Memorial Day 2012

Arlington, VA

Memorial Day is a solemn day of remembrance for those who have died serving our country. It is also a day to recognize the obscenity of war.

This is a great time to honor our veterans by visiting their monuments in Washington, DC. Here is the 2012 Memorial Day event schedule in the nation's capital:

National Memorial Day Concert

Sunday, May 27, 2012, 8 p.m. - gates open at 5:00 p.m.

PBS sponsors a FREE concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The concert features actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, and other guest artists along with the National Symphony Orchestra.

National Memorial Day Parade

Monday, May 28, 2012, beginning at 2:00 p.m.

The parade of Marching Bands and Veterans units from all 50 states steps off at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Streets, NW and proceeds along Constitution Avenue, past the White House, ending at 17th Street. The National Memorial Day Parade is sponsored by the World War II Veterans Committee and includes patriotic floats and helium-filled balloons. Gates open at 5:00 p.m.

PBS sponsors a FREE concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The concert features actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, and other guest artists along with the National Symphony Orchestra.

American Sacrifices (estimated)

Revolutionary War – 4,435
War of 1812 – 2,260
Mexican War – 13,283
Civil War – 364,511
Spanish-American War – 2,446
WWI – 116,516
WWII – 405,399
Korean War – 36,574
Vietnam War – 58,209
Gulf War – 382
Global War on Terror – 6,438

At least 1,010,453 American military personnel have given their lives in wartime defending our freedoms.

Roll of Honor – Afghanistan, May 2012

Army 2nd Lt. Travis A. Morgado, 25, of San Jose, CA
Army Spc. Arronn D. Fields, 27, of Terre Haute, IN
Army 2nd Lt. Tobias C. Alexander, 30, of Lawton, OK
Army Capt. Jesse A. Ozbat, 28, of, Prince George, VA
Navy Intelligence Specialist 1st Class (SW) Ryan J. Wilson, 26, of Shasta, CA
Army Spc. Samuel T. Watts, 20, of Wheaton, IL
Army Sgt. Michael J. Knapp, 28, of Overland Park, KS
Army Sgt. Jabraun S. Knox, 23, of Fort Wayne, IN
Army Pfc. Richard L. McNulty III, 22, of Rolla, MO
Army Sgt. Brian L. Walker, 25, of Lucerne Valley, CA
Army Spc. Alex Hernandez III, 21, of Round Rock, TX
Army Staff Sgt. Israel P. Nuanes, 38, of Las Cruces, NM
Navy Operations Specialist 2nd Class Jorge Luis Velasquez, 35, of Houston, TX
Army 1st Lt. Alejo R. Thompson, 30, of Yuma, AZ
Marine Sgt. Wade D. Wilson, 22, of Normangee, TX
Army Pfc. Dustin D. Gross, 19, of Jeffersonville, KY
Army Spc. Chase S. Marta, 24, of Chico, CA
Army Sgt. Jacob M. Schwallie, 22, of Clarksville, TN
Army Staff Sgt. Thomas K. Fogarty, 30, of Alameda, CA
Marine Sgt. John P. Huling, 25, of West Chester, OH
Army Master Sgt. Gregory L. Childs, 38, Warren, AR
Army Staff Sgt. Zachary H. Hargrove, 32, of Wichita, KS
Army Spc. Junot M. L. Cochilus, 34, of Charlotte, NC
Army 2nd Lt. David E.Rylander, 23, of Stow, OH
Army Capt. Bruce K. Clark, 43, of Spencerport, NY