Celebrations, Salutes, Festivals and More

Here are some of the events taking place in the Washington area this weekend in connection with the dedication of the National World War II Memorial. All addresses are in the District unless otherwise noted. A full list of World War II-themed events through Labor Day can be found at www.washington.org/americacelebrates.

Friday 28

NATIONAL WORLD WAR II REUNION -- 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday through Sunday. An open-air event with music and dance from the 1940s, family activities, military equipment and reunion opportunities for members of the World War II generation. (See Weekend section for more details.) Mall, Third to Seventh streets. Free. 202-357-4574.

FAMILY FESTIVAL -- noon-6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Exhibits, films, music, dance and other activities to highlight American life during the 1940s. National Museum of American History, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Free. 202-633-1000.

FILM ON CONSTRUCTION OF MEMORIAL -- 12:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Monday. A 60-minute documentary on creation of the National World War II Memorial, featuring interviews with key artists and craftsmen. National Gallery of Art, East Building Auditorium, Fourth Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Free. 202-737-4215.

HISPANIC AMERICAN HEROES -- 10:30 a.m.-noon, 1-2:30 p.m. and 3-4:30 p.m. Three Hispanic veterans of World War II talk about their days in the service. National Archives, Room 121, 700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Free; reservations recommended. 202-501-5000.

AFRICAN AMERICANS IN WORLD WAR II -- 10 a.m., 2 and 7 p.m. Lecture and presentation by William H. Smith, producer of the PBS documentary "The Invisible Soldiers: Unheard Voices." Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives, 1201 17th St. NW. Free. 1-877-622-8387.

ROAD TO VICTORY -- 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. A musical that combines 32 war-era songs with ballroom, tap and lyrical dance, speeches, news reports and sound effects. Lisner Auditorium, George Washington University, 21st and H streets NW. $30, $25 for senior citizens, $20 for those 18 and younger. 1-803-345-3092.

Saturday 29

INTERFAITH SERVICE -- 10 a.m. To celebrate the dedication of the National World War II Memorial. Washington National Cathedral, Massachusetts and Wisconsin avenues NW. Free. 1-800-639-4992.

DEDICATION CEREMONY -- 2 p.m. Dedication of the National World War II Memorial. Gates to ticketed viewing areas open at 8 a.m.; ceremony begins at 2 p.m. Mall. 1-800-639-4992.

HONORING AFRICAN AMERICANS -- 11 a.m., Hall of Honor program; 4 p.m., evening program and gala reception. Hosted by Black Patriots Foundation to honor living and deceased African American veterans of World War II. Reserve Officers Association Building, 1 Constitution Ave. NE. Free; reservations required. 202-452-1776.

MUSICAL SALUTE -- 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Concerts by college, high school, community and church bands, choirs and orchestras from across the country. Performances in and around Washington, with all-day concerts at DAR Constitution Hall, 18th and C streets NW, free admission; and Mount Vernon, 3200 George Washington Pkwy., Mount Vernon, with concert included in regular paid admission. 1-800-395-2036.

Sunday 30

NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT -- 8-9:30 p.m. Annual event combines musical performances with documentary footage and dramatic readings. This year's readings include stories of troops who landed on Omaha Beach. West Lawn, U.S. Capitol. Free.

BIG-BAND CONCERT -- 8:30-9 p.m. dance lesson, 9-11 p.m. performance. An evening of swing dancing and live music performed by the Eric Felten Orchestra. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, River Terrace (rain location: Grand Foyer), 2700 F St. NW. Free. 202-467-4600.

HISPANIC AMERICAN HEROES -- 10:30 a.m.-noon and 1-2:30 p.m. Lecture describing the contributions of Latinas during the war, followed by discussion by two Hispanic authors of their book on the role of Mexican Americans in the conflict. National Archives, Room 121, 700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Free; reservations recommended. 202-501-5000.