Celebrating the beginning of summer by paying tribute to War Heroes is just the best way to do it and there is no better place to take this into action than the capital of the United States: Washington, DC.
There are unique and significant activities taking place in the city during the Memorial Day weekend, such as the country’s largest parade to commemorate this important date. Marching bands, youth groups, floats, performers and veterans, the most important group participating on this event, are presented year after year on Constitution Avenue.
Part of the tribute paid to Vietnam War Veterans, as well as POW and MIAs, is done by the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally. With a participation of more than 900,000 motorcycle riders, the rally takes place from the Pentagon heading to the West Potomac Park. It is a unique event that should not be missed while visiting DC for the holiday.
Another event to enjoy during this celebration is the National Memorial Day Concert sponsored by PBS. Celebrities would host the show and some performances by famous artists would take place during this act.
It is important while visiting the Capital during this time to stop at the National Mall memorials in order to pay respect to all American soldiers. A tribute to World War II fighters can be done at the National World War II Memorial while enjoying the magnificent view of the fountain there; additionally, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Women’s are other iconic places to visit to honor the people involved in that conflict. Furthermore, the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial should be visited to pay the dutiful respect these people deserved as well as remind the high cost of war is.
Music is a really important attraction during this date in DC, and two events related to it are presented for the holiday. The first one take place at the Kennedy Center named the National Memorial Day Choral Festival and the second one known as Jazz in the Garden is occurring at the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden.
Museums, such as the Newseum and the National Air and Space Museum, are also important locations to visit while staying in the Capital.
Visiting by going to the several scenic rooftop bars in Washington DC, such as the ones at the Watergate Hotel or at the Embassy Row Hotel, would be the perfect closing event for a Memorial Day escapade.