About The Festival
Pride.
Sacrifice.
Service.
Memorial Day (originally known as Decoration Day) is much more than a three-day weekend that marks the beginning of summer. To many people—especially the nation’s thousands of combat veterans—this day, with a history stretching back to the Civil War, serves as a powerful reminder of those who gave their lives in service to their country.
In commemoration of this important holiday, Music Celebrations International and the American Veterans Center are pleased to sponsor and produce a unique Musical Tribute in our Nation’s Capital that honors veterans past and present who have sacrificed so much for the liberties we enjoy today. This meaningful commemoration takes place in a historic concert hall in Washington, D.C., providing a fitting and dignified setting for reflection and remembrance.
An uplifting and inspired program of patriotic music will be selected by Jason Max Ferdinand, the Festival Artistic Director. Dr. Ferdinand is the Director of Choral Activities at the University of Maryland. Previous guest conductors have included Dr. André Thomas, Dr. Z. Randall Stroope, Dr. Scott Buchanan, Dr. Craig Jessop, Lt. Col. John Clanton, Col. Larry Lang, Col. (Ret.) Arnald Gabriel, and Weston Noble.