Veterans Day Observances in the Fredericksburg Region

Veterans Day is the anniversary of the Armistice signed by the Allies and Germans in 1918, which marked the end of World War I. In 1954 Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day to honor veterans of all wars.

Military Appreciation Night

• Friday, Nov. 8, 6:30 p.m.
• University of Mary Washington, Dahlgren Campus auditorium, 4224 University Dr., King George

Join United Daughters of the Confederacy King George Chapter 1616 in honoring veterans. Seven who have served in conflicts ranging from WWII to Operation Iraqi Freedom will receive plaques of appreciation. Also honored will be three King George residents who have made outstanding contributions working with active military, veterans and the community.

Flag Retirement Ceremony

• Saturday, Nov. 9, 10 a.m.
• Izaak Walton League of America Fredericksburg Rappahannock Chapter Park, 12400 Herndon Rd, Spotsylvania

The first retirement ceremony for American and Virginia flags collected through the City of Fredericksburg’s participation in the Retire Your Old Glory program will be conducted in partnership with representatives of the local chapter of the Izaak Walton League and by scouts and adult supporters of various area Boy Scouts of America troops.  The more than 200 flags to be respectfully retired during this ceremony are those collected at bins first placed by the City of Fredericksburg at City Hall and at the Dorothy Hart Community Center in August.

Manassas Veterans Day Parade

• Saturday, Nov. 9, 11 a.m.
• Historic downtown Manassas

The community parade includes military and high school bands, pipe and drum corps teams, military units from the various Armed Services, military vehicles, and members from local veteran organizations.  The parade kicks off in Historic Manassas at the intersection of Quarry Rd. and Prescott Ave., travels south on Prescott and then west on Center St. ending at West St.

USMC Ceremonial Cake Cutting

• Sunday, Nov. 10, 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.
• National Marine Corps Museum, 18900 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Triangle

Celebrate the 238th Birthday of the Marine Corps and Veterans Day with a ceremonial cake cutting.  The New Dominion Choraliers will perform a "Tribute to Freedom" at 2 p.m.

UMW Veterans Day Ceremonies

• Monday, Nov. 11, 8 a.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.
• Various Locations

UMW’s Association of Student Veterans (ASV) and the Army ROTC are sponsoring Veterans Day observances.

The Army ROTC, under the command of cadet Jeremy Hillberry, will raise the flag at George Washington Hall at 8 a.m. and at Mary Washington Hospital at 5 p.m.

The ASV will hold a remembrance event on campus at Ball Circle from 4 to 6 p.m. with food and an opportunity to meet with campus vets.

Fredericksburg Veterans Day Commemoration

• Monday, Nov. 11, 10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
• Fredericksburg Area War Memorial Park, at George, Barton and Liberty Streets.

The Fredericksburg Area Veterans Council (FAVC) with the WarFighters Motorcycle Club will host a Veterans Day Commemoration at the Fredericksburg Area War Memorial Park.  Featured speakers will include Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Douglas J. Robb, Director, Defense Health Agency; Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1); Angelo Laviano, chairman of the Fredericksburg Area Veterans Council; and Fredericksburg Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw.

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 1099 will present an overflight.  Following the placing of wreaths, Fredericksburg Christian High School's Enduring Freedom Honor Team will play taps. 

All Veterans and current members of the Armed Forces are requested to wear their awards and decorations in honor of the occasion.

Barton Street, Liberty Street and the 500 block of George Street will be closed from 10:15 a.m. till 12:15 p.m.

Commonwealth's Veterans Day Ceremony

• Monday, Nov. 11, 10 - 11 a.m.
• Virginia War Memorial, 621 S. Belvidere St., Richmond

The ceremony will honor all veterans who served our country and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Mount Vernon Salutes Veterans

• Monday, Nov. 11, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon

All active duty, former or retired military personnel receive free admission on Veterans Day.

• 11 a.m.  Patriotic community concert in the Robert H. & Clarice Smith Auditorium by The Harmony Heritage Singers, an all-veteran barbershop chorus.

• 12 p.m. Tribute at George Washington's tomb. 

• 2 p.m. George Washington Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, and the Kate Waller Barrett Chapter, National Society Daughters of the  American Revolution, present a special wreath laying ceremony, featuring the Virginia Society SAR Color Guard and the Fifes and Drums of Prince William the Third.

• 3 p.m. The Air Force String Orchestra will perform patriotic and popular tunes in the Robert H. and Clarice Smith Auditorium.

National Veterans Day Observance Program

• Monday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m., 1 p.m.
• Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington at the west end of the Memorial Bridge, Arlington

The National Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is at 11 a.m. Seating in the amphitheater is limited, so visitors should plan to arrive early.

The Spirit of Liberty Foundation "Freedom Bell" will be at the west entrance of the Arlington National Cemetery's Welcome Center to honor members of the Armed Forces past, present and future. Visitors are encouraged to ring the "Freedom Bell" anytime from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to honor a loved one in the military or pay tribute to our Armed Forces.

A ringing ceremony will be held at 1 p.m., immediately after the National Veterans Day Observance Program at the west entrance of the Welcome Center.

Free Massage or Facial for Veterans, Current Military Personnel and Spouses

• Monday, Nov. 11, 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
• Massage Envy, 1927 Carl D Silver Pkwy, Fredericksburg