Veterans Day is coming up on Wednesday, Nov. 11, with several opportunities around Northern Virginia to honor those who served. ( Beth Dalbey/Patch)
Veterans Day is coming up on Wednesday, Nov. 11, with several opportunities across Northern Virginia to honor those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces in times of war and peace.
Originally called Armistice Day, Veterans Day is always observed on Nov. 11 to mark the signing of the armistice that ended World War I at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. The observance was renamed to Veterans Day to include veterans who served in World War II and the Korean War.
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Here are some upcoming Veterans Day events you shouldn't miss:
Arlington
National Veterans Day Observance: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m., at Arlington National Cemetery's Memorial Amphitheater. A musical prelude begins at 10:30 a.m. Admission is free, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees must take a tram from the Welcome Center; organizers recommend arriving by 9:45 a.m. Parking at the Welcome Center is free from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The separate wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is limited to official participants.
Alexandria
Veterans Day Ceremony: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 1 p.m., at Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave. The city and Friends of Rocky Versace will host a free indoor ceremony featuring patriotic music, recognition of veterans and Gold Star families, and a reading of the names of Alexandria's 68 Vietnam War fallen heroes. Eligible veterans may receive a Vietnam Era Veterans Lapel Pin.
Falls Church
Veterans Day Ceremony: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m., at the Veterans Memorial outside the Community Center, 223 Little Falls St. The city's Recreation and Parks Department and Greater Falls Church Veterans Council will host the observance, featuring the Falls Church Concert Band, speakers and a wreath-laying tribute.
Fairfax City
Veterans Day Ceremony: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 10:30 a.m., at American Legion Post 177, 3939 Oak St.
Fairfax County
Herndon Veterans Day Ceremony: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m., on the Herndon Town Green. Wayne M. Kidwell American Legion Post 184 will host the public ceremony.
Reston Run for Valor 5K: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 8 a.m., at Reston Town Center. The run and walk benefits Soldiers' Angels, which supports service members, veterans and military families. Registration is $35 and includes a race shirt. The race starts at RTC Window Plaza on Opportunity Way and finishes on Market Street near the fountain. Packet pickup is Tuesday, Nov. 10, 4–7 p.m., at PR Run & Walk, 11911 Democracy Drive.
Loudoun County
Leesburg Veterans Day Celebration: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., at Dodona Manor, 312 E. Market St. Free tours and vintage military vehicle displays begin at 10 a.m., followed by an 11 a.m. speaker program featuring retired Army Lt. Gen. Bruce T. Crawford. A free community barbecue lunch begins at noon while supplies last. The event is free and held rain or shine. Parking and transportation to the event are available from the Loudoun County Government Garage on Loudoun Street.
Manassas
Northern Virginia Veterans Parade: Saturday, Nov. 7, 11 a.m., along Center Street in Historic Downtown Manassas. The 18th annual parade honors service members past, present and future. This year's grand marshal is retired Army Col. Steele McGonegal.
Prince William County
A Salute to Veterans!: Friday, Nov. 6, 7:30 p.m., at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Circle, near Manassas. The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" will present an evening of music and storytelling with George Mason University's Veterans and the Arts Initiative. Admission is free, but tickets are required for each attendee, with a limit of four per order.
Stafford County
Stafford Veterans Day Ceremony: Friday, Nov. 6, 10 a.m., at the Stafford Armed Services Memorial on the Government Center campus, 1300 Courthouse Road. The ceremony will recognize veterans and 17 veteran-owned or military-spouse-owned businesses. Board of Supervisors Chairman Deuntay Diggs will deliver the keynote address, and veteran pins will be available while supplies last.
Fredericksburg
Veterans Day Procession and Commemoration: Wednesday, Nov. 11. The procession begins at 10:30 a.m. at Memorial Park and follows Washington Avenue from Mary Ball Street to George Street. An 11 a.m. ceremony follows at the Fredericksburg Area War Memorial. Both are free and scheduled to take place rain or shine, barring extreme weather. Veterans unable to complete the 0.6-mile walk may use a veterans-only bus, with seats available on a first-come, first-served basis.