Mayor Adrian Fenty proclaimed the month of May as "Military Appreciation Month" in the District of Columbia. The Mayor is encouraging all citizens of the city to join in recognizing the contributions and sacrifices made by District military veterans, District government military veteran employees and their families.

There are many activities scheduled for the month of May in honor of Military Appreciation Month.

Listed below are just a few of the events scheduled:

GI Film Festival
May 12-16, 2010. The festival is held annually just before Memorial Day weekend. See classic and premier films celebrating the heroic stories of the American Armed Forces including a variety of films presented by award-winning Hollywood actors and directors. Participate in panel discussions with soldiers, journalists, authors, and filmmakers.

Navy Memorial
Saturday, May 29, 2010, 11 a.m. Rolling Thunder visits the Navy Memorial and holds a wreath-laying ceremony featuring special guests and live performances.

PBS' National Memorial Day Concert Sunday, May 30, 2010, 8 pm. Gates open at 5 pm.
PBS sponsors a FREE concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The concert features actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, and other guest artists along with the National Symphony Orchestra. See Photos of the performers in the 2010 concert.

National Memorial Day Parade Monday, May 31, 2010, beginning at 2 pm.
The parade of Marching Bands and Veterans units from all 50 states steps off at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Streets, NW and proceeds along Constitution Avenue, past the White House, ending at 17th Street. The National Memorial Day Parade is sponsored by the World War II Veterans Committee and includes patriotic floats and helium-filled balloons. See Photos of the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC.

Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally
Sunday, May 30, 2010. Departure from the Pentagon at 12 noon. Speaker Program and Musical Tribute 1:30 pm at the Reflecting Pool across from The Lincoln Memorial. Thousands of motorcycles ride through Washington in an annual demonstration seeking to improve veteran benefits and resolve POW/MIA issues.

See Photos of Rolling Thunder.

Arlington National Cemetery
Monday, May 31, 2010, 11 am. A wreath-laying ceremony and concert will be held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in honor of Memorial Day.See Photos of Arlington National Cemetery.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Monday, May 31, 2010, 1 pm
This year's annual Memorial Day ceremony includes Presentation of the Colors, remarks by a special guest and wreath-laying service.

World War II Memorial Monday, May 31, 2010, 9 am. The National Park Service and the Friends of the National World War II Memorial will sponsor a wreath-laying ceremony in honor of our veterans. Guest speakers will give remarks. The theme for the commemoration is "Honoring our Fallen Warriors." Many surviving WWII veterans will be in attendance.

Air Force Memorial
Monday, May 31, 2010, 9 am. This wreath laying ceremony is open to the public.