Washington, D.C., residents are gearing up for landmark Memorial Day celebrations this weekend, as the country participates in a yearlong initiative marking the semiquincentennial. Among the events is the annual Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally, set for Sunday, where riders will motor through D.C. to raise awareness of prisoners of war, service members missing in action, and issues affecting veterans.Here’s how you can make the most of Memorial Day Weekend in the capital city and honor the occasion.
The National Memorial Day Parade
The Freedom 250 parade will take place Monday along Constitution Avenue NW, between 7th and 17th streets.
The event starts at 10 a.m. and features historical re-enactors, veterans, and active duty military members. The pre-parade entertainment starts at 9 a.m. and includes live musical performances and celebrity appearances. Military bands from across the country will play medleys such as Sousa marches, while spectators cheer on military units, veterans, and patriotic floats.
The event, billed by organizers as the country’s largest Memorial Day parade, will also be filmed for a television special airing on ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox stations nationwide.
