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 day to reflect on veterans and military personnel who are deceased.
Memorial Day this year is Monday, May 25, 2026.
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.
2026 Memorial Day Events
Arlington National Cemetery
The Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Day ceremony takes place on Monday, May 25, 2026, 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, in its 37th year, will be broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on Sunday, May 24, 2025, starting at 8 p.m. ET. Hosted by Gary Sinise, the event features Joe Mantegna, Noah Wyle and other performers, several military branch choral and instrumental groups, and the National Symphony Orchestra. It will be livestreamed on PBS.
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 26, 2025, starting at 2 p.m. Experience the parade live or watch it on television, followed by a special Independence Day television program, “Our Sacred Honor: An American Salute,” to be broadcast on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CW stations.
“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 Memorial Day weekend in Washington, D.C. The “Rolling To Remember” rally will conclude with a ride by thousands of bikers on Sunday, May 24, 2026. The motorcycle demonstration ride, hosted by AMVETS, is also a call for action to prevent veteran suicides.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Annual Observance at The Wall
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund annual Memorial Day Ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, May 25, 2026, at 5 Henry Bacon Dr NW, Washington, D.C. It will be broadcast at vvmf.org/live. Vietnam Veterans Memorial Day Ceremony details
Military Women’s Memorial Program
The 28th annual Memorial Day Program by Military Women’s Memorial takes place Monday, May 26, 2025, from 3-5 p.m. at Memorial Avenue and Schley Drive in Arlington, Virginia.
VA National Cemeteries
The Department of Veterans Affairs hosts public Memorial Day commemoration ceremonies at 130 national cemeteries over Memorial Day weekend. The VA encourages visitors to contact the appropriate national cemetery to confirm ceremony information prior to the event.
You can also check our Base Guide to find your local installation to discover what events are planned for Memorial Day near you.
Want to Know More About the Military?
Be sure to get the latest news about the U.S. military, as well as critical info about how to join and all the benefits of service. Subscribe to Military.com and receive customized updates delivered straight to your inbox.
Read the full article here
