2026 Memorial Day Weekend Events at the Fredericksburg National Cemetery

News Release Date:
May 7, 2026

Contact: Mary O'Neill, 540-693-3200

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. - As we celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary, Memorial Day offers an opportunity to reflect on the cost of preserving the ideals first articulated in 1776. Visit Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park this Memorial Day weekend to reflect on the sacrifice of those who lost their lives in service of the United States.

On Saturday, May 23, 2026, the National Park Service will host the 31^st annual luminaria at the Fredericksburg National Cemetery. On Monday, May 25, 2025, visit the cemetery for a quiet ceremony and observance. All events are free and open to the public.

Saturday, May 23, 2026: Fredericksburg National Cemetery Luminaria

The luminaria honors those who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Local scouts will light 15,300 candles in the cemetery - one for each person buried there. A bugler will play "Taps" every 30 minutes during the evening. Park staff posted throughout the cemetery will tell individual stories of the lives lived by the servicepeople interred here.

The Fredericksburg National Cemetery Luminaria runs from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. and is free to the public.

The cemetery is located at the intersection of Sunken Road and Lafayette Boulevard. Event parking is available at the University of Mary Washington lot at the corner of William Street and Sunken Road. The Fredericksburg Trolley will provide shuttle service between the parking area and the national cemetery. Accessible parking will be located at the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center parking lot. Golf carts will be available for transport up to the cemetery for people with mobility needs.

Monday, May 25, 2026: Memorial Day Ceremony and Observance

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2026, visit the Fredericksburg National Cemetery for a quiet observance of this hallowed holiday.

The event will begin at 10 a.m. with a short 15-minute ceremony in the cemetery, including a bugler playing taps and the 23^rd United States Colored Troops living history group presenting colors. From 10:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. park staff will be stationed in the cemetery to share stories about the history of Memorial Day in Fredericksburg and to facilitate remembrance activities in honor of those who lost their lives in service to the United States. Golf carts will be available to facilitate access up to the cemetery.

Join staff at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. for walking tours of the Sunken Road.

About the Fredericksburg National Cemetery

Fredericksburg National Cemetery was established in 1866 and remained open for military burials until 1945. It holds the remains of 15,243 soldiers, sailors and Marines, most of whom died during the Civil War. At least 85% of the graves are unidentified, resulting in over 12,770 unknowns. Since 1996, NPS has hosted the annual luminaria as a tribute to the fallen.

As we honor the 250th anniversary of the United States, national cemeteries across the nation are places to take a moment to honor those that gave the ultimate sacrifice in protecting the ideals of the Declaration of Independence.

Please note that pets are not permitted in the cemetery.
For additional information, call (540) 693-3200, or check www.nps.gov/frsp.