WILLIAMSBURG — The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown will salute the sacrifices of military service and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army Saturday, June 14.
According to the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, events will include special daytime programs honoring the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, daytime musical tributes from the 29th Infantry Division Band of the Virginia Army National Guard, and an evening performance of “The American Soldier” by Broadway producer Douglas Taurel, a one-man show that “sheds light on the importance of military service and sacrifice.”
11 a.m.-3 p.m. — Military Programs and Musical Tributes by the Virginia Army National Guard 29th Infantry Division Band
“The Governor’s Own” 29th Infantry Division Band of the Virginia Army National Guard will perform patriotic music for the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the Army at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. At noon, visitors will be invited to fall in line as a Continental Army soldier and drill with a wooden musket. At 1 p.m., a classroom presentation will explore prisoner-of-war experiences during the American Revolution. An artillery salute at 3 p.m. in the artillery amphitheater will examine the important roles of an 18th-century artillery crew, followed by its firing. Programs are included with museum admission.
7 p.m. — “The American Soldier”Theatrical Performance by Broadway producer Douglas Taurel
In salute of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army on June 14, the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown will present “The American Soldier” — a theatrical performance that honors military veterans and their families. Based on real stories and accounts from soldiers’ letters written from the American Revolution through Iraq and Afghanistan, JYF said Broadway producer and actor Douglas Taurel reveals the struggles American soldiers face at war and their internal conflicts when returning home. The performance will begin at 7 p.m. and admission is $17 per person with advance registration required.
“For me, the play is important so that we don’t forget the sacrifice made on our behalf,” said Taurel. “The play is about service and sacrifice, but it is also about our American story. We see how each generation, as far back as the Revolution, rose up to fight and sacrificed so much to help make America what it is, the greatest country on the planet. It is an honor to perform this play and honor the United States Army on its 250th anniversary — a true honor.”
Taurel has appeared in numerous television shows and movies, including “The Affair,” “The Americans,” “Blue Bloods,” “Nurse Jackie,” “Mr. Robot,” “The Cobbler” with Adam Sandler and Dustin Hoffman, and “The Kindergarten Teacher” with Maggie Gyllenhaal. He’s been nominated for an Innovative Theatre Award and recently earned a best actor award and was nominated for best director at the GI Film Festival for his television series “Landing Home.”
JYF notes June 14 also marks Flag Day, a national holiday that commemorates the adoption of the official flag of the United States by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777, and honors American freedom and unity.
The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and located at 200 Water Street (Route 1020) in Yorktown. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for ages 6-12. Children ages 5 and under are admitted free. Residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, receive free admission with proof of residency. Parking is free.
For more information, call 757-253-4838 or visit jyfmuseums.org. Follow on social media @jyfmuseums.
