STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County residents gathered at the Armed Services Memorial on Friday, May 23, 2025, for the county’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony, a time to honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to the nation.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Deuntay Diggs opened the ceremony by thanking those in attendance and inviting veterans and their families to stand. “We welcome you and thank you for coming today to help us honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” said Diggs. “We do this because it is our solemn sacred duty, but more than that, we do it to ensure their sacrifice was not in vain”.

Pastor Chris Brown delivered the invocation, praying:
“Heavenly Father, as our nation pauses today to remember the men and women of our military who have sacrificed their lives so that we could experience the freedom we enjoy as citizens of the greatest nation in the world, we dedicate this service to them… Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction if it’s not fought for, if it’s not protected, if it’s not passed down to future generations”.

The U.S. Army’s Third Infantry Regiment, known as The Old Guard, presented the colors during the ceremony.

Retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Lester Evans, president of Rolling Thunder, Inc., VA Chapter 3, gave the keynote address. “You’ve heard it already, and you’re going to hear it again and again, that we don’t forget,” Evans said.

“I think it’s important for you all to hear real quickly our mission statement… The major function of Rolling Thunder Incorporated is to publicize the POW-MIA issue, to educate the public that many American prisoners of war were left behind after all previous wars, and to help correct the past and to protect future veterans from being left behind should they become prisoners of war or missing in action”.

He also paid tribute to Rolling Thunder’s founding executive director, Arnie Miller, who passed away in April, and shared emotional testimonies from other members about why they joined the organization. “I joined Rolling Thunder to honor the silent battles many veterans face long after combat ends, especially those struggling with PTSD, having lost more friends to these invisible wounds than to the war itself,” one member wrote.

Evans concluded: “We must be louder. We must be bolder in remembrance.”

In closing, Diggs reflected, “Though our ceremony ends, remember our duty does not. Let us leave here not only with solemn hearts, but with a renewed commitment to uphold the values these brave men and women died defending—liberty, unity, and service to others”.

MANASSAS PARK, Va. – Residents, local officials, and veterans came together at 1 p.m. Friday, May 23, 2025, for the city’s third annual Memorial Day Flag Ceremony, held in front of City Hall. The solemn event honored the brave men and women who died in service to the country.

The ceremony opened with a presentation of colors by the Manassas Park Honor Guard and included remarks from city leaders and veterans’ advocates. Mayor Alanna Mensing highlighted the city’s historical ties to military service, noting that Manassas Park was originally founded as a community for returning veterans. “I feel both humbled and proud to stand with you… to lower our flag in honor of those who never made it home,” she said.

Councilmember Stacy Seiberling called Memorial Day “a day of remembrance, not celebration,” urging the community to live in a way that reflects the values of those who served. “May we never take our freedom for granted, and may we always honor the memory of our fallen heroes,” she said.

Speakers included representatives from several veterans’ organizations, such as the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Northern Virginia Veterans Association.

Rick Raskin, a past state commander of the VFW, delivered a powerful reminder of the holiday’s meaning: “We gather not for barbecues or sales… but to pay tribute to those who gave their last full measure of devotion,” he said.

The event concluded with the lowering of the American flag and the playing of “Taps” and “Amazing Grace.” Light refreshments were provided by local businesses Yoder’s Donuts and Little Bowl, giving attendees a chance to reflect and share stories of fallen heroes.

STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County will honor America’s fallen heroes with a special Memorial Day Ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 10 a.m. The event will be held at the Armed Services Memorial on the campus of the George L. Gordon, Jr., Government Center, located at 1300 Courthouse Road in Stafford.

This year’s program will feature a special appearance by The Old Guard, the U.S. Army’s Third Infantry Regiment. Known as the Army’s official ceremonial unit and the escort to the president, The Old Guard performs military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, guards the Tomb of the Unknowns around the clock, and represents the Army at ceremonies in the nation’s capital and beyond.

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MANASSAS, Va. – The Manassas National Battlefield Park will unveil a new permanent exhibit, “Faces of the Fallen,” and host Memorial Day observances from May 24 to May 26, 2025, at Henry Hill, 6511 Sudley Road, Manassas.

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Memorial Day Events

Prince William County: On Friday, May 24, members of the community are invited to join the Board of County Supervisors and others in a commemoration to honor and remember those who served in our nation’s armed services. The ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. at the Sean T. Connaughton Community Plaza, located at the Prince William County Government Center, 1 County Complex Court, Woodbridge.

The ceremony will include the Presentation of Colors, brief remarks by Board of County Supervisors Chair At-Large Deshundra Jefferson, Prince William County Veterans Commission Chair Dr. Vanessa Gattis, County Executive Chris Shorter, as well as the presentation of a wreath by members of the Veterans Commission and a performance by the Marsteller Middle School 8th Grade Bass Select Choir. The ceremony will conclude with the playing of taps.

All are welcome to attend.

Potomac Region Veterans Council: As it has done for the last five decades, the Potomac Region Veterans Council (PRVC) will host the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 27, 2024. The event will feature remarks by Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares and will be hosted by the PRVC in partnership with Marine Corps Base Quantico and the National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico.

Originating in the years following the Civil War and becoming an official federal holiday in 1971, Memorial Day honors the memory of those Americans who have given their last full measure of devotion in uniform in the service of their country. As in years past, military and veteran officials will join with members of the general public in this annual observance.

The ceremony will begin promptly at 11 a.m. and conclude by noon. The Potomac Region Veterans Council extends a warm invitation for all to attend.

Transportation Notes

OmniRide: In observance of Memorial Day OmniRide will operate the following service on Monday, May 27:

• Express, Metro Express, and Local North-B (65B) – NO SERVICE
• Prince William Metro Express, and East-West Express – WILL RUN ON SATURDAY/WEEKEND SERVICE SCHEDULE
• Local – WILL RUN ON SATURDAY/WEEKEND SERVICE SCHEDULE

Regular service will resume Tuesday, May 28.

Transurban: I-95 Express Lanes  Summer reversal schedule will begin on Thursday, May 23, 2024. Daytime reversal will begin at 10 a.m.; overnight reversal will begin at midnight.

• For the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 27, 2024, the 95 Express Lanes will operate on a weekend schedule, with no reversal and the facility remaining open northbound.
• Regular summer reversal schedule (outlined above) will resume on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.

Government Closings

Stafford County: Stafford offices, departments, facilities, and all courts will be closed for the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 27, 2024. Both locations of the R-Board/Regional Landfill (Eskimo Hill and Belman Road) will be closed.

The following offices and facilities will remain open:

• Fire and Rescue Information (540) 658-7200
• Emergency 911
• Sheriff’s Office Information (540) 658-4400
• Emergency 911
• Magistrate (540) 659-2968
• All outdoor parks are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m