THE NEWS DESK
The News Desk is a collection of news, notes and breaking items affecting the Fredericksburg community.
Memorial Day observances planned for Sunday and Monday
MEMORIAL DAY is Monday, and a host of commemorative events are planned in the Fredericksburg area. Here is a sample of the holiday celebrations to honor our fallen soldiers:
TODAY
Concert: “Remembering Our Fallen,” National Museum of the Marine Corps, Triangle, 10:30 a.m.; and Hurkamp Park, 4 p.m. Band of America’s Few, composed entirely of former and retired Marine musicians. Free. bandofamericasfew.com.
Thunder for the Cause, Fredericksburg Fairgrounds, 2400 Airport Ave. Motorcycle rodeos, bikini contest, car and bike show, motorcade to Washington (Sunday). Runs through May 27. Benefits Childhelp, Some Gave All and the American Legion Riders. thunderforthecause .com.
The Civil War at Washington’s Boyhood Home, George Washington’s Boyhood Home at Ferry Farm. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cannons at Kenmore—A Snapshot of Kenmore before the Battle of Fredericksburg, Historic Kenmore. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
MONDAY
Ceremony, Fredericksburg Confederate Cemetery. Fredericksburg resident William Freehling, historian and author of “The Road to Disunion” and other works, will deliver keynote speech. Hosted by Ladies Memorial Association. 10 a.m. Free. Bring chairs or blankets. 540/373-5177.
Memorial Day Ceremony, Memorial to Our Fallen Heroes, intersection of George, Barton and Liberty streets. Music, speakers, display of historic flags. 10:45 a.m. to noon. Free. 540/424-8485.
Procession, The National Park Service, in conjunction with the congregation of Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site) and the Fredericksburg community, will host a procession from Riverside Park to Fredericksburg National Cemetery. Re–enactors representing the 23rd United States Colored Troops will lead the march. 10:30 a.m. Free. 540/372-3031.
Memorial Day Program, Fredericksburg National Cemetery, Lafayette Boulevard and Sunken Road. Keynote address by the Rev. Lawrence Davies, invocation and benediction by the Rev. Thomas Hughes, wreath-laying at the foot of the Humphreys Monument. Noon. Free. Rain place: Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center.
Memorial Day Service, Shiloh Cemetery, Littlepage Street and Monument Avenue. Elder George Thigpen of Mount Zion Baptist Church will be speaker, music by the Gospel Chorus of Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site). Rain location: Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site). 11 a.m.
Fredericksburg Masonic Cemetery to Gen. Hugh Mercer Statue, A procession of Freemasons will march from their lodge on Princess Anne Street to the cemetery at Charles and George streets. From there, they will march to Gen. Hugh Mercer’s statue. In case of rain, event will take place at Masonic Lodge. 10 a.m. to noon. masoniclodge4.org.
Observance and Film Screening, Riverbend High School, 12301 Spotswood Furnace Road, Spotsylvania. Observance and ceremony that will honor those who have given their all in service to their country; showing of “Taking Chance,” a movie which chronicles the events in 2004 when Marine Lt. Col. Michael Strobl volunteered to escort the remains of fellow Marine Lance Cpl. Chance Phelps home to his final resting place. Noon. Free.
Rappahannock POPS Orchestra, Mary Washington Hospital, Ambulatory Care entrance, 1001 Sam Perry Blvd. 6 p.m. Free. Rain Location: Grace Church of Fredericksburg, 1141 Heatherstone Drive, Spotsylvania. Rappahannock pops.org.
United Daughters of the Confederacy, Memorial Day ceremony, 2 p.m., Spotsylvania Confederate Cemetery.
