Memorial Day Weekend Events at National Parks

Fort Larned National Historic Site is pulling out all the stops in honor of the weekend with a living history display. Blacksmiths, horse-drawn wagons, gardening, and military re-enactments will let you immerse yourself in the frontier fort at its peak. There are various demonstrations, talks, and ceremonies throughout the weekend, so check their schedule for specifics.

Those who visit Vicksburg National Military Park on the 28th will be treated to an extra-special event: a free pops concert put on by the Mississippi Symphony Orchesta! It's also paying tribute to the 100th anniversary of the National Parks Service, which is yet another reason to visit.

The Andersonville National Cemetery will be dressed in its red white and blue best in honor of the holiday! The Stars and Stripes will be hung along the cemetery paths, creating an Avenue of Flags from May 27th through May 31st. This display only occurs five times a year on various days honoring the military, so make sure to stop by and salute the flag.

Fredericksburg National Cemetery has a luminaria each Memorial Day weekend, and this year, it's going to happen on May 28th. During it, 15,300 candles are lit; that's one for each man buried here, and it really puts into perspective the number of people who have lost their lives fighting for our freedom. "Taps" will be played every 30 minutes, and staff will be on hand to answer questions. It's also the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the cemetery, so this is an extra-special year to experience this.

Valley Forge is a place where you can really reflect on the everyday struggles of those in the armed forces. This is where George Washington and the Continental Army spent a brutal winter during the American Revolution with barely enough food and warm clothes to survive. It's a testament to American determination and pride that these men re-enlisted and came back to win independence.

At 11am on Memorial Day, the park will open, and at noon a memorial service will be held inside the Washington Memorial Chapel, followed by a wreath-laying and "Taps." Then, an hour-long concert from the 58-bell Washington Memorial National Carillon will serenade visitors from 2pm to 3pm. Don't miss out!