Veterans Day Events, Service Member Freebies In Montgomery County

ROCKVILLE, MD — Veterans Day is on Monday, Nov. 11. To celebrate our veterans past and present, you can take part in a number of events and activities across Montgomery County.

Here's a list of some events to check out:

Veterans Day Skate
Sunday, Nov. 10 in Rockville and Wheaton

Active military, veterans, and their families skate for free during Veterans Day Skate on Sunday, Nov. 10. The offer is good at:

• Cabin John Ice Rink (10610 Westlake Drive, Rockville)
  • 8:30 to 10 a.m., 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• Wheaton Ice Arena (11717 Orebaugh Ave., Wheaton)
  • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m.

Veterans Day Observance
Monday, Nov. 11 in Gaithersburg

The City of Gaithersburg will hold its annual Veterans Day Observance ceremony on Monday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. City officials and local veterans groups will gather at the Concert Pavilion (31 South Summit Ave.) to honor U.S. service members and participate in a wreath laying ceremony. Retired Col. David Rhodes, a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, will be the special guest speaker. In his 40-year career, Col. Rhodes held various combat and leadership positions as an F-15 fighter pilot, squadron commander, and NATO Deputy Operations Commander.

A reception will be held at City Hall after the ceremony.

People are also encouraged to bring donated items to this event. Gaithersburg's VFW (now part of Post 2562 in Silver Spring) has partnered with the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless, an organization that provides emergency shelter to veterans. They are asking people to bring donations so veterans can move into their new homes with dignity.

Items you can donate include:

• Shampoo and conditioner
• Razors and shaving cream
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Dishwashing and dishwasher soap
• Laundry detergent
• All-purpose cleaners
• Canned chili, stews, and soups
• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Granola bars

Cash donations are also accepted. Checks can be written to the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless.

Click here for a complete list of suggested items and information about cash donations.

Veterans Day Tour at the National Museum of Health and Medicine
Monday, Nov. 11 in Silver Spring

This free, guided tour, which starts at 1 p.m., highlights advancements in American military medicine over the past 150 years. It's open to the public and no RSVP is required. The National Museum of Health and Medicine is located at 2500 Linden Lane. Call (301) 319-3303 or email USArmy.Detrick.MEDCOM-USAMRMC.List.Medical-Museum@mail.mil for more information.

Veterans Day Ceremony
Monday, Nov. 11 in Rockville

The City of Rockville will be holding a Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Park (intersection of Rt. 28 and Rt. 355) on Monday, Nov. 11. It kicks off at 11 a.m. American Legion Post 86 will lead the wreath laying ceremony and the group's Honor Guard will present a 21-gun salute. Following the ceremony, there will be a reception at American Legion Post 86 (2013 Veirs Mill Rd.). Parking is available at Sandy Spring Bank, which is located at Fleet St. and Rt. 355.

Veterans Day at Color Me Mine
Monday, Nov. 11 in Rockville

Studio fees are waived for active duty and veterans at Color Me Mine (33 Maryland Ave., Suite F) on Monday, Nov. 11. At Color Me Mine, guests can paint their own ceramics.