Memorial Day 2025

Dear Friends,

Memorial Day holds deep meaning for the National Cemetery Administration and for all who support our sacred mission. This weekend, I invite you to join me in pausing to remember the brave individuals who gave their lives in service to our nation, along with all who served to protect the freedoms we cherish. We owe them a lasting tribute—and a commitment to preserve their legacies.

You are encouraged to visit any VA national cemetery to pay your respects. All are welcome to attend our public Memorial Day ceremonies this weekend at more than 130 national cemeteries across the country. These events will include wreath-layings, commemorative speeches, the playing of Taps, and other solemn tributes.

A complete list of Memorial Day events at national cemeteries can found at: VA Memorial Day Ceremonies.

You can also honor Veterans year-round through the Veterans Legacy Memorial, now expanded to include over 10 million individual tribute pages. This month, we added approximately 210,000 Veterans interred in overseas cemeteries managed by the American Battle Monuments Commission. Many of these heroes were instrumental in liberating the very countries where they now rest—particularly during World War II. As we mark the 80th anniversary of that historic victory, it is especially meaningful to pay tribute to those who never returned home.

Thank you for all you do to support our Veterans and their families. Your dedication helps ensure the memory of those who served this nation will endure for generations to come.

Sincerely, 
Ron Walters

Honoring our fallen heroes