Memorial Day 2025 was marked across the United States with a powerful blend of remembrance, celebration, and community gatherings. This national holiday, observed annually on the last Monday of May, honors the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
In cities such as Washington, D.C., New York City, and others, communities gathered to participate in parades, concerts, and solemn ceremonies to pay tribute to fallen soldiers. Here’s a closer look at some of the major Memorial Day events in 2025.
Washington, D.C.: National Memorial Day Parade and Concert
Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital, once again became the focal point for Memorial Day observances with its signature events. The 20th annual National Memorial Day Parade was held on Constitution Avenue, featuring an impressive lineup of participants including veterans groups, military units, marching bands, and patriotic floats. The parade was hosted by well-known personalities such as Anthony Anderson and Aisha Tyler, and included performances by country artist Scotty Hasting. Among the special guests was Gene Simmons of KISS and Miss America 2025, Abbie Stockard.
This parade not only celebrated military service but also served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by U.S. service members. The event was organized by the American Veterans Center and draws thousands of spectators each year. More information on the parade can be found on the official American Veterans
Later in the day, the National Memorial Day Concert took place on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. This free public concert featured performances by the National Symphony Orchestra and the U.S. Army Chorus. Grammy-winning vocalist Yolanda Adams and actor Blair Underwood also participated, lending their voices and presence to the heartfelt tribute. The concert is a longstanding tradition designed to honor veterans and military families, and it is broadcast live on public television to reach audiences nationwide.
Another key ceremony in Washington, D.C. took place at Arlington National Cemetery, where the President of the United States, Vice President, and other dignitaries laid wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This solemn act honors unidentified service members who died in combat and symbolizes respect for all fallen soldiers. Such ceremonies emphasize the somber side of Memorial Day, reflecting on loss and sacrifice.
New York City: Manhattan and Brooklyn Parades, Fleet Week Celebrations
In New York City, Memorial Day weekend brought out thousands of participants and spectators in traditional parades and military celebrations.
The Manhattan Memorial Day Parade began at 10 a.m. on Fifth Avenue, stretching from 23rd Street to 67th Street. The parade included marching bands, veterans groups, active military units, and patriotic floats. This event has been a staple of New York City’s Memorial Day tradition for decades, serving both as a public remembrance and a celebration of American values.
Brooklyn hosted its own Memorial Day Parade in Bay Ridge, beginning at 11 a.m. at 78th Street and Third Avenue. After the procession, attendees gathered at John Paul Jones Park for a wreath-laying ceremony and speeches by local officials honoring the fallen heroes from the borough.
A special highlight of New York City’s Memorial Day weekend was Fleet Week 2025, a multi-day event celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Fleet Week featured ship tours along the Hudson River, military band performances in Times Square, and flyovers by F-18 Hornet fighter jets. These activities offered civilians a unique opportunity to engage directly with service members and learn about naval traditions. The event concluded on the Tuesday following Memorial Day. More on Fleet Week activities can be found through the official NYC government or Navy resources.
Additional Memorial Day Observances
Beyond Washington, D.C., and New York City, other communities also held parades and ceremonies to honor military service members. In Forest Hills, Queens, the annual Memorial Day Parade led by the American Legion Post #1424 took place on Metropolitan Avenue. The event gathered residents to reflect on the sacrifices of veterans while fostering community spirit.
In Vernon, Connecticut, the Memorial Day Parade started at Northeast School and continued to Grove Hill Cemetery, where a ceremony commemorated local veterans. These smaller events across towns and cities reinforce the nationwide commitment to remembrance.
Why Memorial Day Matters
Memorial Day is more than a long weekend or a kickoff to summer; it is a day to remember those who gave their lives for the freedoms enjoyed in the United States. It offers families, communities, and the nation a chance to come together, honor sacrifice, and renew a sense of patriotism.
Whether through parades, concerts, or quiet moments at cemeteries and memorials, the spirit of Memorial Day reminds all Americans of the price of liberty and the courage of those who defend it.
