Memorial Day Weekend Special Events 2009

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died serving our country. This is a great time to honor our veterans and famous Americans by visiting the monuments in Washington, DC. The Memorial Day weekend also marks the beginning of the busy summer season and the Washington, DC region celebrates with family friendly events and special services. Here is the 2009 Memorial Day event schedule:

PBS' National Memorial Day Concert Sunday, May 24, 2009, 8 p.m. PBS sponsors a FREE concert on the West Lawn of the U. S. Capitol. The concert features actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, and other guest artists along with conductor Erich Kunzel and the National Symphony Orchestra.

National Memorial Day Parade Monday, May 25, 2009, beginning at 2 p.m.The parade of Marching Bands and Veterans units from all 50 states steps off at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Streets, NW and proceeds along Constitution Avenue, past the White House, ending at 17th Street. The National Memorial Day Parade is sponsored by the World War II Veterans Committee and includes patriotic floats and helium-filled balloons. This year’s parade will feature Ernest Borgnine, Lee Greenwood, Edith Shane, and Gary Sinise.

Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally Sunday, May 24, 2009. Departure from the Pentagon at 12 p.m. Speaker Program and Musical Tribute 1:30 p.m. at the Reflecting Pool across from The Lincoln Memorial. Thousands of motorcycles ride through Washington in an annual demonstration seeking to improve veteran benefits and resolve POW/MIA issues.

GI Film Festival May 13-17, 2009. In its 2nd year, the festival will be held prior to Memorial Day weekend. See classic and premier films celebrating the heroic stories of the American Armed Forces including a variety of films presented by award-winning Hollywood actors and directors. Participate in panel discussions with soldiers, journalists, authors, and filmmakers.

Arlington National Cemetery Monday, May 25, 2009, 11 a.m. A wreath-laying ceremony and concert will be held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in honor of Memorial Day.

Navy Memorial Saturday, May 24, 2009. 11 a.m. Rolling Thunder visits the Navy Memorial and holds a wreath-laying ceremony. Monday, May 25, 2009, 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. wreath-laying ceremonies; 12:30 p.m. Navy Band concert; 2:00 p.m. Film screening of a PBS documentary about the last reunion of Air Group 16 at the dedication of the WWII Memorial.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Monday, May 25, 2009, 1:00 p.m. This year's annual Memorial Day ceremony includes Presentation of the Colors, remarks by a special guest and wreath-laying service.

Air Force Memorial Monday, May 25, 2009, 9 a.m. wreath laying ceremony. Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley is the keynote speaker at this ceremony, which is open to the public.

Kennedy Center National Memorial Day Choral Festival May 24, 2009, 2 p.m. A 90-minute program features American choral classics in honor of those who have fought to preserve our nation's heritage. Admission: $10.

(article by Rachel Cooper, About.com)

DC Embassies Open House

Saturday, May 9, 2009, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. The Embassies of the European Union and the Delegation of the European Commission to the United States will open their doors to the public, offering a rare look at the diverse EU cultures. Take a rare behind-the-scenes look at the European Embassies, many of which are among Washington's historic and architectural treasures. Each Embassy offers a unique program featuring the country's cuisine, its music and special events.

Yoga on the National Mall

Yoga on the Mall will take place at the SW corner of 15th St. and Constitution Avenue, near the Washington Monument, on Saturday, May 9 from 2-5pm. Nearest metro is Smithsonian. This will be the second annual gathering of this free collective yoga practice on the grounds of the National Mall.

There is no rain date for Yoga on the Mall, but it will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain or thunderstorms - Yoga on the Mall will take place in light drizzle. Any Yoga on the Mall cancellation will be posted on the DC Yoga Week homepage (http://www.dcyogaweek.com/dcyogaweek2009) no later than 11am on Saturday, May 9, so please check the website before coming.

George Washington Invitational Regatta

This Saturday, April 11, from 8:00AM - 5:00PM, there will be the George Washington Invitational Regatta featuring some of the nation's top collegiate rowing teams on the Potomac River. Races take place in Georgetown, between the Washington Harbour and the Thompson Boathouse.

Washington Harbour
3050 K St. NW
Washington, DC
Information:703-849-9300

U.S. Arboretum

Instead of fighting crowds at the tidal Basin, consider taking this self-guided tour. Pick up a brochure from the center's administration building to help you find the flowering cherry trees.

US National Arboretum
3501 New York Ave. NE
Washington, DC
Information:202-245-2726
Price:Free
8:00AM - 4:30PM Saturday-Sunday, April 11-12

National Cherry Blossom Fireworks Show

This Saturday, April 11, from 8:30 - 9:00PM, there will be the National Cherry Blossom Fireworks Show at the Southwest Waterfront in Washington, DC. Get the best view from East Potomoc Park or the Southwest Waterfront Promenade.

Before the fireworks, from 5 - 8:30PM, there will be a free family festival with live music featuring military bands and food from local restaurants.

Location: Southwest Waterfront
7th Street and Maine Ave. SWWashington, DC
Price:Free
Information: 202-547-1500

Spring Forward!

Daylight Saving Time Begins on Sunday, March 8th—

Spring Forward!

By an act of Congress, on Sunday, March 8, areas on Standard Time returns to Daylight Saving Time at 2:00 a.m. Don’t forget to turn your clocks forward one hour!
Did you know that some areas of the United States not using Daylight Saving Time include, Arizona, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa.