The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is set to conduct Memorial Day ceremonies at over 130 national cemeteries across the United States this weekend. These events are anticipated to draw around 100,000 attendees.
The public is invited to participate in these ceremonies, which will include wreath-laying, commemorative speeches, and the playing of Taps, among other activities aimed at honoring fallen service members.
All 156 VA National Cemeteries and 35 soldiers’ lots will remain open throughout the Memorial Day weekend from May 23-26. A complete list of official VA National Cemetery Memorial Day events and visiting hours can be accessed online. Information about volunteer opportunities at VA national cemeteries is also available on the NCA webpage.
“Every day throughout the year, VA plays a vital role in remembering and honoring the brave servicemembers who gave their lives in defense of the freedoms America holds dear,” stated VA Secretary Doug Collins. “This Memorial Day weekend, we invite Americans to visit VA cemeteries and join us in reflecting upon the important legacies of these fallen heroes.”
Additionally, individuals can contribute to the Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM) website by submitting written tributes, photos, biographies, documents, and other information. The VLM website provides a memorial page for each of over 10 million veterans interred in various cemeteries managed or funded by different entities including the Department of Defense and U.S. Park Service.
