WWII Memorial 20th Anniversary Commemoration / Memorial Day at the WWII Memorial

On Saturday, May 25, beginning at 10:00 a.m. ET, the Friends of the National World War II Memorial (Friends) and the National Park Service (NPS) commemorated the 20th anniversary of the dedication of the National World War II Memorial and Memorial Day with a special ceremony hosted at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Distinguished participants included:
- Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Christopher W. Grady
- Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur
- United States Mint Chief Counsel John Schorn
- Jeff Reinbold, superintendent, National Mall and Memorial Parks
- Jane Droppa, chair, Friends of the National World War II Memorial
- Military District of Washington’s Armed Forces Color Guard
- United States Army Brass Quintet
Friends and the NPS commemorated two decades since the dedication of the World War II Memorial. They paid tribute to the more than 400,000 Americans who lost their lives during WWII in a special Memorial Day weekend Observance at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur was also presented with the 4th Annual Brigadier General Charles E. McGee UNITY Award.
Veterans and other dignitaries placed wreaths at the Freedom Wall to remember their fallen brothers and sisters. The Military District of Washington provided military support, including an Armed Forces Color Guard, a United States Army Band Brass Quintet, and a United States Army Band Bugler played “Taps” to conclude the ceremony.