West Virginia National Cemetery Memorial Day Weekend Program

On Sunday of Memorial Day weekend at 1:00 PM, you can attend the West Virginia National Cemetery Memorial Day Weekend Program in Pruntytown, just outside Grafton in Taylor County. This hillside ceremony is a structured, quiet observance that honors fallen service members with guest speakers, musical selections, and a traditional wreath-laying. If you have been to the Grafton National Cemetery program, note the timing difference: Grafton’s main event is Monday, while this gathering is typically held on Sunday.

You can expect a dignified pace and clear program flow: an invocation, a memorial address from a keynote speaker, and an essay reading from a local student contest winner. Local groups, including the Taylor County Middle School band and choir, provide musical selections that fit the tone of the day. The program closes with a memorial salute and Taps carrying across the grounds.

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early for parking and to position yourself near the rostrum area. Admission is free, with no tickets required. Bring a small folding chair if you need guaranteed seating, and dress for variable spring weather with a light jacket and an umbrella since the ceremony proceeds rain or shine. Use the marked entrance off Route 50 in Pruntytown, about 12 miles east of I-79, and look for the thousands of small flags placed by volunteers, with the United States flag flown at half-staff in the morning.

After the formal program, you may want to take a slow drive through the valley backroads or head to nearby Tygart Lake State Park for trails and time by the water. If you are staying overnight, the park’s full-service lodge, cabins, and campgrounds are reliable options, and you can also base yourself in the Grafton or Fairmont areas for easier access to both the cemetery and the lake.