More than 15,000 soldiers are buried in Fredericksburg National Cemetery, which is part of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, the second largest military park in the world. Although over 80 percent of the soldiers buried here are unknown, their sacrifices are honored each Memorial Day Weekend with a special Luminaria program. Volunteers, mostly local scouts, light candles and place softly glowing luminaries at each of the graves in a moving and lovely expression of remembrance. Throughout the special tribute, taps is played every 30 minutes.

The Luminaria tribute for 2008 takes place on May 24th from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m. and special tours of the cemetery are offered throughout the evening. In case of inclement weather, the Luminaria tribute will be rescheduled for May 25th. Other Memorial Day weekend events include Ellwood Memorial weekend activities and a 30-minute commemorative program at Fredericksburg National Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Memorial Day. Visit the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park Web Site - Special Events for additional information.

Related Articles - Memorial Day Weekend Events in South Carolina and Virginia - Memorial Day Weekend Events in Georgia and North Carolina - The Memorial Day National Moment of Remembrance - Flags-In at Arlington National Cemetery

^{Photo: Luminaries cast a glow over the 15,000 graves in Fredericksburg’s National Cemetery - Image © Fredericksburg Area Tourism}