Fredericksburg National Cemetery - Memorial Day Luminaries

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 2009 takes place on May 23rd from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m. and special tours of the cemetery are offered throughout the evening. Parking will be available at the University of Mary Washington parking lot on the corner of William Street and Sunken Road with free shuttle service to the cemetery. Handicap parking will be available in the lot behind the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center. In case of inclement weather, the Luminaria tribute will be rescheduled for May 25th.

Other Memorial Day weekend events include a 30-minute commemorative program at Fredericksburg National Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Memorial Day and a free one-mile guided walking tour (May 23rd, beginning at 10 a.m. at the city dock), which highlights Mr. Lincoln's Fredericksburg. Visit the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park Web Site - Special Events for additional information.

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