10 Major Memorial Day Events in 2015

For those who are planning to enjoy the Memorial Day weekend, there are a number of major events across the country for those who would like to be part of the day. While the TV is full of commercials shouting about Memorial Day sales, it’s important to remember the meaning of Memorial Day is to acknowledge those who gave their lives for their country during battle. It is sometimes confused as a day to celebrate military veterans, but that holiday is Veterans Day.

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May each year and falls on Monday, May 25, in 2015. It’s an official federal holiday, and it commemorates the men and women who have given their lives while fighting in wars.

No matter where you may be, you can observe this day by giving a minute of silence to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice at 3:00 PM your local time. This minute of silence is observed all across the US. There are also a number of large Memorial Day events being held around the country. Below you’ll find ten major Memorial Day events, as well as where and when they will be held:

2015 Memorial Day Major Events

Wednesday May 20 through Wednesday May 28 Fleet Week in New York City, NY. There will be various Memorial Day events throughout the week.

Thursday, May 21: 4 PM EST: Flags In at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC, where approximately 1000 Old Guard Soldiers will place US flags on more than 200,000 graves at Arlington National Cemetery. It will take about 4 hours to complete.

Sunday, May 24: 8 PM EST: National Memorial Day Concert at the West Lawn Capitol Building. You can also watch it live on TV through your local PBS station.

Monday, May 25: 9 AM EST: Wreath laying ceremony at the Air Force Memorial in Washington DC.

Monday, May 25: 9 AM EST: World War II Memorial ceremonies in Washington DC.

Monday, May 25: 10 AM EST: President Lincoln’s Cottage wreath-laying ceremony at the cemetery in Washington DC.

Monday, May 25: 11 AM EST: Wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC.

Monday, May 25: 1 PM EST: Wreath laying ceremony at the Navy Memorial in Washington DC.

Monday, May 25: 1 PM EST: Vietnam Veterans Memorial ceremonies in Washington DC.

Monday, May 25: 2 PM EST: The Gettysburg Memorial Day Parade in Gettysburg, PA

Monday, May 25: 2 PM EST: National Memorial Day Parade in Washington D.C.

(Photo courtesy of Chris Cameron)