With millions of retired and active military members in the United States, most of America will be celebrating someone on Veterans Day this Monday, Nov. 11.
In Washington, veterans are going to be spread across the district’s memorials, looking to remember the past and with onlookers striving to celebrate it. One of the most storied places in America will have plenty to do for those wishing to honor veterans.
Here are a few of those things.
Veterans Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery
The 71st Annual Veterans Day Observance, which is free and open to the public, will start at 11 a.m. on Monday in the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery. The United States Marine Band and the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters will perform a prelude in the amphitheater at 10:30 a.m. There will be a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier conducted by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington and a national observance inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by veterans’ organizations and remarks from dignitaries.
Attendees must use a tram to reach the amphitheater when arriving at Arlington National Cemetery. Walking is prohibited.
Smithsonian American Indian museum honoring Native veterans
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian will host a daylong event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. celebrating the contributions of Native Americans to the armed forces. Entry is free, and there will be events in the museum throughout the day.
Mount Vernon salutes veterans
There will be an all-day event on Monday at President George Washington’s estate at Mount Vernon celebrating veterans. The event goes from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free admission for active and retired military personnel. General admission is $28 for adults, $15 for ages 6-11, and free for ages 0-5.
There will be an all-day floral tribute and several musical performances, including from the Army Chorus and Air Force Strings.
Veterans Day at the World War II Memorial
Friends of the National World War II Memorial is hosting an event beginning at 9:00 a.m. Monday that will feature World War II veterans laying wreaths “at the Freedom Wall in remembrance of their fallen brothers and sisters.”
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Military Women’s Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery
There will be another free, open-to-the-public event at Arlington National Cemetery from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. honoring women in the military. The event will include formal military honors, remarks from current and former servicewomen from each of the military services, and a keynote address. Register here.