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 is Monday, May 27, 2024.
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.
2024 Memorial Day Events
A more complete list of 2024 Memorial Day events will be updated on this page as information becomes available.
Check our Base Guide to find your local installation to find out what events are planned for Memorial Day near you.
Washington, D.C., and Environs
Arlington National Cemetery
The Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Day ceremony takes place on Monday, May 27, 2024, 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 35th anniversary this year, will be broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on Sunday, May 26, 2024, starting at 8 p.m. ET. Hosted by Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, the event features Bryan Cranston, Cynthia Erivo, Jena Malone, BD Wong, Patina Miller, Gary LeVox, Mary McCormack, Jamey Johnson, Ruthie Ann Miles and Maestro Jack Everly conducting the National Symphony Orchestra. It will be livestreamed on PBS. Country music singer Jamey Johnson, a U.S. Marine veteran, will debut his new song “21 Guns” at the concert. The song was inspired by his fellow Marines who lost their lives in service to the country.
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 27, 2024, starting at 2 p.m. The parade will be broadcast live, followed by a televised program Our Sacred Honor: An American Salute, airing on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CW stations nationwide.
National Museum of the United States Army
The National Museum of the United States Army in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, plans a full weekend of Memorial Day events from Friday, May 24, through Monday, May 27, 2024, which are included in general admission. These include a flag display, poppy flower-making activity, and hands-on history exhibits. Additionally, on Monday, there will be a screening of the documentary “They Don’t Die Twice” 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 26, 2024. 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 27, 2024 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 27th annual Memorial Day Program by Military Women's Memorial takes place Monday, May 27, 2024, from 3-5 p.m. at Memorial Avenue and Schley Drive in Arlington, Virginia.
Other Memorial Day Events
Nationwide
At national cemeteries across the U.S., veterans and the public are welcome to attend any of the more than 130 Memorial Day ceremonies planned. Some are listed below, but more events can be found here as details become available. Many of the ceremonies will include solemn wreath-layings.
California
26th Annual Tribute to Veterans & Military Families - Arcadia, CA
When: Sat May 25, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. PT
Where: Arcadia County Park, 405 South Santa Anita Avenue
Florida
Memorial Day Special - St. Petersburg, FL
Free for Veterans, Active Military, Gold Star and Blue Star Families.
When: Mon May 27, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET
Where: The James Museum, 150 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL
Illinois
Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony & Parade - Chicago
The Wreath Laying Ceremony at 11:00 AM will also be livestreamed at https://www.Chicago.gov/live.
When: Sat May 25, 2024, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT
Where: Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St.
Louisiana
When: Sun May 26, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. CT
Where: Mandeville Lakefront, corner of Lakeshore Drive and Coffee St.
Maryland
Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade - Rockville, MD
Each year, the City of Rockville selects a local Veteran or active military member to serve as the city's Grand Marshal and lead the festivities. This year's Grand Marshal is Stephen P. Johnson.
When: Mon May 27, 2024, 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET
Where: Rockville Town Square, 36 Maryland Ave, Rockville, MD
Minnesota
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Memorial Day Event - Maple Grove, MN
Maple Grove Beyond the Yellow Ribbon and the Commander of the Osseo-Maple Grove American Legion invite the community to commemorate Memorial Day.
When: Mon May 27, 2024, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. CT
Where: Central Park, 12000 Central Park Way, Maple Grove, MN
Ohio
Annual Memorial Day Celebration - Mayfield Village, OH
This event honors veterans of all wars.
When: Sun May 26, 2024, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET
Where: Whitehaven Memorial Park
Pennsylvania
Memorial Day Parade & Service - Perkasie, PA
The 2024 Memorial Day Parade and Service will take place on Saturday May 25th.
When: Sat May 25, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. ET
Where: Parade starts at: the intersection of Diamond Street & East Clymer Avenue and ends at Veteran’s Memorial in Lenape Park
Virginia
Memorial Day Ceremony - Purcellville, VA
Memorial Day - Remember and Honor
When: Mon May 27, 2024, 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. ET
Where: Purcellville Town Hall, 221 South Nursery Ave., Purcellville, VA
Texas
Carry The Load’s Memorial May Campaign - Houston
When: Sat May 25, 2024, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. CT
Where: Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive
Wisconsin
Memorial Day Veterans Brat Fry - Wautoma, WI
All Veterans are invited for a free meal and free raffles.
When: Mon May 27, 2024, 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. CT
Where: Cooperative Care, 402 E Main St., Wautoma, WI
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