Veterans Day in Virginia, 2011

  November 11 is Veterans Day, Armistice Day, Remembrance Day, commemorating the end of World War I and honoring all the men and women of the armed forces. Woodrow Wilson was the first to declare a November 11^th celebration of Armistice Day, and he did so with the proclamation, “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”   [caption id="attachment_511" align="aligncenter" width="240"] Joseph Ambrose, 86-year old World War I veteran[/caption] There will be celebrations, free museum admissions, and military discounts all over the United States on Veterans Day, and Virginia will be no exception: Mount Vernon, VA- free admission for active duty, former, and retired military personnel; free community concert by The Harmony Heritage Singers. Grey Swan Inn, Blackstone, VA- 10% discount to military personnel Montpelier, Orange, VA- free admission to all military personnel Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum, Staunton, VA- free Veterans Day Program Besides these specific events, there are a number of national parks that are offering free admission to everyone on Veterans Day:

•     Assateague Island National Seashore

•     Colonial National Historical Park

•     George Washington Memorial Parkway’s Great Falls Park

•     Manassas National Battlefield Park

•     Shenandoah National Park

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” --John F. Kennedy