Memorial Day Weekend Around The Parker
This Monday is Memorial Day! This is a great day to take the time to appreciate and remember those who have fought and sacrificed for our country and freedom. As time has gone since the formation of Memorial Day as a national holiday, the observance and celebration of its purpose has grown to encompass an entire weekend. It has also become the unofficial start of summer too!
For us here in Alexandria, we have plenty of options of how we can celebrate Memorial Day and get into the summer mood. Read on to find out the many activities going on over the holiday weekend that are all around The Parker!
Start your long weekend off right by heading over to the National Harbor for their Salute the Sunset Concert Series featuring the U.S. Air Force Concert Band starting at 7 p.m. Unable to make it tonight? Not a problem! You can enjoy the free concert on Saturday and Sunday at noon and 3 p.m., respectively. Continue your weekend of fun by taking advantage of some of the Smithsonian Museums extended hours. The National Air and Space Museum on the mall and the Udvar-Hazy Center, National Museum of American History and the National Museum of Natural History will be open until 7:30 p.m. throughout the weekend.
While you are over in D.C., take the time to walk around the National Mall and the memorials and pay respect to those who have served for our county. Memorial Day Observances will be held at the WWII Memorial on Monday at 9 a.m. and at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at 1 p.m. Also, if you love parades, make sure you go into D.C. on Monday afternoon for the nation’s largest Memorial Day Parade! Starting at 2 p.m. watch as marching bands, floats, performers and veterans parade down Constitution Avenue.
However, if you are looking to stay close to your home at The Parker, you’ll be able to celebrate Memorial Day right here in Alexandria with 2 different events. The “Friends of Rocky Versace” will host a Memorial Day ceremony on the day itself at 11 am. This ceremony will be held at the Captain Rocky Versace Plaza. Afterwards, head to the 39th Annual Jazz Festival to hear the U.S. Navy Band Commodores get the event started at 1 p.m. followed by a wonderful lineup of Jazz musicians and bands until 6 p.m.
As you prepare for Memorial Day, take advantage of the long weekend and all of the wonderful events lined up for us and don’t forget to take the time to remember those who have served for our country.
Posted by Jill Burke.
