While many associate Veterans Day and Memorial Day with service, the two are not the same. Veterans Day is a celebration of those who serve and have served. Memorial Day is a solemn day to reflect on veterans and military personnel who are deceased.
Memorial Day this year is Monday, May 25, 2025.
May is also National Military Appreciation Month, and many businesses offer special discounts to veterans over Memorial Day Weekend. Visit the Military Appreciation Month Discount Center to find out what offers are available throughout May.
2025 Memorial Day Events
Washington, D.C., and Environs
Arlington National Cemetery
The Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Day ceremony takes place on Monday, May 26, 2025, at the Amphitheater. The president of the United States typically delivers an address at the ceremony. Numerous military and government organizations also conduct services. All ceremonies and special events are free and open to the public. Check the Arlington National Cemetery website for details as the date approaches.
National Memorial Day Concert
The National Memorial Day Concert, celebrating its 36th anniversary this year, will be broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on Sunday, May 25, 2025, starting at 8 p.m. ET. Hosted by Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, the event features Patrick Lundy & the Ministers of Music, several military branch choral and instrumental groups, and Maestro Jack Everly conducting the National Symphony Orchestra. It will be livestreamed on PBS.
National Memorial Day Parade
Hosted by the American Veterans Center, the National Memorial Day Parade returns to Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C., on Monday, May 26, 2025, starting at 2 p.m. Experience the parade live or watch it on television, followed by a special Independence Day television program, “Our Sacred Honor: An American Salute,” to be broadcast on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CW stations.
National Museum of the United States Army
The National Museum of the United States Army in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, plans a full weekend of family-friendly Memorial Day events from Friday, May 23, through Monday, May 26, 2025, which are included in general admission. These include a flag display, hands-on history, kids’ story time and crafts. Additionally, on Monday, there will be a screening of the documentary “A Journey to Remember” and a Memorial Day remembrance and moment of silence. Click here for details.
"Rolling To Remember" Rally
A series of events to honor the nation's prisoners of war and missing-in-action is set to take place over Memorial Day weekend in Washington, D.C. The "Rolling To Remember" rally will conclude with a ride by thousands of bikers on Sunday, May 25, 2025. The motorcycle demonstration ride, hosted by AMVETS, is also a call for action to prevent veteran suicides. "Rolling To Remember" Rally details
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Annual Observance at The Wall
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund annual Memorial Day Ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, May 26, 2025 at 5 Henry Bacon Dr NW, Washington, D.C. It will be broadcast on the organization’s Facebook page and at vvmf.org/live. Vietnam Veterans Memorial Memorial Day Ceremony details
Military Women's Memorial Program
The 28th annual Memorial Day Program by Military Women's Memorial takes place Monday, May 26, 2025, from 3-5 p.m. at Memorial Avenue and Schley Drive in Arlington, Virginia.
Nationwide
Throughout May, the Department of Veterans Affairs is partnering with non-profit organizations Carry The Load, Travis Manion Foundation and Victory for Veterans “to pay homage to veterans interred in VA National Cemeteries through a series of events, volunteer opportunities and shared stories,” according to the VA. National Cemetery Administration list of participating cemeteries
You can also check our Base Guide to find your local installation to discover what events are planned for Memorial Day near you.
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