America Celebrates Memorial Day Ten Ways

A growing sense of anticipation rises in May as the nation looks forward to Memorial Day, the unofficial beginning of summer, with its accompanying fun and freedom. Cause for exhilaration, to be sure, but the day marks a more somber, long-lived occasion as well, honoring America's military and war dead and their service to the country. Whichever option you choose to celebrate, the available events are legion. Check out ten of our favorites, and delight in the melting pot that is America.

1) Memorial Day Weekend – Washington, DC
Where else but the nation's capital would you find the largest, most extensive offering of Memorial Day events? Early in the weekend is Sunday's free PBS concert, which features the National Symphony Orchestra in performance, along with well-known figures from the worlds of music, film, and stage (among them, Trace Adkins, Laurence Fishburne, and Katie Holmes). 

May 24, 8pm
West Lawn, US Capitol

On Monday – Memorial Day itself – the official parade takes place, populated by practice-makes-perfect marching bands and veterans. It also boasts impressive floats and a sweep past the White House, complete with all the pomp, ceremony, and spectacle that you'd expect of a military event.

May 25, 2pm
Constitution Ave

From Friday through Sunday, Rolling Thunder, Inc., a non-profit organization that couples a love of motorcycles with a substantial contingent of veterans, has scheduled a variety of events paying tribute to POWs, MIAs, and veterans, from a wreath presentation and a candlelight vigil to a barbecue and the group's signature "Ride for Freedom" astride Harleys. For a complete listing of events, visit www.rollingthunder1.com/.

During the weekend, individual military and war memorials will be hosting special events as well. For more information, visit http://www.washington.org/.

2) Piccolo Spoleto Festival – Charleston, SC
A more affordable, family-friendly, and regionally-oriented offshoot of Charleston's grander Spoleto Festival, Piccolo holds close its parent's focus on visual, literary, and performing arts, offering some 700 events. While the festival ranges over 2˝ weeks, Memorial Day weekend selections include the enticing Complete History of Charleston for Morons, Skinny White Comics, a Memorial Day concert (Marion Square, 3pm), and an astounding variety of performances, shows, and exhibits taking place throughout the day. Many activities are free; others require only modest fees.

May 22–June 7
www.piccolospoleto.com/

3) LA Marathon – Los Angeles, CA
Held in March until this year, Cali's well-attended marathon has moved to the Memorial Day holiday for the first time since the race was instituted in 1986. With the shift, the competition can be incorporated into a more expansive holiday weekend and take better advantage of city services. In conjunction with the race, a health and wellness expo caters to attendees at the convention center, and viewing parties are held along the whole of the course. Best of all, the Finish Line Festival provides incentive for runners to push forward as it attracts 100,000 people to cheer on race participants and celebrate both human spirit and dedication.

May 25, 7:20am
Third and Flower Streets
www.lamarathon.com/