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, as a nod to the signing of the Treaty of Versailles that marked the end of World War I. In 1954, Nov. 11 was officially renamed Veteran’s 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
A Veterans Day Book Talk at William & Mary will be hosted on Nov. 8 beginning at 6 p.m. in the Swem Library. William & Mary Alum Brian Morra will discuss his book on the Cold War. Morra is a former U.S. Intelligence Officer.
Volunteers are invited to Cedar Grove Cemetery on Nov. 9 at 9 a.m. to place flags on veteran graves. Local civic organizations will be on hand to place more than 500 flags on headstones.
The Combined Veterans’ Organization will place about 1300 flags on veterans’ graves at Williamsburg Memorial Park on Thursday, Nov 9 beginning at 8 a.m. The organization includes American Legion Post 39, the two local VFW Posts, and the Vietnam Veterans of America. Everyone is invited to join.
Providence Classical School of Williamsburg will host a Veterans Day assembly on Nov. 10 at 9 a.m. at the Williamsburg Community Chapel. A keynote address from retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Al Kastner will be presented. Students will also sing patriotic songs.
The Historic Grace Episcopal Church in Yorktown is holding a prayer service on Nov. 10 at 10:00 a.m.After the service, attendees will participate in a brief ceremony that will include the playing of “Taps” and salute to the 110 known veterans buried in the Grace cemetery and all deceased men and women who have served our country in uniform, and the tolling of the Church Bell as part of the Nationwide “Bells of Peace” program.
“Letters and Portraits from War” is being hosted on Nov. 10 at 12:00 p.m. in York Hall. The annual Veterans Day program is hosted by the York County Historical Commission. Throughout the service, photographs and excerpts from letters written during wartime deployment will be shared from local soldiers, sailors, and airmen to their family members and loved ones back home.
New Kent Middle School is hosting a Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 10. 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. Guests must RSVP by Nov. 8.
Colonial Williamsburg has an entire weekend of activities planned for Veterans Day from Nov. 10-12. There will be a proclamation, a bagpiper, and a special military march and procession down Duke of Gloucester Street.
The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation is hosting a celebration on Nov 11 at 10:50 a.m. at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. There will be a keynote address, an artillery firing and music will be provided by the 29th Infantry Division Band of the Virginia Army National Guard.
New Town Williamsburg will host a Veterans Day ceremony on Nov 11 at 11 a.m. at the Veterans Tribute Tower on Discovery Park Blvd. The Williamsburg A Cappella Singers will present patriotic songs during the ceremony.
Alewerks Brewing Company is sponsoring a fundraiser for the Spouses Club of Fort Eustis on Nov. 11 from noon to 5 p.m. There will be live music, raffle prizes, and military displays, vehicles, and reenactments.
Crooks Memorial United Methodist Church in Yorktown will have a special moment for veterans during its Sunday Nov. 12 church service. A reception will follow the service with music and fellowship.
Did we miss a ceremony or event? Reach out to us at info@wydaily.com and we will add it to the list.
