HISTORIC TRIANGLE — As Veterans Day approaches, local organizations are planning ceremonies to honor those in the area who served in the military.
What is Veterans Day?
Veterans Day is celebrated annually on Nov. 11. Prior to 1954, the day was called Armistice Day, commemorating the signing of the Treaty of Versailles that marked the end of World War I. In 1954, Nov. 11 was officially renamed Veterans Day to honor service members from all conflicts.
A common misconception, Veterans Day honors all service members, alive or dead. Memorial Day is reserved for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice of being killed in the line of duty. Armed Forces Day is reserved for those who are currently serving in the military.
Local Events
Colonial Williamsburg has an entire weekend of activities planned for Veterans Day from Nov. 8-11. There will be a proclamation, a bagpiper, and a special military march and procession down Duke of Gloucester Street. Thanks to a grant from the Home Depot Foundation, admission for active duty military, veterans and their families is free for the entire weekend.
York County will host its annual Veterans Day program on Monday, Nov. 11 at noon in York Hall. The ceremony is sponsored by the York County Historical Committee.
Alewerks Brewing Company will release a new military-themed beer on Nov. 10. The Olive Drab beer release party will donate 10% of draft sales to Paws of Honor.
Providence Classical School will hold its annual Veterans Day program on Nov. 11 at 9 a.m. on its campus. The keynote speaker for the event is Lt. Cmdr. Charles Frazier, who serves as Chief Medical Information and Innovation Officer for Riverside Health. He attended the University of Virginia School of Medicine on a Navy Health Professions Scholarship and trained in Family Medicine at Naval Hospital Charleston. His military service includes roles as the senior medical officer aboard USS Frank Cable (AS-40) and as a staff family physician at Naval Hospital Newport (Rhode Island), earning him three Navy Commendation Medals.
Marine Corps League Middle Peninsula Detachment 1317 will host a ceremony at the Gloucester County Courthouse on Nov. 10 at 3 p.m. There will be a special presentation during the ceremony to honor a mystery award winner.
Grace Church in Yorktown will host a Veterans Day prayer service on Nov. 11 from 10-11 a.m. After the service, attendees will participate in a brief ceremony that will include the playing of “Taps” and a salute to the 113 known veterans buried in the Grace cemetery.
New Kent Middle School is hosting a Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11. At 8 a.m., veterans are invited to a breakfast. Following the breakfast, the ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. A keynote speaker will present an address and the children will sing patriotic songs.
The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and Jamestown Settlement will offer free admission to veterans, active duty, reserve and retired military personnel and up to three direct family members with military identification on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
American Legion Post 273 will host a Veterans Day ceremony at Poquoson City Hall on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. The ceremony is open to the public.
NewTown Williamsburg and the Combined Veterans Organizations will host a Veterans Day ceremony at the bell tower in Newtown on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. The Williamsburg A Cappella Singers will provide patriotic music and a keynote speaker will present remarks.
Did we miss a ceremony or event? Reach out to us at info@wydaily.com and we will add it to the list.
