Join us for the 28th annual luminaria at the Fredericksburg National Cemetery on Saturday, May 27, 2023. Visit the cemetery between 8 pm to 11 pm to experience the luminaria. This event is free to the public. In the event of rain, the event will be moved to Sunday, May 28th.

During the luminaria, 15,300 candles brighten the Fredericksburg National Cemetery. Each candle represents a soldier buried in the cemetery and honors those who died in the service of this country. Throughout the evening a bugler will play “Taps” every 30 minutes as park staff posted throughout the cemetery relate stories about some of the soldiers.

The Fredericksburg National Cemetery was established in 1866 and remained open for military burials until 1945. It holds the remains of 15,243 soldiers, sailors and Marines, most of whom died during the Civil War. At least 85% of the graves are unidentified, resulting in over 12,770 unknowns. The annual luminaria has served as a poignant tribute to the fallen since 1996. Learn more about the Fredericksburg National Cemetery.

This event would not be possible without the assistance of local Scouts, who volunteer to set up and light the luminarias.