U.S. Capitol Police Changes Security Measures for Memorial Day Concert

Concert & Rehearsal Info

On Sunday, May 30, 2010, 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 29, 2010, at 8:00 p.m. Gates will open to the public at 5:00 pm.

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. You may visit www.wmata.com to help plan your trip using public transportation. The nearest metro stops to the U.S. Capitol are Capitol South, and Union Station.

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 only, food items are permitted. However, alcoholic beverages of any kind and glass bottles are prohibited. The following items are also prohibited: electric stun guns, martial arts weapons or devices; guns, replica guns, ammunition, and fireworks; knives of any size; mace and pepper spray; non-aerosol spray; razors and box cutters.

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 from Thursday, May 27, through Tuesday, June 1, 2010.

Street Closures

Temporary street closures will begin on Thursday, May 27 at 1:00 am through Tuesday, June 1 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, June 1 at 4:00 am.

Media Access

** CLOSED SET FRIDAY AND SUNDAY, MAY 28 & 30: NO MEDIA ACCESS **

This event will be a closed set for all media on both Friday, May 28 and Sunday, May 30. 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 29. 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 this event or our security procedures, you may contact the United States Capitol Police Public Information Office at 202-224-1677.

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