Memorial Day Weekend in DC

When it comes to patriotic national holidays, Washington DC is the city you want to be in. As our country pauses to take time to honor the soldiers who lost their lives in battle for our country on Monday, we also have the opportunity to celebrate and enjoy the freedoms that were gained in those battles. From patriotic concerts to parades, this weekend offers many opportunities to celebrate!

National Memorial Day Concert
The National Memorial Day Concert takes place on the West Lawn of the US Capitol on Sunday, May 24 at 8 PM. This year's concert hosts are actors Gary Sinese and Joe Mantegna. The 26th annual concert will feature performances from Gloria Estefan, the National Symphony Orchestra and appearances by Laura Benanti, General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) and Laurence Fishburne. American Idol winner Nick Fradiani will be performing "The Star-Spangled Banner." The concert will be broadcasted live on PBS if you do not have the opportunity to make it to the Mall. Viewers may also post messages and stories on the Wall of Remembrance. The concert is free to attend, but will be broadcasted live on PBS if you do not have the opportunity to make it to the Mall. From your home at The Louis at 14 to the West Lawn is about a 30-minute Metro ride.

National Memorial Day Parade
The American Veterans Center's National Memorial Day Parade is Monday, May 25 at 2 PM. The parade begins at Constitution Ave. and 7th St. and runs along Constitution to 17th St. The parade began in 2005 and started being broadcasted to soldiers around the world in 2008. Participants include Memorial Day Concert hosts Gary Sinese and Joe Mantegna, Miss America 2015 Kira Kazantsev, Food Network chef Robert Irvine, The Smashing Pumpkins and American Idol winner Caleb Johnson. The parade's Grand Marshals are dozens of surviving World War II Veterans. This event is also easily accessible via Metro. It's about a 15-minute ride from The Louis to the the Archives station.

These events are some of the largest not only in the DC-area, but in the nation. Have you attended either of these events in the past? If not, it is a wonderful way to honor those who lost their lives defending our country and to enjoy our beautiful city. Do you plan to attend this year's events or do you have other plans? Share how you will be spending Memorial Day weekend on The Louis at 14's Facebook and Twitter pages!