What is Memorial Day? Things To Do In DC On Memorial Day 2021 Weekend: Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States which is observed to remember and honor people who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
The holiday is basically observed on the last Monday of May every year and in the previous year, the day was held on May 25, 2019. In the United States, Memorial Day is considered to be the unofficial start of the summer vacation season, while on the other hand, Labor Day marks its end on the first Monday of September.
Memorial Day Observance
On this day a lot of people visit cemeteries and memorials, mainly to honor those who died in military services. Many volunteers place an American flag on every grave in national cemeteries respectively.
Two additional days that celebrate those who serve or have served in the U.S. military are:
Veterans Day: The day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans.
Armed Forces Day: The day is a minor U.S. remembrance celebrated previously in May, especially honoring those presently serving in the U.S. military.
When is Memorial Day this year?
This year in 2021, Memorial Day is going to fall on Monday, May 31, 2021. This year, the D.C. area is going to host many events and chances to honor fallen military members all over Memorial Day weekend.
Here are the things to Do in DC on Memorial Day Weekend 2021
Memorial Day Parade
The Memorial Day Parade is one of the most anticipated events on Memorial Day. This year, the parade is going to start at 2 p.m. and it goes along Constitution Avenue, Northwest from 7th to 17th street.
This year’s grand marshals, as well as special celebrity guests, comprises of the heroes of D-Day, “Criminal Minds” star Joe Mantegna and celebrity chef Robert Irvine. There will also hold musical performances which will be given by Justin Moore, Quaid & James, Kiefer Sutherland, the winner of “The Voice” and The USO Show Troupe.
The best place to watch the parade is from any place along the parade route, but the American Veterans Center said the steps of the National Archives make available a great view. All those people who are not able to attend the parade can also watch it through live streaming on YouTube.
Alexandria’s Memorial Day Jazz Festival
This year on Memorial Day, Alexandria’s Memorial Day Jazz Festival is going to host the 42nd annual festival which is going to start from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, June 01 at Waterfront Park. The event is going to highlight the different styles of jazz as well as the event is also free and opens to the public.
The U.S. Army Blues are going to start with big band jazz at 1 p.m. VERONNEAU, with worldwide jazz music, is going to carry on at 2:30 p.m. Contemporary jazz musicians Dave Kline Band is also going to start the event at 3:30 p.m. a well as big band swing jazz band Good Shot Judy is going to be the concluding act which will be held at 4:30 p.m.
Last Rolling Thunder
One of the traditions which were there for the past 31 years approaches to an end on this Memorial Day. The Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom is going to do one last finishing bike ride all over D.C. The motorcycle ride was first started as a protest march to advocate for hostages of war and those who are missing in action.
The Rolling Thunder XXXII First Amendment Demonstration Run is going to start at noon on Sunday, May 31. The bikes are going to take off from the North Pentagon parking lot and will ride through the Mall area. After the full ride, the riders are going to pay tribute to their fallen military service members at West Potomac Park after the ride.
Poppy Wall of Honor
If you are in D.C on Memorial Day weekend then it will be impossible for you to miss the 133-foot long, 8 1/2-foot-tall walls which are rapidly filling up with thousands of vibrant red poppies on the National Mall on this Memorial Day weekend.
The wall is going to be on the southwest side of the Reflecting Pool in the middle of the Lincoln Memorial and the Korean War Memorial, the Reflecting Pool due north, as well as the World War II Memorial to the East. It is going to be open for visitors from Friday, May 28, and will carry on till Sunday, May 31.
The Wrapping-Up
Memorial Day is originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day Begin with an Idea from General John Logan, as the way to honor the fallen soldiers of the Civil War. The First Memorial Day Celebration on May 30, 1868, was held at Arlington National Cemetery with a Crowd of 5000 Peoples Decorating the graves of over 20,000 military Persons with Flowers. Many Washington officials, Including General Ulysses S. Grant, presided over the ceremonies. After speeches Children from Soldiers and Sailors Orphan Home, Among others and Made their way through the cemetery, strewing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves, reciting prayers, and singing hymns.
