Honoring those who have served our country on Veterans Day is vital throughout the country, but Arlington will inspire you as nowhere else on earth.
Veterans Day is a special time in Arlington and Washington, D.C., honoring those men and women that have served in the United States Armed Forces in war and peace. In addition to our proximity to the nation's capital, Arlington is the location of several of our nation's most cherished tributes to our veterans.
This year, Veterans Day will be observed in different ways than in the past. However, the traditions of honoring those who have served will remain constant.
Please visit the individual websites of the memorials and monuments listed below for the most up-to-date information on their Veterans Day 2020 observances.
The national celebration, the Veterans Day National Ceremony is normally held annually on November 11th at Arlington National Cemetery. The event starts with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns and continues inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by veterans' organizations and remarks from dignitaries. The U.S. Army Military District of Washington will send out a news release in the next few weeks with details about this year's National Veteran's Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery.
Every year, the Women in Military Service for America Memorial hosts a ceremony including formal military honors, a keynote address, veteran's remarks and a wreath laying. The ceremony is free and open to the public at the memorial which honors all women who have served courageously, selflessly and with dedication.
The memorial recently revealed a new monument, a life-size sculpture titled The Pledge. The monument, featuring a servicewoman and military working dog, honors the commitment of all brave servicewomen. Tickets to view the new monument are free to the public but only available in limited quantity due to COVID-19.
One of the most striking additions to the region's skyline in recent years, the Air Force Memorial's soaring arcs (inspired by the contrails of Air Force Thunderbird aircraft as they peel back in a precision "bomb burst" maneuver) are visible from miles around. Visit the memorial to recognize the service and history of the men and women of the U.S. Air Force.
With its sweeping views of the Potomac River and Washington, D.C., your Veterans Day tour of the National Capital Area would not be complete without a visit to this striking memorial. The largest cast bronze statue in the world is dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives since 1775.
Washington, D.C. is also home to many war memorials most of which are concentrated on the National Mall. Honor the lives lost at war by visiting the Korean War Veterans Memorial, National World War II Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the National Mall. In Penn Quarter, you'll find the U.S. Navy Memorial, which is hosting a wreath laying ceremony at 1 p.m. on November 11.
Author: Kathleen Murphy
