15,300 Candles: One for Each Soldier

Members of the Mattaponi and Aquia District Boy Scouts of America and the Commonwealth Council Girl Scouts of the USA will light 15,300 candles in the Fredericksburg National Cemetery on Saturday to honor each soldier buried there.  In addition, a bugler will play "Taps" every 30 minutes throughout the evening.

It is the National Park Service's 18th annual Memorial Day Weekend Luminary at Fredericksburg National Cemetery.  "The luminary pays tribute to American soldiers who have given their lives for this country," the National Park Service (NPS) said in a press release.

To recognize the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Chancellorsville, historians will also be posted throughout the cemetery to tell the stories of soldiers who died in that battle.

The Memorial Day weekend program runs 8 - 11 p.m.  In the event of rain, the event will be held Sunday, May 26.  This program is free.

Fredericksburg National Cemetery is located at the junction of Sunken Road and Lafayette Boulevard.  "Those wishing to attend the luminary should park at the University of Mary Washington lot at the corner of William Street and Sunken Road," the NPS said.  "The Fredericksburg Trolley will provide shuttle service between the parking area and the national cemetery."  

Please note that pets are not permitted in the cemetery.  For additional information, call 540-373-6122. 

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