SVA Honors Memorial Day: Join National Ceremonies to Commemorate Our Fallen Heroes
WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 20, 2025) – This Memorial Day weekend, Student Veterans of America encourages our community to participate in ceremonies held at more than 130 VA national cemeteries across the country. These events are a meaningful opportunity to honor the service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.
Hosted by the Department of Veterans Affairs, these public events are expected to draw over 100,000 attendees and will include wreath-laying ceremonies, commemorative speeches, the playing of Taps, and other solemn tributes. All 156 VA national cemeteries and 35 soldiers’ lots will remain open throughout Memorial Day weekend, May 23–26.
To find a ceremony near you and view visiting hours, click here to see the full list of VA-hosted Memorial Day events. If you’re interested in volunteering at a national cemetery, opportunities are available through the VA.
Every day throughout the year, VA plays a vital role in remembering and honoring the brave servicemembers who gave their lives in defense of the freedoms America holds dear, said VA Secretary Doug Collins. This Memorial Day weekend, we invite Americans to visit VA cemeteries and join us in reflecting upon the important legacies of these fallen heroes.
SVA also encourages members and supporters to visit the Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM) — a digital platform that honors over 10 million Veterans with personalized tribute pages. You can contribute stories, photos, and remembrances to celebrate the lives and legacies of those who served.
Log Your Volunteer Hours – Get Recognized
If you volunteer at a Memorial Day event or cemetery this weekend, don’t forget to record your service hours! SVA members are eligible to apply for the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) — a prestigious national honor recognizing individuals who dedicate time to service.
Learn how to log your hours and apply through SVA by visiting our Volunteer Service page.
This Memorial Day, we stand united in remembrance. Whether you attend a ceremony, contribute online, or volunteer your time, join SVA in honoring our fallen heroes and preserving their memory through action.
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About Student Veterans of America
With a focused mission on empowering student veterans, Student Veterans of America® (SVA) is committed to providing an educational experience that goes beyond the classroom. Through a dedicated network of over 1,600 on-campus chapters in all 50 states and 4 countries representing more than 750,000 student veterans, SVA aims to inspire yesterday’s warriors by connecting student veterans with a community of like-minded chapter leaders. Every day these passionate leaders work to provide the necessary resources, network support, and advocacy to ensure student veterans can effectively connect, expand their skills, and ultimately achieve their greatest potential. For more information, visit us at www.studentveterans.org.