Washington, D.C.: For patriotism, pomp, and circumstance

WHY GO THIS WEEKEND: As you might guess, D.C. is the most patriotic place to celebrate the holiday, with a parade and plenty of pomp and circumstance taking place during special military ceremonies.

On Sunday, the National Memorial Day Concert is held on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Then on Memorial Day, several historic sites and monuments will be paying tribute to soldiers. At Arlington National Cemetery, soldiers put flags before each gravestone, a wreath-laying ceremony happens at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and the U.S. Marine Band performs a military concert. Men in uniform also march in the National Memorial Day Parade along the National Mall.