Tens of thousands of people will attend Memorial Day observances at more than 100 VA national cemeteries between May 23 & 30, 2009. These commemorative events held over Memorial Day weekend or on the traditional Memorial Day (May 30) will honor the nearly one million American men and women who have died wearing the uniforms of the U.S. Armed Forces. Special activities include color guards, bands, choirs, moving oratory, historic displays, the display of the “Avenue of Flags” or the placement of individual gravesite flags. Most events are sponsored by community, patriotic and civic groups in cooperation with national cemetery staff. Go to Memorial Day for a listing of these ceremonies.