At IHG® Army Hotels, we have the privilege of sharing many special events and holidays with our guests. Memorial Day is a chance to honor and remember our heroes, and we take great pride in helping our service members and their loved ones take part in the many events each year that honor this important day.
The start of the holiday can be traced back to a few years after the Civil War, when General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic called for a national “Decoration Day” on May 30. The holiday eventually came to be known as Memorial Day, and in 1971, Congress declared it a federal holiday. Today, Memorial Day is marked by visits to cemeteries, wreath-laying ceremonies, parades, and a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time.
Here are a few Memorial Day celebrations happening around the country this year. We'll tell you a little bit about each event and how to get the most out of your experience.
- National Memorial Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery
- National Museum of the United States Army Memorial Day Events
- Memorial Day Ceremony at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
- Memorial Day Observance at Fort Riley Post Cemetery
- Run to Remember 5K Memorial Run
National Memorial Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery
One of the best places to honor our nation's heroes on Memorial Day is Arlington National Cemetery. This year marks the 157th annual ceremony and will feature a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier along with patriotic performances and remarks by various government officials. The event is steeped in national pride, military tradition, and moving tributes to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
To get the most out of this solemn event, arrive early; the gates open several hours before the ceremony begins. There is also a dress code, so make sure to check it out before leaving. There is limited parking at the cemetery; be prepared to walk to the event, leaving yourself enough time to go through enhanced security screening. When the event is over, taking the time to walk through the more than 400,000 headstones can be a rewarding and moving experience.
When: Monday, May 26, at 11:00 AM
Where: Memorial Amphitheater, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
Closest IHG Army Hotels location: IHG Army Hotels Wainwright Hall - Historia on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.
National Museum of the United States Army Memorial Day Events
The National Museum of the United States Army is a great place to celebrate Memorial Day. This family-friendly venue offers a wide range of events and activities from May 23 to 26. The weekend begins with an outdoor flag display along the Path of Remembrance and Unit Tribute Wall, a visual tribute to fallen heroes. One event will take place in the museum's Experiential Learning Center, where families can take part in the Poppy Paper Flower Craft. The flowers created will become part of the museum’s Memorial Day display. Another event is the Tiny Troops Story Time, which offers read-aloud sessions followed by engaging activities tailored for children ages 3–6.
Plan for your visit by reserving your free timed-entry tickets in advance. The museum's website lists all the events happening for Memorial Day, so look at the schedule before you leave. You won't want to miss out on the Memorial Day Remembrance and Moment of Silence or the documentary screening of "A Journey to Remember." Memorial Day weekend at the museum is an experience that many people come back for each year.
When: May 23–26
Where: 1775 Liberty Drive, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060
Closest IHG Army Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Knadle Hall
Memorial Day Ceremony at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
The Memorial Day Ceremony at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas, is one of the area's most respected tributes to our fallen heroes. The ceremony begins at 7:30 AM on Monday, May 26. Many active-duty service members, veterans, and their families are drawn to this solemn event each year. Visitors can expect to experience the presentation of colors, keynote addresses by military officials, patriotic music, and a wreath-laying. It's a great way to begin the day, remembering the true purpose of the holiday.
Parking is limited at the cemetery, and the event starts promptly, so make sure to get there early. The weather can vary from year to year, so check the forecast ahead of time and dress appropriately. You may want to bring small flags or flowers with you and walk the grounds after the ceremony. It is a great way to honor the fallen and mourn in quiet reflection.
When: Monday, May 26 at 7:30 AM
Where: 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX
Closest IHG Army Hotel: IHG Army Hotels Building 1384
Memorial Day Observance at Fort Riley Post Cemetery
The Memorial Day Observance at Fort Riley Post Cemetery in Fort Riley, Kansas, is a heartfelt tribute to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Taking place in an area steeped in military history, this annual event includes ceremonial honors, guest speakers, and the playing of Taps to commemorate the fallen with dignity and respect.
In addition to arriving early for the event, consider bringing sun protection and water, as the forecast has temperatures in the high 80s. Spend time walking among the headstones afterward to reflect on the legacy of service represented there.
When: Monday, May 26 at 11:40 AM
Where: 193 Huebner Rd, Fort Riley, KS
Closest IHG Army Hotel: Candlewood Suites Building 6956
Run to Remember 5K Memorial Run
Visiting cemeteries isn't the only way to remember our fallen heroes. Many people find physical activities like Fort Benning's Run to Remember 5K Memorial Run a great way to honor our heroes. The race is open to all ages and is perfect for both individuals and families. You can even bring your pet on the run if you like. Shirts and medals are guaranteed for the first 175 people who register and pay for the event.
Packet pick up is one hour before the race, so arriving early is a must. You'll want to wear comfortable clothes, depending on whether you plan to walk or run the event. Take a moment before or after the run to reflect on the sacrifices of our service members.
When: Saturday, May 17 at 8:00 AM
Where: Doughboy Stadium, 153 Sigerfoos Road, Building 394, Fort Benning, GA 31905
Closest IHG Army Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Abrams Hall
As Americans, we are fortunate to live in a country where freedom is so treasured that brave people are willing to die for it. Celebrating Memorial Day by honoring our heroes, either by attending one of these events or by taking a moment to remember the sacrifices so many have made, can be a rewarding experience. From the entire IHG Army Hotels family, we salute our heroes and wish you a happy Memorial Day.
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