet fascinating Americans from more than 225 years of history in its halls. Through portraits and performances the Portrait Gallery tells the stories of poets and presidents, visionaries and villains, actors and activists who speak American history. The gallery is open from 11:30 am - 7 pm every day except December 25th.
Events
The National Memorial Day Parade, held annually along Constitution Avenue in our nation’s capital – Washington, DC – shares the story of American honor and sacrifice from across the generations. The parade, commemorating its thirteenth year, is our nation’s largest Memorial Day event, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators to the National Mall to pay tribute to those who have served, are serving, and most importantly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while in service to our country.
The Parade begins at 2 p.m. on Monday, May 28th, 2018.
What other events are happening in the area? Let our apartment community know in the comments. Enjoy celebrating Memorial Day this month!