Military

3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) at the Army Twilight Parade at Fort Myer, Virginia

Army Twilight Tattoo

The US Army’s Twilight Tattoo is one of the more exuberant military performances in the DC area. It plays on Wednesday and Thursday evenings in the summer. Here’s the 2019 schedule.

Marine Corps Sunset Parade

The Marine Corps Sunset Parades at the Iwo Jima Memorial are one of Washington DC’s summer treats. Here’s information and schedule on the 2023 season.

Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington VA Silhouette

Iwo Jima Memorial

At the heart of the Iwo Jima Memorial (or the Marine Corps War Memorial) is a massive bronze statue based on an iconic World War II photo of the Marines planting the flag at Iwo Jima. The Memorial is next to Arlington National Cemetery on a hill overlooking the National Mall.

Flowers at the Pentagon Memorial

Pentagon

With the notable exception of the Pentagon Memorial on its southwest corner, the entire Pentagon reservation is strictly a no-photography zone.

Korean War Veterans Memorial Reflection, Washington DC

Korean War Veterans Memorial

The Korean War Veterans Memorial, unveiled in 1992, consists of several elements designed by different people and groups. It has a triangular footprint with the main elements being “The Column” consisting of 19 stainless steel solders, each over 7 feet tall.

Vietnam Memorial, Washington DC, at Sunrise

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the National Mall near the Lincoln Memorial memorializes Americans who served and died in the Vietnam War. The reflective wall, in particular, offers some interesting photo opportunities.

Pentagon Memorial with flowers

Pentagon Memorial

The Pentagon Memorial commemorates the 184 victims of the September 11, 2001, attack on the Pentagon.

US Air Force Memorial in Arlington VA F-16 Etched in Glass

United States Air Force Memorial

The United States Air Force Memorial, in a small, raised space between Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon, was opened in October 2006.

World War Two Memorial fountains at night

National World War II Memorial

The National World War II Memorial sits at the opposite end of the Reflecting Pool from the Lincoln Memorial and not far from the Washington Monument.

Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally USA Flag

Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally

Every Memorial Day weekend, thousands of motorbike-riding military veterans descend on Washington DC for the annual Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally.

Arlington National Cemetery Tomb of the Unknowns Guard

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery is probably the most famous cemetery in the United States. Directly across the Potomac from the Lincoln Memorial, and connected by Memorial Bridge, it occupies a 624-acre site next to the Pentagon.