WASHINGTON MEMORIAL DAY
MEMORIAL DAY USA 2009
THE WHITE HOUSE
Memorial Day is a US holiday held on the last Monday of May each year. This year it will be held on Monday 25th May 2009.
Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates the men and women who gave their lives in the service of their country. It is believed to date from reunification after the American Civil War, honouring soldiers killed in that conflict. The celebration was expanded after WW1 to cover American casualities in any military action. Decoration Day is still celebrated in the Southern USA on the Sunday before Memorial Day when families decorate the graves of family members and is not reserved for those in the Military.
Traditionally, the weekend, apart from remembrance, now includes concerts, spectacular parades and often sporting events. The famous Indianapolis 500 Race has been held on this day since 1911.
In this article we felt it appropriate to feature the great events held in Washington DC, the Nation’s Capital, marking the start of summer.
The NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT will be held on the West Lawn of the Capitol Buildingat 8 pm on Sunday, 24th May. Actors and guest artists appear in this free concert with The National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Erich Kunzel. The grounds of the impressive 19th Century building were designed by Frederick Law Olmstead who also designed Central Park and the National Zoo.
THE ROLLING THUNDER MOTORCYCLE RALLY.
THE REFLECTING POOL
On Sunday, 24th May, at noon, about 400,000 riders will ride across Washington and congregate at The Reflecting Pool for speeches and a musical tribute to POW’S and those still mising in action. Formed in 1988 as a protest group by Veterans of The Vietnam War it now promotes veteran’s legislation and resolution of POW and MIA issues.
NAVY MEMORIAL
On Sunday, 24th May, prior to the rally, Rolling Thunder will hold a wreath-laying ceremony at The Navy Memorial. The Memorial is an outdoor piazza featuring a Granite Sea Map, surrounded by pools, flagpoles, fountains and sculptured panels depicting the achievements of the US Navy.
WOLF TRAP FARM PARK
Later on Sunday, 24th May, the park kicks off the summer season with a free performance by the US Marine Corps Band followed by spectacular fireworks.
NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY PARADE.
The highlight of the weekend is the Memorial Day Parade which starts at 2 pm on Monday 25th, May. This parade of marching bands and flag waving groups proceeds along Constitution Avenue and past The White House, ending at 17th Street. Veteran’s Groups from all States are represented, together with spectacular patriotic floats. The Parade is sponsored by The WW2 Veteran’s Committee. Prior to the Parade at 1pm the Navy Band Concert Band will perform at the Navy Memorial at 1 p.m.
WREATH LAYING CEREMONIES
At 9 am and 1 pm respectively, wreath laying ceremonies will take place at The Air Force Memorial and at Arlington National Cemetery. At Arlington, a concert at The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier will follow the ceremony.
The Air Force Memorial was dedicated in 2006. Its design symbolizes flight with three stainless steel spires of 270 feet, representing contrails.
Arlington National cemetery serves as a cemetery and memorial to America’s War heroes and sees more than 4 million visitors a year.
VIETNAM VETERAN’S MEMORIAL
VIETNAM MEMORIAL WALL
This year’s ceremony at 1 pm on Monday 25th, includes a Presentation of Colours, wreath-laying and remarks by a special guest. This memorial is a black, granite wall inscribed with the names of the 58,209 killed in The Vietnam War. Near the wall is a life-size statue depicting three young servicemen and another sculpture of two nurses tending the wounds of a male soldier with a third female kneeling nearby.
FORT WARD PARK
Finally, on the Monday, The Memorial Day Jazz Festival features big band, swing and jazz music from 1-7 pm.. Take along your picnic or if you prefer there will be food and drinks on sale.
Washington is a city of impressive memorials and monuments. Before leaving, visit some of these which have both military and civil remembrance.
KOREAN WAR MEMORIAL
They include:
The African- American Civil War Memorial and Museum
Iwo Jima Memorial
Korean War Memorial
The Jefferson Memorial
The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial
Have a memorable Memorial Day. Pay tribute as you feel appropriate to those who gave their lives. Above all enjoy your visit to the Nation’s Capital and Washington Memorial Day.
CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL - WASHINGTON
THE NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL - WASHINGTON DC- 28 MARCH to 12 APRIL 2009
Washington in Bloom
With Spring on the horizon, the flowering of the cherry tree is one of nature’s most colourful spectacles. Although Cherry Blossom is perhaps more evocative of the Land of The Rising Sun, the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC is well worth a visit.
The planting of cherry trees on this historic city site originated in 1912 with a gift from the people of Japan. With the support of the First Lady, Helen Herron Taft, a gift of 2000 cherry trees was donated by the City of Tokyo and arrived in Washington in January 1910. Unfortunately, the trees were diseased and had to be burnt. A second shipment of 3026 trees arrived in March 1912 and two were planted on the northern bank of the Tidal Basin by Helen Taft and the wife of the Japanese Ambassador. Washington’s world famous Festival grew from this simple ceremony. The two original trees remain to this day.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is planned to coincide with the blooming of the trees. Peak bloom date is defined as the day in which 70% of the buds are open. The blooming period starts several days earlier and can last for 14 days depending on the weather. Naturally visitors try and plan their visit when the trees are in bloom. The various stages of the bloom are all wonderful so whenever you plan to visit you will be rewarded with something memorable on the Tidal Basin.
The Festival itself has an amazing variety of events too numerous to describe. This article attempts to give our readers a flavour of the festival period.
On Saturday, 4th April there are two great events. One is one of Washington’s most exciting traditions - the Festival Parade. The parade is a must for children of all ages and marches along historic Constitution Avenue from 10 am. It includes marching bands, dance and drumming from the US and Japan, Cherry Blossom Queens and a choir. Giant balloons, floats, vintage automobiles, clowns and mascots add to the spectacle.
On the same day, the Japan-America Society present the 49th Annual Sakura Matsuri or Street Festival. The Matsuri has 4 main areas. Traditional Japanese Arts and Crafts, Japanese culture including anime (animation) Manga (Comics) and J-Pop music. It features 15 Japanese and Asian restaurants, 2 Beer Gardens and a Sake tasting area. The Ginza Market offers traditional Japanese products for sale.
The culture vultures can join the Freedom Walk, a non-competitive event which honours the sacrifices and injustices suffered by American - Japanese citizens in WW2. The 43rd Smithsonian Kite Festival takes place in the Washington Memorial Grounds from 10 am on 28 March. There are daily performances on the Tidal Basin Stage. The National Building Museum hosts a family day with lots of hands-on fun, exploring Japanese art. Again, just a few of the many attractions.
For the Foodies, enjoy an evening with sushi and sake on 1st April at the National Geographic Museum. Also on the 1st April, Madame Tussauds is transformed into a Cherry Blossom Wonderland for the Washington Wine Academy’s Soiree and Reception, held in Waterfront Park. At the reception and as a prelude to fireworks, enjoy military and local music together with family related activities and of course food.
For the children and the more active members of the family, celebrate the arrival of Spring with a 2-hour bike ride around the Nation’s Capital. Relax on a tour boat viewing the blossoms and monuments on a 90 minute tour from the Washington Marina. Choose between the morning Blossom Secrets Stroll or the more romantic Lantern Walks with a National Parks Ranger, for an evening walk amongst the cherry trees. How about English Tea aboard a yacht as you cruise among the blossoms. Still on the water, board the Spirit of Washington for an evening with a grand buffet, live music and views of the Festival Firework displays.
There is no doubt that this, the world’s largest National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC is an absolute extravaganza with varied events for all ages, set against a background of the beautiful flowering cherry trees. Certainly a must for a Spring break.
