FREDERICKSBURG, VA: On Saturday, May 25, the National Park Service will host the 24th annual luminaria at Fredericksburg National Cemetery. The program runs from 8 p.m.to 11 p.m., and is free to the public. In the event of rain, the event will be moved to Sunday, May 26th.
The luminaria honors soldiers who have died in the service of this country. Local scouts will light 15,300 candles in the cemetery - one for each soldier buried there. In addition, a bugler will play “Taps" every 30 minutes during the evening and park staff posted throughout the cemetery will tell stories about some of the soldiers.
This year there will be an emphasis on recent efforts to identify some of the unknown soldiers interred within the cemetery. Park staff will tell stories of these formerly unidentified soldiers for the first time.
Fredericksburg National Cemetery is located at the intersection of Sunken Road and Lafayette Boulevard; however, those wishing to attend the luminaria may park at the University of Mary Washington lot at the corner of William Street and Sunken Road. The Fredericksburg Trolley will provide shuttle service between the parking area and the national cemetery.
A separate, commemorative ceremony will be held at the Fredericksburg National Cemetery on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27th.
Please note that pets are not permitted in the cemetery.
For additional information, call (540) 693-3200, or check www.nps.gov/frsp.
Tags: memorial day weekend memorial day national cemetery soldier battlefield
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
