Whether or not you have ties to the military, honor those who died fighting for our country this Memorial Day and reflect upon their sacrifices as we, as a nation, remember our fallen heroes’ lives and legacies.
CULPEPER — Memorial Day at Culpeper National Cemetery
305 U.S. Ave., Culpeper
May 22–26: Help place flags upon gravestones to honor deceased veterans and attend the Memorial Day Ceremony on the historic side of the cemetery. Walk across the cemetery grounds and say the names of the veterans aloud to ensure their memories and legacy live on.
See event website for further details. Facebook.com
SHENANDOAH — Memorial Day Festival and Parade
507 First St., Shenandoah
May 22–23: Show your patriotism with two days of food and music festivities, a memorial service, and the Town of Shenandoah’s annual Memorial Day Parade. Other festivities include a flag retirement ceremony, local vendor booths, a petting zoo, and a car show; there’s something for everyone, guaranteed to make for a meaningful Memorial Day weekend.
See event website for further details. PageValley.org
BUCHANAN — Sirens and Salutes, Inc. Memorial Day Weekend
77 Fairview St., Buchanan
May 23–25: This Memorial Day weekend, join nonprofit Sirens and Salutes, Inc. for a flag-placing at Fairview Cemetery, a free movie shown at Hull’s Drive-In, and a Memorial Day Ceremony on the 25th, followed by a lunch at Solomon’s Mission.
See event website for further details. Facebook.com
ARLINGTON— Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery
1 Memorial Ave., Arlington
May 24–25: Arlington National Cemetery hosted the first official Memorial Day commemoration and is committed to ensuring we continue to honor our nation’s fallen service members. Place a flower at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, listen to historians talk about the history of Memorial Day, and join the community in observing the holiday in the Cemetery’s Memorial Amphitheater.
See event website for further details. ArlingtonCemetery.mil
BRISTOL — Downtown Bristol Memorial Day Ceremony
200 Lee St., Bristol
May 25: Pay your respects to individuals who gave their lives in service at the annual Cumberland Square Park War Memorial service hosted by Bristol’s Fraternal Veterans Council. The ceremony will include remarks, tributes, and a moment of reflection to honor and remember America’s fallen heroes.
Event will be held from 12–1 p.m. BelieveinBristol.org
DUBLIN — Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony
5550 Bagging Plant Rd., Dublin
May 25: Join speakers Major General William H. Seely, III, Commandant of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, and Captain Gary Powers, United States Navy (retired), this Memorial Day to honor fallen soldiers. The ceremony will be accompanied by music provided by the Pulaski County High School Brass Quartet.
Event will be held from 11 a.m.–12 p.m. DVS.Virginia.Gov
HAMPTON — Honor Project at Hampton National Cemetery
1 Cemetery Rd., Hampton
May 25: Lay handcrafted commemorative tokens upon graves at the Hampton National Cemetery and participate in the Travis Manion Foundation’s Honor Project that helps to support veterans and families of fallen soldiers. Become one of thousands of volunteers across the country and reflect on these soldiers’ service and sacrifices on this day of remembrance.
Event begins at 9 a.m. TravisManion.org
CHESAPEAKE — Memorial Day Ceremony
306 Cedar Rd., Chesapeake
May 25: Show your appreciation for those who have served our country at the Chesapeake Veterans Memorial at Chesapeake City Hall, presented by the Mayor’s Commission on Veterans’ Affairs. Gather together to commemorate and thank the men and women who have served for our country’s future and honor those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today.
Event will be held from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. VisitChesapeake.com
ASHBURN — Ringing in Hope: A Salute to Our Troops
44505 Atwater Dr., Ashburn
May 25: Run, walk, or jog in honor of those who have served, and race in a 5K, 10K, or 1-mile Freedom Fun Run. All racers will receive a custom medal, a race bib, food at the finish line, and free race-day photos. Stay after to browse the local vendors and enjoy live entertainment at the Memorial Day Marketplace. Consider donating to the designated nonprofit, Boulder Crest, which provides free retreats for combat veterans and their families.
See event website for further details. RunSignUp.com
BEDFORD — Memorial Day at the National D-Day Memorial
3 Overlord Cir., Bedford, May 25: At the National D-Day Memorial, bring your own lawn chair and pay tribute to the fallen heroes who have served our country in a ceremony led by guest speaker Ami Waldon, President of Mothers of Veteran Suicide. After the ceremony, visit the Memorial’s Annie J. Bronson Veterans Memorial Walk, which honors individuals who lost their lives in service. Event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. DDay.org
Featured photo of SHENANDOAH — Memorial Day Festival and Parade. This article is a Virginia Living digital exclusive.
