While many associate Veterans Day and Memorial Day with service, the two are not the same. Veterans Day is a celebration of those who serve and have served. Memorial Day is a solemn day to reflect on veterans and military personnel who are deceased.
Memorial Day is Monday, May 29, 2023.
May is also National Military Appreciation Month, and many businesses offer special discounts to veterans over Memorial Day Weekend. Visit the Military Appreciation Month Discount Center to find out what offers are available throughout May.
2023 Memorial Day Events
Check our Base Guide to find your local installation to find out what events are planned for Memorial Day near you.
Washington, D.C., and Environs
Arlington National Cemetery
The Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Day ceremony takes place on Monday, May 29, 2023, at the Amphitheater. The president of the United States typically delivers an address at the ceremony. Numerous military and government organizations also conduct services. All ceremonies and special events are free and open to the public. Check the Arlington National Cemetery website for details as the date approaches.
National Memorial Day Concert
The National Memorial Day Concert will be broadcast on Sunday, May 28, 2023, starting at 8 p.m. ET. It will be livestreamed on PBS. The 2022 event was broadcast live from the West Front of the United States Capitol.
National Memorial Day Parade
Hosted by the American Veterans Center, the National Memorial Day Parade returns to Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C., on Monday, May 29, 2023, starting at 2 p.m. The parade will be broadcast live, followed by a televised program Our Sacred Honor: An American Salute, airing on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CW stations nationwide.
National Museum of the United States Army
The National Museum of the United States Army in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, plans a full weekend of Memorial Day events from Friday, May 26, through Monday, May 29, 2023, which are included in general admission. Each day, these include a flag display, poppy flower-making activity, and hands-on history exhibits. Additionally, on Monday, there will be a screening of the documentary “Dear Sirs: A Personal Journey Through World War II 75 Years Later” and a Memorial Day Remembrance and Moment of Silence. Click here for details.
"Rolling To Remember" Rally
A series of events to honor the nation's prisoners of war and missing-in-action is set to take place over the Memorial Day weekend in Washington, D.C. The "Rolling To Remember" rally will conclude with a ride by thousands of bikers from RFK to the National Mall on Sunday, May 28, 2023. The motorcycle demonstration ride, hosted by AMVETS, is also a call for action to prevent veteran suicides. View the 2023 Facebook event here.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Annual Observance at The Wall
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Annual Observance at The Wall is set for on Monday, May 29, 2023, at 5 Henry Bacon Dr NW, Washington, D.C. A wreath-laying will take place from 9:45-10:15 a.m. At noon, a ceremony begins on the East Knoll. It will be broadcast on the organization’s Facebook page and at vvmf.org/live.
Nationwide
At national cemeteries across the U.S., veterans and the public are welcome to attend any of the more than 130 Memorial Day ceremonies planned. Some are listed below, but more details can be found here. The ceremonies will include solemn wreath-layings. Secretary McDonough will preside over the wreath-laying at BG William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, on Saturday, May 27, 2023, in Wrightstown, NJ. Acting VA Deputy Secretary Guy Kiyokawa will lay a wreath at Washington Crossing National Cemetery on Monday May 29, 2023, in Newtown, PA. Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Matt Quinn will address attendees at a wreath-laying and flag-placing event on Friday, May 26, 2023, at Annapolis National Cemetery in Annapolis, MD, and will speak at the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, VA, on Memorial Day.
Alabama
The 15th Annual Memorial Day Observance at the Alabama National Cemetery is scheduled for Monday, May 29, 2023, at 9 am.
Alaska
A Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony will be held at Fort Richardson National Cemetery in Fort Richardson, Alaska, on Monday, May 29, 2023, from noon to 1 p.m.
Arizona
In Phoenix, the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona’s Memorial Day Ceremony will begin at 8 a.m. Monday, May 29, 2023, at 23029 N. Cave Creek Road. The keynote speaker will be Navy Cross Recipient RJ Mitchell. The event will include a flyover, wreath presentations, color guards, musical accompaniments by the Army National Guard Band and more.
Arkansas
A Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony is planned for Sunday, May 28, 2023, from 2-3 p.m. at Fort Smith National Cemetery in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
California
A Memorial Day Ceremony is planned for Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California, starting at 10 a.m. Monday, May 29, 2023.
Colorado
The Ninth Annual Memorial Day Run & March is planned for Saturday, May 20, 2023, at UCHealth Park in Colorado Springs. Hosted by the Colorado Veterans Project, the event is open to veterans, civilians and uniformed military. Participants may choose the 5K, 10K or 30K races, or a ruck march. A virtual event also runs from May 10-31. Proceeds support veterans experiencing homelessness. For details, click here.
Connecticut
The Brookfield Memorial Day Parade begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 28, 2023. Click here for details.
Delaware
The Newark Memorial Day Parade will take place on Sunday, May 21, 2023, featuring veterans of wars from all branches of service. A ceremony begins at 1 p.m. on the University of Delaware’s Campus Green at Memorial Hall, followed by the 2 p.m. start of the parade on Main Street. More information can be found here.
Florida
The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System will host the first in-person Memorial Day ceremony since 2019 at the Bay Pines National Cemetery in St. Petersburg on Sunday, May 30, 2023, at 10 a.m. It’s the largest public observance of Memorial Day in the area. Click here for details.
A Memorial Day Community Ceremony will be held Monday, May 29, 2023, from 8:159:30 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 420 S. Park Ave. in Winter Garden. Click here for details.
Georgia
The Andersonville National Historic Site in Georgia, site of the deadliest ground of the American Civil War, hosts a Memorial Day Ceremony on Sunday, May 28, 2023, from 2-3:30 p.m. Click here for details.
Hawaii
In Honolulu, the 72nd Annual Mayor's Memorial Day Ceremony will return to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Pūowaina (Punchbowl) on Monday, May 29, 2023, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Click here for details.
Illinois
Join friends and neighbors on Woodstock Square in Woodstock on Monday, May 29, 2023, for the Memorial Day Ceremony, Parade and Exhibits. The ceremony starts at 10:30 a.m. with the parade following at 11 a.m. Stroll the square before or after these events to see the storefront displays of military uniforms and mementos from local families. Click here for details.
Indiana
A Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony is planned for 11 a.m. to noon Monday, May 29, 2023, at Marion National Cemetery in Marion, Indiana.
Iowa
A Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony is planned for 11 a.m. to noon Monday, May 29, 2023, at Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk, Iowa.
Kansas
A Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony is planned for 11 a.m. to noon Monday, May 29, 2023, at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
Kentucky
The 2023 City of Florence Memorial Day Parade and Program will be held Monday, May 29, 2023, beginning at 10 a.m. Click here for more information.
Louisiana
In Leesville, the Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery’s Memorial Day event will begin at 11 a.m. Monday, May 29, 2023. See more information here.
Maine
Memorial Day in Cape Elizabeth will be observed with a parade starting at 9 a.m. Monday, May 29, 2023, followed by a brief ceremony and laying of the wreath at the Village Green. The 2023 Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshal is Fred Prince, a Navy veteran. Click here for more information.
Maryland
A Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony is planned for 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Baltimore National Cemetery.
Massachusetts
On Boston Common, the Memorial Day Flag Garden will be on display from Thursday, May 25, through Monday, May 29, 2023, at the Soldiers & Sailors Monument. Each of the 37,000+ flags represents a Massachusetts service member who gave his or her life defending the nation since the Revolutionary War. Click here for details.
Somerville Veterans Services organizes the city's Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony on Monday, May 29, 2023, as a tribute to those who lost their lives defending the United States. The parade draws more than 80 groups and is followed by the City of Somerville Memorial Day Ceremony. Click here for details.
Michigan
Fort Custer National Cemetery will hold a "Program of Remembrance" at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 28, 2023, with patriotic music, a flyover by the Hooligans Flight Team, a wreath-laying and more. The keynote speaker will be Col. Daniel J. Kramer II, MI ANG, Commander 110th Wing.
Minnesota
Woodbury’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony begins at 11 a.m. Monday, May 29, 2023, at the Woodbury Lions Veterans Memorial on the City Hall campus. Retired four-star U.S. Army Gen. Joseph Votel, a St. Paul native who oversaw the U.S. war on terrorism in the Middle East, will give the address. Click here for details.
Mississippi
A Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony is planned for 10-11 a.m. Monday, May 29, 2023, at Biloxi National Cemetery.
Missouri
The National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri, will offer free general admission for veterans and active duty military and half-price general admission for the public during the 2023 Memorial Day weekend, from Friday, May 26 through Monday, May 29, 2023.
Montana
A Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony is planned for noon to 1 p.m. Monday, May 29, 2023, at Yellowstone National Cemetery in Laurel.
Nebraska
A Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony is planned for 2-3 p.m. Monday, May 29, 2023, at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell.
Nevada
A Memorial Day Veterans BBQ and Resource Fair is planned for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, May 25, 2023, at the Veterans and Community Resource Center, 3090 East Centennial Parkway North Las Vegas. The event will include live music, games, raffles, education about veteran legislative changes, and other resources. Click here for details.
New Hampshire
A Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony is planned for 11 a.m. to noon Monday, May 29, 2023, at Pine Hill Cemetery in Dover.
New Jersey
In Allendale, the Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony is planned for Monday, May 29, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The morning’s activities begin with the parade, followed by the ceremony at Memorial Park at 10:15 am. Hot dogs and refreshments will be served afterward at the Allendale Fire House. Get the details here.
New Mexico
In Belen, the Annual VFW Post 2387 Memorial Day Ceremony will be held at the Veterans Memorial Eagle Park from 9-10 a.m. Monday, May 29, 2023. Refreshments will be served afterward at the Henry Byrd III Visitors Center. See more information here.
New York
On Monday May 29, 2023, at 11 a.m., LaGrange officials will conduct a Memorial Day Observance at the War Memorial site located at Town Hall. Click here for details.
North Carolina
In recognition of Memorial Day, the Chatham Community Library in Pittsboro will host a three-part film series Tuesday, May 23, through Thursday, May 25, 2023, from 6:30-8 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Click here for details.
North Dakota
The 2023 Memorial Day Program will be held in Fargo National Cemetery in Harwood on Monday, May 29, 2023, starting at 3 p.m.
Ohio
The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus will offer free admission for all visitors on Monday, May 29, 2023, for a Remembrance Ceremony to honor fallen service members and their families. Additional events will take place over Memorial Day weekend. On Saturday, May 27, 2023, the museum hosts a CrossFit Hero Workout and the Memorial Day Ride for motorcycle enthusiasts. On Sunday, May 28, 2023, join a candlelight vigil honoring Gold Star Families; a Run, Walk, Ruck and Roll 5K race; and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes for veterans and civilians. Click here for details.
In remembrance of fallen veterans, VFW Post #10523 will host Canal Winchester’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 29, 2023, at Union Grove Cemetery beginning at 10:30 a.m. The ceremony will feature keynote speaker Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Troy R. Taylor, the Command Chief Master Sergeant for the Ohio Air National Guard. Click here for details.
Oklahoma
A Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony is planned for 10-11 a.m. Monday, May 29, 2023, at Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson.
Oregon
A Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony is planned for 10-11 a.m. Monday, May 29, 2023, at Willamette National Cemetery.
Pennsylvania
A Memorial Day Celebration featuring retired Marine Col. John C. Church Jr. begins at noon Thursday, May 25, 2023, at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Philadelphia.
The Bucks County Memorial Day Ceremony begins at 11 a.m. on Friday May 27, 2023, at the WWI Memorial Fountain at Main and Broad streets. See the public flyer here.
South Carolina
Florence National Cemetery will host its annual flagging of the cemetery on Saturday, May 27, 2023, starting at 9:30 a.m., and a Memorial Day Ceremony starting at 10 a.m. Monday, May 29, 2023. This year’s event will feature organizations in Civil War period dress as well as live cannon fire. Florence’s local Veterans Honor Guard will participate and close out Monday’s ceremony. Click here for details.
South Dakota
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will host a Memorial Day program at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls, on Monday, May 29, 2023, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Click here for details.
Tennessee
The following national cemeteries in Tennessee will host Memorial Day programs on Monday, May 29, 2023:
- Chattanooga National Cemetery starting at 11 a.m.
- Knoxville National Cemetery starting at 11 a.m.
- Memphis National Cemetery starting at 2 p.m.
- Mountain Home National Cemetery starting at 11 a.m.
- Nashville National Cemetery starting at 11 a.m.
Texas
The Memorial Day in The Woodlands event — featuring live music, children's activities, strolling entertainment and fireworks – takes place at Town Green Park in The Woodlands, Texas, from 5-9 p.m. Sunday, May 28, 2023. Click here for details.
The annual Memorial Day Ceremony will take place Monday, May 29, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Lake Travis Performing Arts Center in suburban Austin. Click here for more information.
The following national cemeteries in Texas will host Memorial Day programs on Monday, May 29, 2023:
- Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery starting at 11 a.m.
- Fort Bliss National Cemetery starting at 9 a.m.
- Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery starting at 9 a.m.
- Houston National Cemetery starting at 9 a.m.
Utah
A Memorial Day Ceremony is planned at Draper Cemetery in Draper, Utah, at 3 p.m. Monday, May 29, 2023, with brief remarks, the playing of taps, and a moment of silence. Click here for details.
Vermont
The city of Winooski hosts a Memorial Day Parade beginning at noon Saturday, May 27, 2023. Following the parade, a ceremony will honor our fallen veterans. Participants can enjoy a community BBQ. See details here.
Virginia
The Danville National Cemetery will host a Memorial Day program on Sunday, May 28, 2023, starting at 2:30 p.m.
The following national cemeteries in Virginia will host Memorial Day programs on Monday, May 29, 2023:
- Alexandria National Cemetery starting at 11 a.m.
- City Point National Cemetery starting at 9 a.m.
- Culpeper National Cemetery starting at 11 a.m.
- Fort Harrison National Cemetery starting at 11 a.m.
- Glendale National Cemetery starting at 9 a.m.
- Hampton National Cemetery starting at 9 a.m.
- Quantico National Cemetery starting at 11 a.m.
- Richmond National Cemetery starting at 11 a.m.
- Seven Pines National Cemetery starting at noon
- Winchester National Cemetery starting at 11 a.m.
Washington State
The city of Puyallup will hold a Memorial Day City Observance beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 28, 2023, in the Pavilion in Pioneer Park. The guest speaker will be Michelle Black, Gold Star widow and author of "Sacrifice: The Green Berets, a Fateful Ambush, and a Gold Star Widow's Fight for the Truth.” The Clan Gordon Pipe Band will perform. Click here for more information.
West Virginia
Grafton National Cemetery will host a Memorial Day program on Monday, May 29, 2023, starting at noon.
West Virginia National Cemetery will host a Memorial Day program on Sunday, May 28, 2023, starting at 1 p.m.
Wisconsin
A Memorial Day Observance Ceremony will be Monday, May 29, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park in West Allis, Wisconsin. Programming will include a Veterans Tribute by State Commander for the American Legion, Greg Eirich. Click here for details.
2022 Memorial Day Events
The Heroes Honor Festival, hosted by military-empowerment nonprofit Engage Your Destiny and sponsored by Fox Nation, takes place at Daytona Speedway in Florida on May 27-28. The event, with planned appearances by Gov. Ron DeSantis and entertainers Toby Keith and Ann-Margret, is free for veterans and their families. Check back here for the 2023 event details.
Netherlands American Cemetery ceremony
The American Battle Monuments Commission's Netherlands American Cemetery held a Memorial Day ceremony on May 29, 2022, with the theme "Time Will not Dim the Glory of their Deeds." The ceremony was open to the public and also live-streamed on ABMC's social media channels. Check back here for the 2023 event details.
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