Today is the day we, as a nation, set aside in order to honor our military and their families for their service and, in many cases, their lives for our country.  Regardless of our views on wars or the need for national defense, there is no question that these men and women and their families make sacrifices far beyond those of the rest of us.

It’s also a National Holiday with friends gathering together to grill burgers or enjoy the parades.  Here are a few local events:

• National Memorial Day Parade (downtown DC)
• Alexandria Memorial Day Jazz Festival (for all you jazz lovers)
• Navy Band Memorial Day Concert (downtown DC)
• Memorial Day Observance at the Vietnam War Memorial
  (see drawing)
• Rockville’s Hometown Holidays (Rockville, MD in Montgomery County)

These are just a few of the events going on around town today.  Enjoy the day.  Remember our vets.