This week VA announced that it will host Memorial Day ceremonies across the country to commemorate the lives of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defending the United States in armed conflict as well as all veterans buried in VA cemeteries. The Department’s National Cemetery Administration invites veterans, their families, caregivers, survivors, and the American public to attend these commemorative events planned throughout the weekend. 

During these events, cemeteries typically conduct wreath-laying ceremonies accompanied by commemorative speeches, music, moments of silence, and the playing of Taps. All VA national cemeteries will be open throughout Memorial Day weekend from dawn to dusk.

“This Memorial Day weekend, we encourage veterans and all Americans to join us as we remember and honor our nation’s fallen heroes,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “We are forever indebted to the service members who gave their lives in service to our country, and we will never forget their sacrifice.”

The amphitheater ceremony and wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in which BVA National Headquarters participates annually is an event of the Military District of Washington, not VA. Ironically, the Headquarters office is located across the street from Alexandria National Cemetery, which is indeed a VA national cemetery.

For a complete list of VA Memorial Day events, click here.