Out & About
Honoring our vets
Annual wreath-laying ceremony is Nov. 11
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2018/11/Veterans_Day_at_Congressional_Cemetery_460x470_c_Washington_Blade_by_Michael_Key.jpg)
![Veteran's Day, gay news, Washington Blade](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2018/11/Veterans_Day_at_Congressional_Cemetery_insert_c_Washington_Blade_by_Michael_Key-600x401.jpg)
The Veterans Day annual Wreath Laying Ceremony for LGBT Veterans hosted by Center Military, DCHomos, the D.C. Center and the Human Rights Campaign of Greater Washington Steering Committee is Monday, Nov. 11 from noon-1:30 p.m. at the Congressional Cemetery (1801 E St., S.E.). The public is invited to this free event.
Local LGBT residents unite each year as Americans pause to recognize all who have given their lives in defense of freedom. This annual ceremony is held at the grave of Technical Sgt. Leonard Matlovich who in 1975 became the first gay service member to publicly reveal his sexuality and challenge the militaryās LGBT-exclusion policies.
Visit the dccenter.org for more information.
Out & About
Celebrate July 4 with area fireworks displays
Festivities planned for National Mall, Baltimore, Rehoboth Beach
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/06/20120704_Independence_Day_fireworks_at_Washington_Monument_insert_c_Washington_Blade_by_Michael_Key.jpg)
The National Mall is the most popular place to watch the D.C. fireworks display; spread a blanket near the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, or the Lincoln Memorial. The 17-minute display starts at 9:09 p.m. and will be launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
In Baltimore, the Inner Harbor Fourth of July festivities will begin at 6 p.m. and the fireworks and drone show will begin at 9:30 p.m. downtown at the harbor.
The fireworks in Rehoboth Beach, Del., will be held on Saturday, July 6.
Out & About
Smithsonian Folklife Festival underway
‘Indigenous Voices of the Americas’ program held on the Mall
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2024/06/2024_Smithsonian_Folklife_Festival_insert_courtesy_Smithsonain.jpg)
The 2024 Smithsonian Folklife Festival takes place on the National Mall June 26āJuly 1, with the program āIndigenous Voices of the Americas: Celebrating the National Museum of the American Indian.ā
Since 1967, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival has been held on the National Mall; events are free. Festival hours are 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m., with evening concerts Friday through Sunday from 5:30-7 p.m. For details on specific events, visit festival.si.edu/visit.
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2024/06/rainbow_Pride_flags_in_park_insert_by_Bigstock.jpg)
The 2024 Arlington Pride Festival will be held Saturday, June 29 at 12 p.m. at Long Bridge Park.
This event will be a gathering of the community showcasing local talent, food, and vibrant entertainment. The event will be a celebration of diversity and love.
Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.Ā
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