Veterans Day Events in Washington, DC

Veterans Day was originally established to honor Americans who had served in World War I. The national holiday is celebrated on November 11, the anniversary of the day World War I ended in 1918. Today Veterans Day honors veterans of all wars for their patriotism and willingness to serve in the military and sacrifice for our country.

Veterans Day is a great time to visit the monuments and memorials in Washington, DC. Many of the memorials have special events scheduled in honor of America’s veterans. Here is the schedule:

Vietnam Veterans Memorial For 2007, Vietnam Veterans of America is sponsoring a 25th Anniversary Parade celebrating and commemorating the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Saturday, November 10, 2007 on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The festivities will begin at 10:00 a.m. with opening ceremonies at 7th Street between Jefferson and Madison Drives. The parade begins at 11:00 a.m. and will feature Vietnam veterans from all walks of life, military vehicles, floats, motorcyclists, and marching bands from around the country. The parade will end at the Washington Monument Grounds, where participants will take part in a variety of events, including unit reunions.

On November 11, Color guard, speakers and a wreath-laying ceremony will take place at 1 p.m.

Arlington National Cemetery Across the Potomac from Washington at the west end of the Memorial Bridge, Arlington, Virginia. (703) 607-8000 This is the national Veterans day service with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 11 a.m.

Vietnam Women's Memorial Constitution Avenue and Henry Bacon Drive, NW Washington, DC. (301) 314-8505 Storytelling at 9 a.m.–noon and 2-4 p.m.

World War II Memorial 17th Street, between Constitution and Independence Avenues, NW Washington, DC. (202) 619-7222. Wreath laying ceremonies at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Navy Memorial 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC. (202)737-2300 Wreath laying ceremony at 1 p.m. The U.S. Navy Ceremonial Band, Ceremonial Guard and Color Guard will participate.

Air Force Memorial One Air Force Memorial Drive, Arlington, Virginia. (703) 979-0674. On Friday, November 9, 2007, at 2:30 p.m., the Secretary of the Air Force will lay a wreath in honor of the men and women of the United States Air Force and it heritage organizations. The ceremony is open to the public.

National Marine Corps Museum 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway, Triangle, Virginia. (800) 397-7585. The museum will observe its first anniversary, the 232nd birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps and Veterans Day from November 10 to 12, 2007. Activities throughout the weekend will include ceremonial sword cake cuttings, displays of marine uniforns, tastings of a Meal Ready to Eat, and special exhibits.

Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens Special activities include a patriotic community concert by the all-veteran barbershop chorus at 11 a.m., at 2 p.m. wreathlaying at the tomb of our first commander-in-chief, George Washington, and "Martha Washington" talking about her work with veterans at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the Little Theater. Active duty military personnel and veterans are admitted free-of-charge. The wreathlaying is included with regular Mount Vernon admission, $13 for adults and $6 children. The barbershop concert and Martha Washington program are free.

See also Civil War Battlefields Near Washington, DC