2023 Fredericksburg National Cemetery Luminaria
Photo Credit: Terry Rensel
The Fredericksburg National Cemetery Luminaria is an annual event featuring over 15,000 lanterns in the cemetery – one for each soldier buried in the cemetery grounds. This event takes place on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend. The luminaria honors soldiers who have died in the service of this country.
This year, the event will take place on Saturday May 27th, from 8:00-11:00 p.m.
The cemetery is located at the intersection of Sunken Road and Lafayette Boulevard. Attendees may park at the University of Mary Washington lot at the corner of William Street and Sunken Road. The Fredericksburg Trolley will provide free shuttle service between the parking area and the national cemetery. Accessible parking for vehicles with state-issued accessible hangtags or license plates will be available in the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center lot at 1013 Lafayette Boulevard.
During the luminaria, 15,300 candles brighten the Fredericksburg National Cemetery. Each candle represents a soldier buried in the cemetery and honors those who died in the service of this country. Throughout the evening a bugler will play “Taps” every 30 minutes as park staff posted throughout the cemetery relate stories about some of the soldiers.
The Fredericksburg National Cemetery was established in 1866 and remained open for military burials until 1945. It holds the remains of 15,243 soldiers, sailors and Marines, most of whom died during the Civil War. At least 85% of the graves are unidentified, resulting in over 12,770 unknowns. The annual luminaria has served as a poignant tribute to the fallen since 1996. Learn more about the Fredericksburg National Cemetery.
This event would not be possible without the assistance of local Scouts, who volunteer to set up and light the luminarias.
In the event of rain, the luminaria will be moved to Sunday, May 28.
Please note that pets are not permitted in the cemetery.
Ladies Memorial Association Memorial Day Observance
The Ladies Memorial Association will hold its 157th Memorial Day Observance at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 29th at the Fredericksburg Confederate Cemetery on Washington Street. Erik Nelson will be their speaker.
Fredericksburg National Cemetery Memorial Day Observance
The National Park Service will host its annual Memorial Day Commemoration at the Fredericksburg National Cemetery. on Monday, May 29th starting at 12 noon in the cemetery and is free to the public.
The commemoration will include a keynote speech and will conclude with a bugler performance of “Taps.”
The keynote speaker this year is Lewis Rogers, Superintendent of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. Rogers is a 39-year veteran of the National Park Service.
In the case of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled.