New Army Secretary, Brass Band to Lead Memorial Day in Logan Circle

Logan Circle park will come alive with flags, speeches and music from a brass band on Memorial Day.

The Logan Circle Community Association (LCCA) will hold a free celebration in the park that includes an appearance by newly appointed U.S. Army Secretary Eric Fanning, the singing of the national anthem from the Washington Capitals’ Bob McDonald and music from a brass quintet.

The celebration will begin at 1 p.m. with a presentation of the colors from the junior officer training corps, followed by the singing of the national anthem, a religious invocation, and then a presentation from historian and author Gary Ecelbarger.

Later, Fanning will lead a wreath-laying ceremony at the statue of U.S. Civil War general John A. Logan. Fanning, who was only officially confirmed to the position last week, is the first openly gay head of a military branch in the U.S., as reported by the Washington Post.

Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic blankets, lunches — and yes, even dogs — to the event.

More information from Logan Circle’s ANC 2F:

Celebrate the special connection that General Logan has to Memorial Day in Logan Circle on Monday, May 30th at 1:00 p.m.

Monday’s program, starting at 1:00pm, includes a wreath-laying ceremony with the Honorable Eric Fanning, Logan Circle neighbor and newly appointed Secretary of the Army; and live musical performances by the Washington Capitals’ Bob McDonald and the Brassivity Brass Quintet.

Memorial Day is a day of thanks for the valor of others, a day to remember the splendor of America and those who are at rest. It’s a day to be with the family and remember. We encourage our friends and neighbors to bring a blanket and picnic lunch for you and your family, including those with four legs, to this year’s annual Logan Circle Memorial Day Observance.

Be a part of this special neighborhood celebration!

2010 file photo