Memorial Day Concierge

If you are looking for more information on Memorial Day or for events that are happening during the holiday weekend around the Washington DC area please view the information below and visit our Memorial Day Guide. The guide is full of information about the history of Memorial Day including the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, Rolling Thunder, and more. There is also information and schedules for the annual Memorial Day parade on Constitution Avenue.


Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May (observed in 2010 on May 31). It was formerly known as Decoration Day. This holiday commemorates US men and women who have died in the line of duty for our country. It began first to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. After World War I, it was expanded to include those who died in any war or military action. One of the longest standing traditions is the running of the Indianapolis 500, which has been held in conjunction with Memorial Day since 1911.

Many people observe this holiday by visiting cemeteries and memorials. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3 pm Washington time. Another tradition is to fly the US flag at half-staff from dawn until noon local time. Volunteers place a US flag upon each gravesite located in a National Cemetery.