Memorial Day Ceremony, Jazz Festival Planned In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA—You can top off the long holiday weekend with two free events on Memorial Day in Alexandria. The city's annual Memorial Day Ceremony and Memorial Day Jazz Festival will be held on Monday, May 27.

The Memorial Day Ceremony honors the 68 Alexandria residents who died serving in the Vietnam War. One of these was Capt. Humbert Roque "Rocky" Versace, who the Vietnam took as a Prisoner of War and executed, reportedly while he sang "God Bless America." He was posthumously given the Medal of Honor in 2002, the first time an Army POW received the nation's highest honor for actions in captivity. A memorial in Alexandria honoring him and the other fallen soldiers was dedicated two days before the Medal of Honor ceremony.

The Memorial Day ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. at the Captain Rocky Versace Plaza and Vietnam Veterans Memorial in front of the Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Avenue. The ceremony will include the National Anthem, the recitation of the names of the 68 Alexandria fallen heroes, a historical background of the Memorial by former Councilman David Speck, the reading of a tribute to Captain Versace, a wreath-laying by his USMA 1959 classmates, the sounding of "Taps" and a rendition of "God Bless America."

Afterward, head over to Waterfront Park, 1A Prince Street, for the Memorial Day Jazz Festival. It will be held from 1 p.m.-6 p.m.

SEE ALSO: Memorial Day 2019: What's Open, Closed In Alexandria

Waterfront Park has lawn seating, and attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets. Food will be available for purchase, but grilling and alcoholic beverages are prohibited, and pets should be left at home not allowed. Pets are not allowed.

The performance lineup is as follows:

• 1 p.m. – U.S. Army Blues (Big Band)
• 2:30 p.m. – VERONNEAU (Global)
• 3:30 p.m. – Dave Kline Band (Contemporary)
• 4:30 p.m. – Good Shot Judy (Big Band Swing)

In the case of inclement weather, the event will be held at the Lee Center Kauffman Auditorium, 1108 Jefferson Street.