Skip to main content
United States Capitol Police logo

Enhanced Security Measures for Memorial Day Concert: West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol

May 26, 2011
United States Capitol PoliceChief Phillip D. Morse, Sr.
Public Information Office 
119 D Street, NE 
Washington, D.C. 20510May 26, 2011
(202) 224-1677 
  

Concert & Rehearsal Info

On Sunday, May 29, 2011, 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 28, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. Gates will open to the public at 5:00 pm.

Both the rehearsal and the concert are free and no tickets are required.

Public Access & Traveling Tips

All public entry points will be wheelchair accessible. 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. A limited number of handicap parking spaces will be available on a first come first served basis along the south curb side of Constitution Avenue between First Street, NW and Third Street, NW.

Metrorail improvements are planned for Memorial Day weekend that will affect Capitol South Metro, one of the closest stops to the U.S. Capitol. Please visit www.wmata.com to 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. You are encouraged to bring your own supply of water. For this event only, food items are permitted.

The following items are prohibited for this event:

Alcoholic beverages of any kind; glass bottles; animals (other than service animals); bicycles; firearms and ammunition (real, replica or simulated); explosives of any kind (including fireworks); stun guns; martial arts weapons or devices; razors and box cutters; pocket or hand tools such as "Leatherman" knives, blades or sharp objects of any length; mace, pepper spray; sticks and poles; oversized umbrellas (no greater than 36" radius when fully opened); sealed packages, large boxes, duffle bags, suitcases.

Any other items may be determined to be prohibited at the discretion of the U.S. Capitol Police.

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 27 and Saturday, May 28.

Street Closures

Temporary street closures will begin on Friday, May 27 at 1:00 am through Monday, May 30 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 30 at 4:00 am.

Media Access

** CLOSED SET FRIDAY, MAY 27 & SUNDAY, MAY 29: NO MEDIA ACCESS **

This event will be a closed set for all media on both Friday, May 27 and Sunday, May 29. 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 U.S. Capitol Grounds. Media will be permitted to cover this event during the full dress rehearsal on Saturday, May 28.

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.

* * * * * *

 Prepared by:
 Sergeant Kimberly Schneider
 United States Capitol Police
 Public Information Office