All events are free and open to the public.
The luminaria honors those who died in the service of this country. Local scouts will light 15,300 candles in the cemetery – one for each person buried there. In addition, a bugler will play “Taps” every 30 minutes during the evening as park staff posted throughout the cemetery relate stories about some of the individuals.
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.
The event will begin at 10 am with a short 15-minute ceremony in the cemetery, including a playing of taps and the presentation of the colors of the 23rd USCT living history group. From 10:15 am to 4 pm park staff will be stationed in the cemetery to share stories about the history of Memorial Day in Fredericksburg and facilitate remembrance activities to honor 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 am and 2 pm for walking tours of the Sunken Road.
Please note that pets are not permitted in the cemetery.
For additional information, call (540) 693-3200, or check www.nps.gov/frsp.