Memorial Day in RVA

There’s lots of stuff happening around town this Memorial Day

May 24, 2013; 9:51 AM • by RVANews staff

Whether you’re looking for something low-key and quaint, or active and raucous, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the Memorial Day weekend while appreciating those who gave their lives for our country.

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1. Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony

There have been 20 Virginians who’ve lost their lives in the global War on Terror since last year’s Memorial Day. Those soldiers will be honored at the event by having their names read aloud. Gov. Bob McDonnell will also deliver the keynote address. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.

Monday, May 27th &bull 10:00 AM
Virginia War Memorial, 621 S. Belvidere Street
FREE

2. National Memorial Day Concert

Actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise will host the 24th annual concert that showcases moving stories of American servicemembers. The program will also feature Colin Powell, actor Ed Harris, and the National Symphony Orchestra. Here’s a preview:

Sunday, May 26th & 8:00 – 9:30 PM
Airs on WCVE PBS
FREE

3. Rocketts Red Glare

Live music and festivities kick off of the summer over at Rocketts Landing. And if the fireworks of July 4th seem too far away, there’ll be a dazzling fireworks display beginning at 9:00 PM.

Sunday, May 26th • begins at 5:30 PM (fireworks at 9:00 PM)
Rocketts Landing
FREE

4. Memorial Day Concert at the Carillon

The concert will feature a performance by Lisa Edwards-Burrs, Associate Professor of Voice at Virginia State University. She will be joined by classical/jazz pianist Russell Wilson. The program will begin with musical pieces played on the bells of the World War I Memorial Carillon by Lawrence Robinson, the City’s Carillonneur for over 50 years.

Monday, May 27th • 4:00 PM
The Carillon in Byrd Park
FREE

5. Memorial Day Pet Adoption

Richmond Animal Care & Control over in Northside will hold its first Memorial Day pet adoption. All military service members, both active duty and retired, as well as active police officers and firefighters may adopt a pet at the low cost of $20 and the completion of an adoption application.

Saturday, May 25th & Monday, May 27th • 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Richmond Animal Care & Control, 1600 Chamberlayne Ave
All military service members, as well as active police officers and firefighters, can adopt pets for $20 plus application fee.

6. Never Forget Memorial Run

Runners are encouraged to wear white T-shirts as they run from VCU’s Siegel Center to the Virginia War Memorial (1.4 miles) in silence to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Monday, May 27th • 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
VCU Siegel Center, 1200 W. Broad Street
FREE

7. Valentine Richmond History Center open

This year the history center is participating as a Blue Star Museum, a collaboration among government agencies, organizations, and over 2,000 museums across the country. Current exhibits like “A History of Richmond in 50 Objects” and “Settlement to Streetcar Suburbs: Richmond and Its People” will be available for viewing.

Monday, May 27th • 10:00 – 5:00 PM
1015 E. Clay Street
FREE admission for all active duty, National Guard and Reserve military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

8. Kings Dominion Military Days

The amusement park will offer free admission to any active, inactive, or retired United States Service men and women with a valid military I.D. Saturday and Sunday features musical performances throughout each day, including one from Ft. Lee’s 392nd Army Band.