MemorialDay2025

Memorial Day Parade Program 2025 Monday, May 26, 2025 Falls Church, Virginia

Inside This Program: Page S2 Veterans Ceremony Information Page S4 Letter from the Mayor Page S6 Memorial Day Schedule Page S8 Parade & Festival Map Page S9 Memorial Day Vendor List Page S13 Parade Lineup

PAGE S2 | MAY 26, 2025

ME MO R I A L DAY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Memorial Day Ceremony 2025 Monday, May 26 th at 11:00 a.m.

City of Falls Church Veterans Memorial 223 Little Falls St., Falls Church, VA 22046 Welcome

Master of Ceremonies Sgt. Maj. Robert Petillo, United States Army Chorus (Ret.) and Letty Hardi, Mayor, City of Falls Church

Invocation

Presentation of Wreath in Memory of Departed Veterans

Sara Madden, Falls Church Chapter NSDAR; Ken Morris, George Mason Chapter SAR; Escorted by Johnny Johnson, American Legion Post 130; and Howard Chatham, LCDR, United States Navy (Ret.)

MIA Flag Posting & Remembrance

Rev. Dr. Kris Clifford, Co-Pastor, Columbia Church

Johnny Johnson, American Legion Post 130; and David Crance, Chaplain, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9274

Posting of Colors and National Anthem

Reading of the Names of the Fallen

Color Guard, American Legion Post 130: The City of Falls Church Concert Band Under the Direction of Mary Jo West and Vocals by SSgt. David Szabo, The United States Army Band

Taps

MGySgt. John Abbracciamento, United States Marine Band (Ret.)

Presentations, Announcements, & Remarks

Retiring of Colors

Jorome Gibbon, Chairman, Greater Falls Church Veterans Council

Color Guard, American Legion Post 130

Benediction

FCCPS Purple Star Schools & Military Family Recognition

Rev. Dr. Kris Clifford, Co-Pastor, Columbia Church

Introduction of Keynote Speaker and Keynote Address

God Bless America

The Honorable Marcus B. Simon, Delegate for Virginia’s 13th House District, Officer in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps

City of Falls Church Concert Band Under the direction of Mary Jo West and Vocals by SSgt. David Szabo, The United States Army Band

This program was prepared by representatives of the Greater Falls Church Veterans Council (www.gfcvcouncil.com), including the American Legion Post 130 and 225, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Martin, Leppert, Sipes Post 9274, the Catholic War Veterans Paul and Jacques Martin Post 1652, the Coalition of RVN Veterans Associations of Washington DC & Vicinities, and the Korean Vietnam Veterans Association of USA. Today’s remembrance is in cooperation with the Falls Church Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution, US Submarine Veterans, Northern Virginia Base, Northern Virginia WWII Veterans, the Veterans Memorial Committee, and dedicated volunteers under the coordination of the City of Falls Church Recreation and Parks division. Citizen participation is encouraged. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability call (703) 248-5077 (TTY 711).

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11am VETERANS' CEREMONY @ Community Center's Veterans Memorial w/Marcus B. Simon, Delegate for Virginia's 13th House District, Officer in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps • Festival 9am-5pm • Fun Run @ 9am • Parade @ 2pm

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ME MO R I A L DAY

MAY 26, 2025 | PAGE S3

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FOUNDERS GROOVE JUNE - AUGUST THURSDAYS 6:30-8:30PM

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YOUNG EXPLORERS JUNE - AUGUST 4TH SATURDAY 10AM - 12PM

PAGE S4 | MAY 26, 2025

ME MO R I A L DAY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Letter From City of Falls Church Mayor

Welcome to the 43rd Annual Memorial Day Parade and Festivities! We are thrilled that you have chosen to spend this day in The Little City.

As we come together this Memorial Day, this holiday serves as a solemn reminder of the brave servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Today, we honor their courage and commitment, and we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the families and loved ones who continue to carry their memory forward. By gathering today, we reaffirm our commitment to preserving their legacy and the freedoms their sacrifices have secured for us all.

I invite you to join the Greater Falls Church Veterans Council at 11:00 a.m. for the Memorial Day Ceremony. The ceremony will take place outside the Community Center at the Veterans Memorial and will provide an opportunity to honor our veterans and recognize those who continue to serve our country. The Honorable Marcus B. Simon, Delegate for Virginia’s 13th House District, Officer in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, will serve as our keynote speaker.

At 2:00 p.m., join us along Park Avenue for the beloved annual Memorial Day Parade led by the Quantico Marine Corps Band. This year, we are proud to have Brown’s Hardware as our Grand Marshal. Brown’s Hardware has served our community with unwavering dedication for over 140 years and exemplifies the spirit of connection and community that defines our Little City.

Every Memorial Day, the City of Falls Church unites with communities across the nation to pay tribute to the heroes who gave their lives for our country. Let this day serve as a reminder of those who have served and the enduring impact and the freedoms we cherish because of their selflessness. Together, we can honor their sacrifices by striving to make our world a better place for generations to come.

We appreciate and thank you for joining us on this day of remembrance and community here in the City of Falls Church.

Letty Hardi, Mayor City of Falls Church, Virginia

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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MAY 26, 2025 | PAGE S5

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PAGE S6 | MAY 26, 2025

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Event Schedule Monday, May 26, 2025, City Hall Grounds (300 Park Ave.)

9 a.m.

Beyer 3K Fun Run Start Line at Great Falls St. & Little Falls St. Intersection Runners Only, Rollerblades and Bikes Not Permitted Festival

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Kids Rides & Inflatables, Vendor Booths, Food and Crafts for Sale

Music on the Main Stage 9:15 a.m. - 2 p.m. Live Road Street Avenue - Local Cover Band

11 a.m.

Memorial Day Ceremony Veterans Memorial, Outside the Community Center, Keynote Speaker: Marcus B. Simon, Delegate for Virginia's 13th House District, Officer in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps INOVA Blood Drive

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Appointments at the INOVA Bloodmobile,

Outside the Community Center on Little Falls St. Parade on Park Ave.

2 p.m. Led by Grand Marshal Brown’s Hardware & the Quantico Marine Corps Band

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

ME MO R I A L DAY

MAY 26, 2025 | PAGE S7

ME MO R I A L DAY Community Center CLOSED for Construction

Blood Drive

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Kids’ Rides

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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PAGE S8 | MAY 26, 2025

Inflatables Pony Rides D22

Cherry Hill Pavillion

9AM TO 5PM

Cherry Hill Barn

D21 D20 D8 D 7 D19 D6 D18 D17 D5 D4 D16 D15 D3 D14 D2 D13 D1 D12 D11 D10 D9

C21 City Hall C15 C20 C14 C13 C19 C12 C11 C10 C18 C9 C8 C7 C6 C16 C5 C4 C3 C2 E6 C1 E5 E4 E3 E2 E1

F11 F10 F9 F8 F7 Little F6 F5 Falls F4 St. F3 F2 F1 A10

A9 A4 A3 A8 A2 A7

C17

Cherry Hill Farmhouse

A1 B4 B3 B2 B1

A6

A5

FINISH

Parade Park Ave.

Stage Stage

ME MO R I A L DAY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

MAY 26, 2025 | PAGE S9

www.fallschurchva.gov/MemorialDay = Memorial Day Parade and Festival Sponsor

Merchants, Crafts, & Civic Groups

Food & Beverage Vendors A1 Index Coffee Roasters LLC A2 Asian Taste A3 Anita's Frozen Cotton Candy A4 Mo's Chicken and Smashburgers A5 Sara Festival A6 E-san Thai A7 Papa's Kettle Korn A8 Johnson Family Funnel Cakes A9 Sweet Frog A10 International Grill C16 Snowflakes and Company C17 Mo's Grill C18 Anita's Frozen Cotton Candy C19 California Taco Truck C20 Virginia Vendor Food Services C21 TK Grill

Merchants, Crafts, & Civic Groups

B1 Renewal by Andersen B2 KidsWatch Pediatrics and Urgent Care B3 Kitchen Saver B4 Passanante's Home Food Services C1 Social Justice Committee of FC Vicinity C2 Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation C3 VPIS C4 Falls Church Public Access C5 Save Soil C6 Falls Church Homeless Shelter C7 The Kensington Falls Church C8 City of Falls Church Sheriff's Office C9 Welcoming Falls Church C10 The Falls Church Episcopal C11 Falls Church Chamber of Commerce C12 Palmercare Chiropractic C13 Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department C14 Baroody C15 Family of Nuts D1 Temalle Ltd

Beyer Family- Fun Run Sponsor

D2 Make New Friends D3 Frosted By Kaitlyn D4 True Honey Teas D5 Minda S Fashions D6 Falls Church Family Dentistry D7 Milena Guro Designs D8 Information Booth - Recreation & Parks D9 Roots of Development D10 Zana De Mexico D11 Yisoobinaturals D12 PatchDanas D13 C. Logan Wheeler Art D14 New England Novelty D15 Grandma Mary's Buttons & Bows D16 Alyssa Bazaar D17 Courtney Lapenta LLC D18 Cutco D19 Perspire Sauna Studio D20 Itumary D21 Loco Lights and Bubbles D22 City of Falls Church Police Department E1 League of Women Voters Falls Church E2 Concerned Citizens Against Gun Violence E3 Barre3 Falls Church E4 Happy Henna Guy E5 Creative Cauldron E6 Dulin Cooperative Preschool F1 Hometown Go F2 Seven Teahouse F3 Unity Club No. 201 Order of the Eastern Star F4 Temple Rodef Shalom Gun Violence Prevention Group F5 Falls Church Massage F6 Mayuree Women Accessories F7 Institute for Asthma and Allergy F8 Paragon Theaters Founders Row F9 Communidad F10 Designs By Punnee F11 Rotary Club of Baileys Crossroads

Heidi Hicks Clary, Weichert Realtor- Fun Run Water Sponsor The Falls Church News-Press

ME MO R I A L DAY

PAGE S10 | MAY 26, 2025

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Memorial Day Parade Lineup

1. Quantico Marine Band 2. Falls Church Sheriff’s Office 3. City of Falls Church Police Department 4. American Legion Veterans Post 130 5. Grand Marshal Brown’s Hardware

11. Mary Riley Styles Public Library 12. Falls Church Volunteer

20. Mini Moke

31. McKinley Tech JROTC

21. Friendship Woodridge

32. Dr Toothfairy

International Marching Eagles

Fire Department

22. Scouting America

13. Falls Church Recreation

Troop 1996

and Parks Department 14. The Falls Church News Press

44. Falls Church City Democratic Committee

33. Tinkus Wapurys VA

45. Girl Scout Troop 50290

34. Concerned Citizens

46. MahaYoga

Against Gun Violence

47. NOVA Parks

35. Creative Cauldron

48. Tinkus Bolivia usa

36. Cub Scout Pack 657

49. The Kensington

24. Underdog

37. Kena Shriners

50. Scouting America -

23. Falls Church Kiwanis Little League

Cub Scout Pack 1127

6. Falls Church City Council

15. Fraternidad Embajadores

25. The DC Wheels

38. Ruff Ridaz Performance

7. Falls Church City Public

del Folklore Boliviano

26. Tinkus San-Simon

Percussion Squad

16. Commonwealth Attorney’s

Filial Virginia

39. Marcus Simon for Delegate

Office of Arlington & Falls Church

27. 1947 Dodge Deluxe

40. Lisa Leonard Photography

52. Save Soil

41. Falls Church City 4-H

53. Winsome for Governor

28. Cub Scout Pack 681

Community Club

54. Tinkus Tiataco USA

29. Operation EarthWatch

42. Bikenetic - Full Service

Schools 8. Meridian High School Parade Royalty

17. Stirling Findley

9. Greater Falls Church

18. Nokesville 4-H

Veterans Council 10. Falls Church VFW Post 9274

Equestrian Club 19. Girl Scouts Service Unit 50-14

Club Coupe

30. Falun Dafa of Washington DC

Bicycle Shop 43. Iconic Marching unit

51. Paragon Theaters Founders Row

55. City of Falls Church Public Works Dept

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

ME MO R I A L DAY

MAY 26, 2025 | PAGE S11

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PAGE S12 | MAY 26, 2025

ME MO R I A L DAY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Falls Church VFW Auxiliary 9274 Rebuilds, Reconnects & Honors Through Community Service

by Nick Gatz

Falls Church News-Press

Since its reestablishment in March 2022, the VFW Auxiliary to Post 9274 in Falls Church has steadily grown into a vital part of the local veteran and civic community. Originally chartered in 1947, the Auxiliary now has 35 active members and is focused on promoting patriotism, honoring military families, and giving back through outreach and educational initiatives. Open to any family members of combat veterans—not just former service members—the Auxiliary plays a unique role in strengthening ties between veterans, their families, and the wider Falls Church community.

“People sometimes think it’s just for veterans,” says Cathy Soltys, Auxiliary President. “But our mission is to honor and support families, too—those who’ve shared in the sacrifice.”

The group meets monthly and works closely with the VFW to organize fundraisers and events that raise awareness and funds for veterans’ causes. One of the national initiatives the Auxiliary proudly supports is the VFW National Home—a campus that provides housing, schooling, and recreational support to military and veteran families facing hardships. All Auxiliaries across the country contribute to this effort, keeping the Home thriving as a beacon of hope and healing.

Locally, the Auxiliary is deeply involved in student outreach through scholarship and arts programs. They promote the Patriot’s Pen essay contest (grades 6–8), Voice of Democracy audio-essay contest (grades 9–12), and a patriotic art competition for high school students. Winners have the chance to advance to state and national levels, where scholarships can reach up to $35,000. “We reach out to schools and encourage teachers to get involved,” says Soltys. “It’s about inspiring the next generation with the values of service and country.”

Community events are at the heart of their mission. Each September, Post 9274 hosts a 9/11 Memorial 5K Walk/Run to honor those who sacrificed on that day.

Now in its third year, the event will take place Sunday, Sept. 7.

It’s free and open to the public, featuring a post-run cookout at the VFW post, with support from local sponsors including Lazy Mike’s, Integrity Tire & Auto Repair, Lotus Tactical (which designs the event t-shirts), Harveys, and VIGEO Physical Therapy, which provides water and on-site support. Fire and police personnel attend in uniform, and volunteer firefighters provide ambulance service. Participants can run, walk, or complete the route in military-style with a rucksack.

“We don’t want people to forget,” says Soltys. “This is about remembrance, reflection, and gratitude.”

Another unique partnership this year has been with Arena Stage and their Voices of Now program.

The VFW Auxiliary sponsors the Military Ensemble, a group of middle and high school students from military families who create a collaborative theater piece using movement, music, and spoken word. From February through early May, students met weekly at the VFW hall every Thursday for two-hour sessions with professional adult facilitators. Their final performance was held May 10 for family and friends, sharing powerful personal stories of growing up in military households.

Beyond civic work, the Auxiliary also prioritizes building a sense of camaraderie and fun.

From bowling nights and cookouts to family-friendly events like the Adults Only End-of-School Bash with a special appearance by Villains and Saints Band, on May 31 at 6:00 p.m., there’s something for everyone. Soltys and her daughter Lillian, who together manage the Post’s Canteen and Hall, say these events help reinforce the Auxiliary’s mission of family, remembrance, and support.

Cathy Soltys herself has a deep personal connection to service— her father and father-in-law both served in the Korean War, with her father-in-law also having fought in World War II. Her family legacy runs deep, and both sets of grandparents for her children are buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

The Auxiliary also takes part in local parades and hosts post-event cookouts, which are always free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated, but the main goal is to provide space for connection and community.

For those interested in getting involved, donating, or renting the hall for events, visit the Post 9274 website or email Cathy Soltys at vfwaux9274@gmail.com.

As the Auxiliary continues to grow, so does its impact—bridging generations, honoring sacrifice, and fostering a community where no military family feels forgotten.

ME MO R I A L DAY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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Honoring the Fallen: The History of Memorial Day in D.C.

Falls Church News-Press

Each year, on the last Monday in May, Americans pause to honor the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. In Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital, this day is marked with solemn ceremonies, parades, concerts, and tributes that reflect the city’s deep connection to the military and its history. From its roots as Decoration Day to its present-day observance as Memorial Day, the holiday has evolved significantly. At the center of its transformation and continued meaning stands Washington, D.C., a city steeped in national memory and military reverence.

Origins of Memorial Day The origins of Memorial Day date back to the immediate aftermath of the Civil War—a conflict that claimed more American lives than any other and left the nation grappling with grief and division. The war necessitated the creation of the first national cemeteries, as the scale of loss became apparent. Amid this period of mourning, various towns began organizing their own tributes to fallen soldiers, laying flowers on their graves and holding prayerful ceremonies.

In 1868, General John A. Logan, commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans, officially proclaimed May 30 as Decoration Day—a time for the nation to honor the war dead by adorning their graves with flowers. It’s believed the date was chosen because it was not associated with the anniversary of any particular battle and because spring flowers would be widely available. This declaration helped unify local traditions into a more coordinated act of national remembrance.

The first major observance of Decoration Day took place that same year at Arlington National Cemetery. Located just across the Potomac River from D.C., Arlington became the symbolic heart of the holiday. The ceremonies were held on the steps of the Arlington House, once the home of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. That day, thousands of participants, including political figures like General and

Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant, gathered to pay tribute. Children from orphan homes and members of veterans’ groups helped decorate the graves, walking among headstones and placing flowers as hymns echoed through the cemetery.

Evolution into a National Holiday For decades, Decoration Day was primarily associated with the Civil War. However, as the United States became involved in other conflicts—including the Spanish-American War and World War I—the meaning of the day expanded to honor all Americans who died in military service.

Following World War I, with the toll of global warfare fresh in the nation’s consciousness, communities across the country began commemorating fallen soldiers from all wars, not just the Civil War. The shift from “Decoration Day” to “Memorial Day” became more common, and in 1971, Congress officially declared Memorial Day a national holiday. Its observance was fixed to the last Monday in May, creating a three-day weekend for federal employees and marking the unofficial start of summer.

While many Americans view the long weekend as an opportunity for rest and leisure, the solemn origins of the holiday remain embedded in the nation’s identity. Nowhere is that duality more pronounced than in Washington, D.C. Memorial Day in Washington, D.C. As the seat of the federal government and home to some of the nation’s most revered military memorials, Washington, D.C., serves as the epicenter of national Memorial Day commemorations. Its landmarks— etched with the names of fallen heroes—transform each year into gathering places for reflection, gratitude, and solemn ceremony.

Arlington National Cemetery Arlington National Cemetery remains the cornerstone of Memorial Day traditions. Each year, members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard,” carry out the

“Flags In” mission—placing more than 260,000 American flags at the headstones of every service member buried in the cemetery. This quiet and reverent operation, conducted in the days leading up to Memorial Day, visually underscores the scale of sacrifice across generations.

On Memorial Day itself, the cemetery hosts the official national ceremony at the Memorial Amphitheater. The President of the United States traditionally lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a solemn monument honoring unidentified service members.

The ceremony is attended by military leaders, Gold Star families, and citizens, all unified in remembrance. The echo of a bugle playing “Taps” resonates over the marble stones, stirring a shared sense of national mourning.

The National Memorial Day Parade After a decades-long hiatus, the National Memorial Day Parade returned to Constitution Avenue in 2004, quickly reestablishing itself as a vibrant and patriotic centerpiece of the day’s events. The parade is now one of the largest Memorial Day events in the country, featuring veterans from every major U.S. conflict, active-duty military units, high school and college marching bands, historical reenactors, and celebrity tributes.

The parade doesn’t just celebrate military history—it educates the public. With televised broadcasts and commentary, viewers are reminded of the service and sacrifice behind the uniforms. Many participants walk in honor of fallen comrades, wearing their names and stories on their backs or carrying banners of remembrance.

National Memorial Day Concert Held on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol, the National Memorial Day Concert blends music and storytelling in a moving tribute to military service. Since 1989, the concert has become a beloved tradition, broadcast to millions of viewers across the country. The event features performances by the National Symphony Orchestra,

military ensembles, and popular artists, as well as dramatic readings that share the personal experiences of soldiers and their families.

Each year, the concert focuses on specific themes—such as honoring military nurses, spotlighting POW/MIA awareness, or highlighting the sacrifices of caregivers and Gold Star families. These narratives help personalize the cost of war and connect abstract patriotism to real human experiences.

Memorial Day’s Broader Significance While Memorial Day is rooted in remembrance, it also signals the start of summer in the United States. The long weekend is marked by family barbecues, beach outings, and community festivals. But even amid recreation, many Americans take time to attend memorial services, visit cemeteries, or observe a moment of silence at 3 p.m., the nationally designated time for remembrance.

In Washington, D.C., the juxtaposition of solemnity and celebration is palpable. Tourists crowd the National Mall, yet many pause to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, where thousands of names etched into black granite evoke tears and reflection. Others walk quietly through the Korean War Veterans Memorial or the World War II Memorial, each space telling its own story of service and loss.

Local Perspectives and Participation Washington, D.C., is not just a national stage—it’s also a hometown for veterans, military families, and service organizations.

Local residents take active roles in Memorial Day observances, from volunteering at ceremonies to participating in community wreath-layings and educational programs.

Veteran advocacy groups often host open houses, community barbecues, and panel discussions during the holiday weekend, fostering intergenerational dialogue about war, peace, and patriotism. Schools throughout the region prepare students with lessons about the holiday’s meaning, sometimes organizing visits to memorials or inviting veterans to share their stories in

the classroom.

Faith communities also contribute to the remembrance.

Churches and synagogues hold special services honoring those lost in service, often reading aloud the names of local residents who gave their lives. These intimate ceremonies ground the national observance in neighborhood reality.

Memorials Beyond the Mall While the National Mall features some of the most wellknown military monuments, Washington, D.C., is home to dozens of smaller, deeply meaningful memorials that are often overlooked by tourists.

The District of Columbia War Memorial, nestled among trees near the Reflecting Pool, honors the 499 Washington residents who died in World War I. Its rotunda-style design offers a tranquil space for reflection away from the crowds.

Other tributes include the Navy-Merchant Marine Memorial on the Potomac waterfront, which commemorates those lost at sea, and the African American Civil War Memorial in the U Street Corridor, which honors the United States Colored Troops who fought for freedom and unity.

Each of these memorials adds texture to the story of American service, reflecting the diversity of backgrounds, duties, and sacrifices that define the military experience.

Memorial Day stands as one of the most profound civic observances in American life.

In Washington, D.C., the day’s significance is magnified by the city’s role as the guardian of national memory. Through its ceremonies at Arlington, its grand parades and concerts, and its quiet corners of remembrance scattered throughout the city, D.C. transforms into a living tribute to those who gave their lives for their country.

Amid the bustle of a long weekend, the true spirit of Memorial Day endures in the quiet moment of silence, the solemn lowering of a flag, and the simple act of remembering a name etched in stone. For residents and visitors alike, Washington offers not only the history of Memorial Day but also its heartbeat—steady, reverent, and enduring.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

ME MO R I A L DAY

MAY 26, 2025 | PAGE S15

Local Events Honoring Heroes Across the D.C. Metro Area

Falls Church News-Press

As Memorial Day approaches on Monday, May 26, 2025, the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is preparing a wide array of events to honor the men and women who gave their lives in military service. From solemn ceremonies to family-friendly festivals, the region offers meaningful ways for residents and visitors to reflect, remember, and celebrate.

Arlington National Cemetery Observances At Arlington National Cemetery, one of the nation’s most sacred grounds, Memorial Day will be observed with powerful traditions. The centerpiece of the day is the Presidential Armed Forces Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at 11 a.m., followed by a national memorial service at the Memorial Amphitheater.

In the days leading up to Memorial Day, members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard,” will participate in the annual “Flags In” tradition—placing small American flags at more than 250,000 headstones and at each niche in the Columbarium Courts.

National Memorial Day Parade and Concert in Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. will once again host the National Memorial Day Parade on Monday afternoon along Constitution Avenue. This parade features active duty military personnel, veterans, marching bands, historical reenact-

ments, and celebrity appearances, all paying ment. The city’s Memorial Day ceremony will momentum is “Taps Across the National Mall,” scheduled for 5 p.m. on Memorial follow on Monday morning. tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes.

Bowie, Maryland will hold its Memorial Day. At exactly that moment, buglers will The night before, on Sunday, May 25, the National Memorial Day Concert will take Day Parade on Saturday, May 24, with floats, perform “Taps” at 11 separate memoplace on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. community groups, and live music honoring rial sites throughout the Mall, including the World War II Memorial, the Vietnam This free event is open to the public and fea- military service and sacrifice.

Georgetown Waterfront Park will be a popu- Veterans Memorial, and the Korean War tures an evening of patriotic music, celebrity appearances, and tributes to service members lar destination throughout the weekend, with Veterans Memorial. This solemn, simuland Gold Star families. The event has become visitors enjoying picnics, walking trails, splash taneous tribute invites everyone in the one of the most cherished Memorial Day tradi- fountains for children, and waterfront views of area—whether attending a concert, visiting a memorial, or simply enjoying the the Potomac. tions in the country. city—to pause for a moment of national Taps Across the National Mall Rolling to Remember A newer tradition that continues to gain reflection.

Motorcycle Rally Also taking place over the Memorial Day weekend is the annual Rolling to Remember motorcycle rally, a large-scale ride through the nation’s capital. Thousands of motorcyclists from across the country gather to raise awareness about prisoners of war, those still missing in action, and the ongoing mental health and suicide crisis facing veterans. The powerful visual procession winds through D.C., offering a strong and visible symbol of support for the military community.

Family-Friendly Events Around the Region In addition to formal observances, several communities around the D.C. region are offering family-friendly Memorial Day events to The Homes For Saleweekend: i didn't want to be higher away from the pics. just centered left/right where it was. help residents celebrate the holiday lower that back down so it aligns with the bottom of the 'Z' Rockville, Maryland will can hostthey its just annualso for a addresses, put a PERIOD after Blvd. St. and St. al Hometown Holidays Music Fest over the the last address has one after Dr. but we missed it on the others weekend, featuring live performances, food trucks, craft vendors, and children’s entertainwe'll be good after this edit

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