MAY 21, 2026 – This Memorial Day Weekend, the National Museum of the United States Army will host special activities and moments of reflection to remember and honor the men and women who died while in the military service of our country. Through meaningful experiences designed to educate, engage, and honor, the Museum will pay tribute to America’s Fallen from Friday, May 23 to Monday, May 26.
All Museum events are included with free admission. More details can be found on the Museum’s website at theNMUSA.org.
Weekend Observances (Friday, May 22 – Monday, May 25):
- Outdoor Flag Display – All weekend
- The outdoor flag display will be set along the Path of Remembrance and Unit Tribute Wall for visitors to see and reflect on Soldiers’ sacrifice and service.
- Poppy Paper Flower Craft – 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. each day
- In the Experiential Learning Center, guests can create red paper poppies – a nationally recognized symbol of sacrifice – to contribute to a special Memorial Day display.
- Tiny Troops Story Time – 10:00 a.m. on Friday; 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Saturday – Monday
- Tailored for children ages 3–6, this program includes a read-aloud story followed by an engaging activity held inside the Experiential Learning Center.
- Hands-On History– 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Join a Museum educator to learn about a Soldier’s life on and off the battlefield by exploring the food, clothing and equipment that made up a Soldier’s load.
Only on Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day)
- Memorial Day Remembrance and Moment of Silence – 11:00 a.m.
- Visitors will join in the Museum Lobby for the playing of Taps and a moment of silence to remember Soldiers’ lives, courage, legacy, and service.
- National Moment of Silence – 3:00 p.m.
- All visitors and staff throughout the Museum are invited to pause for one minute to honor and respect those who died for our freedom.
Memorial Day Weekend visitors are invited to explore the ongoing special exhibit,“CALL TO Arms: The Soldier and the Revolutionary War.”The exhibit features compelling Soldier figures, displays, and a rare collection of Revolutionary War artifacts, including the recent addition of a gold pocket watch given by General George Washington to the Marquis de Lafayette.
Also included in the Museum’s free admission is the new exhibition, “American Revolution: The Augmented Exhibition,” produced by French technology company, Histovery, and presented by The Army Historical Foundation. The family-friendly experience uses augmented reality and portable tablets to drop visitors into 360-degree realistic recreations of key historical moments that helped forge American democracy 250 years ago.
The Museum is open every day of the year except December 25. Free, timed-entry tickets are available by request through the Museum’s website at theNMUSA.org.
About the National Museum of the United States Army
The National Museum of the United States Army provides the only comprehensive portrayal of Army history and traditions through the eyes of the American Soldier. By preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting invaluable artifacts, the National Army Museum creates learning opportunities for all visitors and bonds the American people to their oldest military service. We are America’s Army Museum. The U.S. Army owns and operates the Museum. The Army Historical Foundation continues its fundraising role in support of the Museum and manages all retail, catering, and special events. For more information on the National Museum of the United States Army, visit www.theNMUSA.org.
About The Army Historical Foundation
The Army Historical Foundation establishes, assists, and promotes programs and projects that preserve the history of the American Soldier and promote public understanding of and appreciation for the contributions by all components of the U.S. Army and its members. The Foundation serves as the Army’s official fundraising entity for the Capital Campaign for the National Museum of the United States Army. The award-winning, LEED-certified Museum opened on November 11, 2020, at Fort Belvoir, Va., and honors the service and sacrifice of all American Soldiers who have served since the Army’s inception in 1775. For more information on the Foundation and the National Museum of the United States Army, visit www.armyhistory.org