Veterans Day on Nov. 11, falls on a Saturday this year, which means many events are planned not just for the veterans, but for the public as well. It provides a wonderful opportunity to inform and continue to raise awareness of the contributions of those who fought for and protected our country. Below is a list that covers some of the Veterans Day events hosted by museums and the National Park Service:
Museum of the American Revolution
This Veterans Day weekend, the Museum of the American Revolution is offering free admission to those currently serving in the military, veterans, and Blue Star Families. Events include special exhibits, gallery talks, a theatrical performance, walking tours, as well as stories about Native American veterans.
Address: 101 S. Third St., Philadelphia, PA
Website: AmRevMuseum.org
Mount Vernon
George Washington’s Virginia home will be opening its doors for all active duty, former, or retired military personnel on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Floral tributes may be placed on the tomb of the Continental Army’s commander-in-chief. The grounds will come alive with character talks as well as an assortment of musical performances.
Address: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA
Website: MountVernon.org
National Civil War Museum
The National Civil War Museum will hold a Community Free Day on Saturday. Visitors may participate in various activities for free from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be Civil War games, a brass band, and so much more.
Address: 1 Lincoln Circle at Reservoir Park, Harrisburg, PA
Website: NationalCivilWarMuseum.org
The National WWI Museum and Memorial
The museum will be holding various activities in honor of veterans starting on Thursday, Nov. 9, with a free talk on veteran benefits; followed by Friday’s 7:30 p.m. animated movie screening set to Sabaton’s concept music album “The War to End All Wars.” The ceremony will be held the next morning at 10 a.m. with talks, music, crafts tables, and a “Huey” helicopter on display.
Address: 2 Memorial Dr., Kansas City, MO
Website: TheWorldWar.org
The National WW II Museum
On Saturday, the museum will hold a one-day Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony as well as the unveiling of its newest exhibition called “Our War Too: Women in Service.” The start of the ceremony begins at 11 a.m. at the USF Pavilion of the museum and will also be livestreamed. The new exhibit will be at the Senator John Alario Jr. Special Exhibition Hall and will be open at 12 p.m. This event is free for all veterans to attend.
Address: 945 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA
Website: NationalWW2Museum.org
USS Midway Museum
On the West Coast, join the USS Midway Museum’s “Salute to Service Festival” on Saturday. Touted as San Diego’s biggest Veterans Day celebration, they will have live music, kids’ activities, contests, food and drink samples, author book signing, and more. This event is free for all active, reserve, National Guard, veterans and their families. On Sunday, watch the parade that is set to take place on Harbor Drive at 11 a.m.
Address: 910 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA
Website: Midway.org
National World War II Memorial
At 9 a.m., pay tribute to the 16 million men and women who served in World War II. Veterans will place wreaths at the Freedom Wall in honor of departed comrades. Registration is required to attend.
Address: 1750 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C.
Website: WWIIMemorialFriends.org
Korean War Veterans Memorial
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, also known as “The Forgotten war.” A wreath-laying ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. on Saturday. Business or duty uniform is expected for this event.
Address: 10 Daniel French Dr., Washington, D.C.
Website: KoreanWarVetsMemorial.org
Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial
In commemoration of Veterans Day and the 30th anniversary of the dedication of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, veterans and civilian women will share their stories of their service in Vietnam starting at 9 a.m., while other honored guests and speakers will have their talks at 1 p.m.
Address: Near the Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial
Website: NationalParkService.org
National Museum of the Marine Corps
Free and open to the public, the National Museum of the Marine Corps will be celebrating Veterans Day and the Marine Corps’s birthday! From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors may participate in creating patriotic crafts, birthday-themed activities, as well as listen to talks and a special storytelling time for children up to 5 years old.
Address: 1775 Semper Fidelis Way, Triangle, VA
Website: USMCMuseum.com
American Heritage Museum
On Thursday, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., the American Heritage Museum is holding a networking event that is open to all veterans and active duty members. On Saturday, they will also hold a for-a-fee movie screening event featuring Swedish-band Sabaton’s playlist starting at 5 p.m. Sabaton is known for their “fact-based music about important points in history.”
Address: 568 Main St., Hudson, MA
Website: AmericanHeritageMuseum.org
Battleship Missouri Memorial
Located at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Veterans Day will be celebrated onboard the USS Missouri with a special sunset ceremony starting at 4:30 p.m. This year marks the 80th anniversary of The Battle of Guadalcanal. Guadalcanal saw some of the fiercest actions during World War II as Allied victory here helped secure an important Pacific position. There will be talks and keynote speakers, and it is free and open to the public.
Address: Fantail of the Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pearl Harbor, HI
Website: USSMissouri.org
National Veterans Memorial Museum
November is a special month at the National Veterans Memorial Museum. Starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, at their annual free Veterans Day ceremony, participants will hear from keynote speaker U.S. Navy Veteran Jay Anderson. Other events throughout the month focus on veteran physical and mental health through CrossFit workouts, yoga sessions, Jiu-jitsu and judo sessions, as well as author talks and a town hall. All are free to attend.
Address: 300 West Broad St., Columbus, OH
Website: NationalVMM.org
Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles
The Heartland Museum Eleventh Hour Ceremony will be held on Saturday starting at 9 a.m. with coffee and rolls, an 11 a.m. movie premiere of Sabaton’s “The War to End All War—The Movie,” followed by a soup luncheon, and a parade at 4 p.m. While there, take a gander at the assortment of uniforms, motorbikes, and donated coffin flags. The nonprofit museum is dedicated to the “restoration and preservation of historical military vehicles of all types.”
Address: 606 Heartland Rd., Lexington, NE
Website: HeartlandMuseum.com
Fort William Henry Museum
From Nov. 5-12, the Fort William Henry Museum holds their annual salute to veterans called “Field of Flags,” where 8,000 flags are placed on the front lawn of the Fort William Henry Hotel. At 10:30 a.m. of Nov. 11, join the museum as they hold their musket salute in honor of those who have served.
Address: 48 Canada St., Lake George, NY
Website: FWHMuseum.com
Virginia War Memorial
On Friday, Nov. 10., join the Virginia War Memorial’s Veterans Day Ceremony with speakers and patriotic music. Open to all, it will be held at the E. Bruce Heilman Amphitheater, named in honor of the World War II veteran.
Address: 621 S. Belvedere St., Richmond, VA Website: VAWarMemorial.org
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