2012 Memorial Day Concert on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol

Concert & Rehearsal Info

On Sunday, May 27, 2012, at 8:00 p.m., the National Memorial Day Concert will be broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. This concert is an annual event honoring American veterans and current members of the U.S. Armed Services. Gates will open to the public at 5:00 pm.

There will be a full concert dress rehearsal for this event on Saturday, May 26, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. Gates will open to the public at 5:00 pm.

Public Access, Mobility Impaired Info & Traveling Tips

All public entry points will be wheelchair accessible. Mobility impaired guests and their party will be accommodated at any public entrance site, and can park along the south curb of Constitution Avenue between First Street & Third Street, NW. You may enter the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol from:

• North Side
  • First Street, NW and Constitution Avenue, NW
  • Third Street, NW and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
• South Side
  • First Street, SW and Independence Avenue, SW
  • Third Street, SW and Maryland Avenue, SW

Parking in the immediate area of the U.S. Capitol is extremely limited. Please visit www.wmata.com to help plan your trip using public transportation.

Prohibited Items & Security Measures

Additional security measures will be in place to ensure the safety and security of those in attendance. Anyone attending events on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol must adhere to security screening procedures before entering the event site. This will include an administrative search of all bags, coolers, backpacks, and closed containers.

For this event, food items are permitted. You are encouraged to bring your own supply of water. However, alcoholic beverages of any kind and glass bottles are prohibited. In addition to any other items at the discretion of security screeners, the following items are prohibited:

• ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
• ANIMALS (OTHER THAN SERVICE ANIMALS)
• BICYCLES
• FIREARMS & AMMUNITIONS (EITHER REAL OR SIMULATED)
• EXPLOSIVES OF ANY KIND (INCLUDING FIREWORKS)
• KNIVES, BLADES OR SHARP OBJECTS (OF ANY LENGTH)
• LASER POINTERS, SIGNS, POSTERS
• MACE, PEPPER SPRAY, STICKS & POLES
• ELECTRIC STUN GUNS
• MARTIAL ARTS WEAPONS OR DEVICES
• OVERSIZED UMBRELLAS (RADIUS > 36" WHEN OPEN)
• POCKET OR HAND TOOLS SUCH AS "LEATHERMAN"
• SEALED PACKAGES, LARGE BOXES, DUFFLE BAGS, SUITCASES

Tour Bus Rerouting

Area tour buses will be rerouted from First Street between Constitution Avenue, NW and Independence Avenue, SW to Third Street, between Constitution Avenue, NW and Independence Avenue, SW for passenger drop off and pick up on Friday, May 25 and Saturday, May 26.

Street Closures

Temporary street closures will begin on Friday, May 25 at 1:00 am through Tuesday, May 29 at 4:00 am:

• First Street between Independence Avenue, SW and Constitution Avenue, NW
• Pennsylvania Avenue, NW between First Street, NW and Third Street, NW
• Maryland Avenue between First Street, SW and Third Street, SW

First Street between Garfield Circle and Peace Circle will remain closed through Tuesday, May 29 at 4:00 am.

Media Access

** CLOSED SET FRIDAY, MAY 25 & SUNDAY, MAY 27: NO MEDIA ACCESS **

This event will be a closed set for all media on both Friday, May 25 and Sunday, May 27. These restrictions apply to all accredited members of the media wishing to gain access to the event, as well as requests to park satellite trucks on Capitol Grounds.

Credentialed media will be permitted to cover this event during the full dress rehearsal on Saturday, May 26. For additional information on the Memorial Day Concert, please visit www.pbs.org/memorialdayconcert or www.pbs.org/pressroom.

If there are any questions about these events or our security procedures, you may contact the United States Capitol Police Public Information Office at 202-224-1677.

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