News Release

2024 Memorial Day Weekend Events at the Fredericksburg National Cemetery

NPS Photo

News Release Date: May 16, 2024

Contact: Peter Maugle, 540-693-3200

FREDERICKSBURG, VA. — Visit the Fredericksburg National Cemetery this Memorial Day Weekend. On Saturday, May 25, 2024, the National Park Service will host the 29th annual luminaria at the Fredericksburg National Cemetery. On Monday, May 27, 2024, visit the cemetery for a quiet observance. Reflect on the history of Memorial Day and how we can honor those who lost their lives in service of the United States.

All events are free and open to the public.

Saturday, May 25, 2024: Fredericksburg National Cemetery Luminaria

The Fredericksburg National Cemetery Luminaria runs from 8 pm to 11 pm. In the event of rain, the date will be moved to Sunday, May 26th.

The luminaria honors those who died in the service of this country. Local scouts will light 15,300 candles in the cemetery – one for each grave there. In addition, a bugler will play “Taps” every 30 minutes during the evening as park staff posted throughout the cemetery relate stories about some of the soldiers.

The cemetery is located at the intersection of Sunken Road and Lafayette Boulevard. Event parking is available at the University of Mary Washington lot at the corner of William Street and Sunken Road. The Fredericksburg Trolley will provide shuttle service between the parking area and the national cemetery. Accessible parking will be located at the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center parking lot. Golf carts will be available for transport up to the cemetery for people with mobility needs.

Monday, May 27, 2024: Memorial Day Observance

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 2024, to visit the Fredericksburg National Cemetery for a quiet observance of this hallowed holiday.

The event will begin at 10 am with a playing of taps and the presenting of the colors of the 23^rd USCT living history group. From 10 am to 12 pm park staff will be stationed throughout the cemetery to share stories about the history of Memorial Day in Fredericksburg and facilitate remembrance activities to honor those who lost their lives in service to the United States. Golf carts will be available from 10 am to 2 pm to facilitate access up to the cemetery.

Join staff at 10:30 am and 2 pm for walking tours of the Sunken Road. Park staff will be in the cemetery for informal conversation until 5 pm.

About the Fredericksburg National Cemetery

The Fredericksburg National Cemetery was established in 1866 and remained open for military burials until 1945. It holds the remains of 15,243 soldiers, sailors and Marines who mostly died during the Civil War. At least 85% of the graves are unidentified, resulting in over 12,770 unknowns. The annual luminaria has served as a poignant tribute to the fallen since 1996.

Please note that pets are not permitted in the cemetery.

For additional information, call [phone].