This Monday is Memorial Day! This is a great day to take the time to appreciate and remember those who have fought and sacrificed for our country and freedom. As time has gone since the formation of Memorial Day as a national holiday, the observance and celebration of its purpose has grown to encompass an entire weekend. For us here, outside America’s capital, we have plenty of options of how we can celebrate Memorial Day. Read on to find out the many activities going on over the holiday weekend that are all around Lakeside, right here in Virginia!
The cities and towns of Delaplane, Vienna and Fairfax are playing host to events that are taking place all weekend long. Since memorial Day weekend is also the unofficial start to summer, what better way to kick off the “summer season” by attending the Strawberry Festival at Sky Meadows State Park in Deplane? On both Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m to 5 p.m enjoy hayrides, games, crafts, entertainment, food and a petting farm for only $25 a car. Also, on Sunday morning, you can sign up for the Strawberry Festival 5k run/walk. Vienna will be having their annual Memorial Day festival, ViVa Vienna! This family friendly event will be held Saturday through Monday with rides, food, crafts, vendors and entertainment for people of all ages. One of the most popular weekend events will be in Fairfax at the Patriot Harley-Davidson location, Ride of the Patriots. Live music on Friday evening and an an open house on Saturday will lead up to the main event on Sunday,the ride to Rolling Thunder.
On Saturday head to Reston Town Center Pavilion for the Star-Spangled Sing Along with the Reston Chorale. This free sing along of patriotic music will begin at 2 p.m. and run until 4 p.m. This event is also a great opportunity to thank our troops by creating thank you notes, filling care packages for them and bringing items to donate to the people of the military. On Sunday join the people of Wolf Trap National Park as they launch the summer season with a performance of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band at 8 p.m. Following their performance, make sure to stay for an amazing fireworks display!
Lastly, on Monday, two very special ceremonies to honor the fallen are taking place in Leesburg and at the Manassas National Battlefield. The Leesburg Memorial Day Ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. at the Loudoun County Courthouse. The ceremony will feature patriotic music and a traditional rifle salute, as well as, wreath laying at each of the war memorials in honor of all who have served our country in all conflicts. The Manassas National Battlefield will start their observance of Memorial Day at 11 a.m. Throughout the day there will be an artillery and musketry salute in memory of the war dead, a wreath laying ceremony and will commence with the National Moment of Silence at 3 p.m.
As you prepare for Memorial Day, take advantage of the long weekend and all of the wonderful events lined up for us and don’t forget to take the time to remember those who have served for our country.
Posted by Jill Burke.