Veterans Day is Nov. 11. Here’s how the Historic Triangle is commemorating the holiday
HISTORIC TRIANGLE – Special ceremonies and events are planned across the Historic Triangle as the nation honors Americans that have served in the armed forces.
Veterans Day is always observed on Nov. 11, which this year falls on a Tuesday. Originally established as Armistice Day, the federal holiday was created by Congress in 1938 to mark the end of World War I and pay tribute to its veterans.
The name changed in 1954 to Veterans Day to recognize all veterans in the nation.
Here are some of the ways you can honor veterans this year in the Historic Triangle.
Colonial Williamsburg
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation will continue its tradition of honoring the military this Veterans Day by offering free admission to all active-duty military, reservists, veterans, retirees, National Guard members and their dependents, Nov. 7-11.
Complimentary tickets for eligible guests are available through Colonial Williamsburg’s “Honoring Service to America” program, which is funded through a $150,000 grant provided by the Home Depot Foundation as part of the company’s efforts to improve the homes and lives of U.S. military veterans and their families.
Military guests and their families are also invited to stop by the Liberty Lounge for complimentary refreshments and the company of fellow service members. More than 370,000 service members and their families have visited the lounge since it opened in 2016.
Free, single day “Honoring Service to America” are available at all onsite ticket locations with proper ID.
A ceremony honoring the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces will be held at the Palace Green at Colonial Williamsburg on Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The program, which is free and open to the public, is presented in partnership with the Williamsburg Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.
A Veterans Day Salute & Procession
Colonial Williamsburg’s Fifes and Drums and Military Programs staff will march in celebration of America’s veterans in a procession that will begin at the Capitol Circle at 3:30 p.m. The march will continue down Duke of Gloucester Street and conclude with a commemoration ceremony behind the Market Square Courthouse. All veterans of the armed forces are welcome and invited to participate.
Yorktown
Yorktown will host its annual Veterans Day ceremony at York Hall on Nov. 11 at 12 p.m. Sponsored by the York County Historical Committee, the program honors the members of the armed forces.
This year’s theme is “Virginia’s Medal of Honor Recipients,” which pays tribute to the courage and sacrifice of Virginians who have received the highest military honor in the nation. The ceremony will highlight several of these remarkable individuals through stories and photographs.
The event will feature a presentation of colors, tolling of the bell and the playing of “taps.”
Historic Grace Church Veterans Day Service
Historic Grace Church, founded in 1697, will hold its annual Veterans Day prayer service on Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. A brief ceremony will follow in the courtyard, to include the playing of “taps” and a salute to the 113 known veterans buried in the Grace Cemetery, as well as all veterans who are no longer with us.
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown: Artillery salute and free admission
A program of music and an artillery salute will be held at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown on Nov. 11 in honor of those who have served our country in uniform. All active duty, reserve and retired military personnel, plus up to three direct family members, will receive free admission at both Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown that day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Virginia War Museum
The Virginia War Museum will also host a Veterans Day Ceremony on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. The program will be led by American Legion Braxton-Perkins Post 25. Guests will receive free admission during the museum’s normal operating hours on Veterans Day.
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