Fireworks at the end of the Riverside Philharmonic performance close out the Concert for Heroes on Wednesday night, July 3, 2024, at Riverside National Cemetery. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Musical notes and fireworks saluted veterans and the nation’s birthday on Wednesday night, July 3.
It was another Concert for Heroes, held under the stars at Riverside National Cemetery.
The Riverside Philharmonic played patriotic tunes as guests filled the amphitheater and the surrounding grass on lawn chairs and blankets. The free event culminated with the blasts of pyrotechnics on the night before Independence Day.
The Riverside Philharmonic performs Wednesday, July 3, 2024, with music director Tomasz Golka during the Concert for Heroes at the Riverside National Cemetery. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Anelle Snowball, Mark R. Root Sr. and Ileana Pardillo enjoy the Riverside Philharmonic performance on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at Riverside National Cemetery. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Guests sit by the pond on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, during the Concert for Heroes at Riverside National Cemetery. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Van and Lynne Watt listen to the National Anthem on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at Riverside National Cemetery. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Garik Terzian, a member of the Riverside Philharmonic, warms up with his cello on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, in preparation for the Concert for Heroes at Riverside National Cemetery. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Charles Wilson and 6-month-old Ezriel watch the Riverside Philharmonic performance on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at Riverside National Cemetery. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
The Riverside Philharmonic performs directed by Assistant Conductor Pola Benke at Riverside National Cemetery on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Jeanne Packwood paints on a stone on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, during the Concert for Heroes celebration at Riverside National Cemetery. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
An airplane flies overhead during the Riverside Philharmonic performance on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, during Concert for Heroes at Riverside National Cemetery. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Jenny and Theodore Chatterton, 6, applaud the Riverside Philharmonic on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, during the Concert for Heroes at Riverside National Cemetery. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Fireworks at the end of the Riverside Philharmonic performance close out the Concert for Heroes on Wednesday night, July 3, 2024, at Riverside National Cemetery. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Assistant conductor Pola Benke directs the Riverside Philharmonic during the Concert for Heroes on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at Riverside National Cemetery. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Lulu Hale, 8, plays with bubbles on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, during the Concert for Heroes at Riverside National Cemetery. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Guests wait for the beginning of the Concert for Heroes on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at Riverside National Cemetery. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Fireworks at the end of the Riverside Philharmonic performance close out the Concert for Heroes on Wednesday night, July 3, 2024, at Riverside National Cemetery. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Music director Tomasz Golka addresses the audience during the Concert for Heroes on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at Riverside National Cemetery. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
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The Riverside Philharmonic performs Wednesday, July 3, 2024, with music director Tomasz Golka during the Concert for Heroes at the Riverside National Cemetery. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Modeled after the Boston Pops celebration for the Fourth of July, the Concert for Heroes, A Tribute to Veterans, has taken place at the cemetery since 2001.
It’s the only symphonic concert performed at any of the 155 Veterans Administration national cemeteries across the U.S.
