SOUTHERN MARYLAND — Communities across Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties are preparing to commemorate Memorial Day with ceremonies, parades and public tributes honoring the lives of U.S. military service members who gave their lives in defense of the nation.
From solemn wreath-laying services and museum commemorations to patriotic parades and family-friendly festivals, Memorial Day weekend will offer Southern Marylanders several opportunities to gather in reflection and gratitude.
Stars & Stripes Festival in Chesapeake Beach
Saturday, May 24, 2025 | 10 a.m. ceremony; noon–2 p.m. family day
Veterans Memorial Park and Kellam’s Field, Chesapeake Beach, Md.
The annual George W. Owings III Stars & Stripes Festival opens with a Memorial Day ceremony at 10 a.m., followed by a family fun day of activities from noon to 2 p.m. The event features military tributes, guest speakers and a community gathering to remember the fallen.
Calvert Marine Museum Memorial Day Cruise
Monday, May 26, 2025 | 2 p.m.
Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons, Md.
Celebrate Memorial Day with a leisurely one-hour sightseeing cruise on the river. You will sail the busy Solomons inner harbor, see Solomons Island and the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, pass underneath the Gov. Thomas Johnson Bridge and turn back at Pt. Patience and the Naval Recreation Center. Registration required.
Visit the Maryland Veterans Museum at Patriot Park
Monday, May 26, 2025 | Open noon–4 p.m.
11000 Crain Highway North, Newburg, Md.
The Maryland Veterans Museum at Patriot Park will be open for regular hours on Memorial Day. Visitors are invited to explore the museum’s indoor galleries, outdoor memorial gardens and interactive exhibits honoring veterans from all U.S. conflicts. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children ages 7–13 and free for veterans, museum members and children under 6.
Patuxent River Naval Air Museum Memorial Day Commemoration
Monday, May 26, 2025 | 10 a.m.
Test & Evaluation Hall, Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, Lexington Park, Md.
Patuxent River Naval Air Museum will hold a Memorial Day commemoration at 10 a.m. inside the Test & Evaluation Hall. The event honors fallen military members and will be followed by public access to the museum. NAS Pax MWR facilities will operate on adjusted holiday hours.
La Plata: American Legion Post 82 Memorial Day Commemoration
Monday, May 26, 2025 | 11 a.m.
Harry White Wilmer American Legion Post 82 Hall, 6330 Crain Highway, La Plata, Md.
American Legion Post 82 will host its annual Memorial Day commemoration ceremony at 11 a.m. on May 26. The event honors the service and sacrifice of the nation’s veterans and invites the public to reflect on the meaning of the holiday.
Additional Memorial Day Ceremonies in Maryland (Outside Southern Maryland)
VA National Cemetery Ceremonies
May 23–26, 2025
These events are part of more than 130 nationwide ceremonies hosted by the VA to honor the lives and legacies of those who served. For a full list of events, visit the National Cemetery Administration website.
- Annapolis National Cemetery — Friday, May 23, 2025 | 5 p.m.
- Loudon Park National Cemetery (Baltimore) — Monday, May 26, 2025 | 11 a.m.
- Baltimore National Cemetery — Friday, May 30, 2025 | 11 a.m.
Arlington National Cemetery Grave Decoration
Saturday, May 24, 2025 | 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Meet at John Lyon VFW Post 3150, 2116 19th St. N, Arlington, Va.
Volunteers are invited to join John Lyon VFW Post 3150 in honoring fallen service members by decorating graves at Arlington National Cemetery. Participants will meet at the post at 8 a.m. to organize into teams, receive supplies and proceed to the cemetery. The event includes several hours of walking and is open to the public.
Annapolis Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 26, 2025 | 10 a.m.
Parade route: Starts on Amos Garrett Boulevard and concludes on Randall Street in downtown Annapolis
Marylanders are invited to gather in the capital city for one of the state’s largest Memorial Day parades. The annual City of Annapolis Memorial Day Parade will feature marching bands, veteran groups, community organizations and colorful floats as it winds through the historic downtown district.
Bowie Memorial Day Parade
Saturday, May 24, 2025 | 11 a.m.
Parade route: Starts at Belair Annex and ends at Stonybrook Drive, Bowie, Md.
The City of Bowie will hold its annual Memorial Day Parade on Saturday, May 24, to honor service members past and present. The parade features marching bands, local organizations, performing groups and themed floats.
National Memorial Day Parade – Washington, D.C.
Monday, May 26, 2025 | 2–4 p.m.
Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. (from 7th to 17th streets)
The National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C., tells the story of American military service and sacrifice across nearly 250 years of history. The parade features marching bands, military units, veterans, celebrities, and live musical performances. Pre-parade entertainment begins at 1 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public. It will also be live-streamed nationwide for those unable to attend in person.
Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens Memorial Day Ceremony
Monday, May 26, 2025 | 10 a.m.
Circle of the Immortals, 200 East Padonia Road, Timonium, MD
The 58th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens will honor 10 Maryland service members who died in the past year, including Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves of Great Mills, one of three U.S. Army soldiers killed in a January midair collision near Washington, D.C.
The public ceremony will feature remarks from U.S. Congressman John A. Olszewski Jr., Maj. Gen. Janeen Birckhead, and Cmdr. Frank T. Goertner (Ret.). The program includes a wreath-laying, a 21-gun salute, patriotic music from the 229th Army Band and Dundalk Sweet Adelines, and a display by the Maryland Army National Guard.
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