Veterans or other active military — dressed in their fatigues or donning badges of valor — if we spot them, we often approach them, saying “thank you” for their service to America.
Now this Memorial Day weekend, Colonial Williamsburg takes that gratitude a level higher to commemorate their service to America.
The nonprofit is set to offer free admission tickets during the three-day weekend for active duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, National Guard members and their immediate dependents, organizers from Colonial Williamsburg Foundation said.
Called “The Honoring Service to America” program, the weekend event is covered by a $100,000 grant from the Home Depot Foundation.
The tickets offer all the benefits of a regular admission ticket, including admission to more than 40 sites, including the Historic Trades shops and the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg.
These weekend-long admission tickets are available onsite at the visitor center, the Lumber House ticket office and the Merchant’s Square ticket window. Proper identification is required, organizers said.
Since 2014, the program has distributed 21,400 tickets to service members, veterans and their families, according to John E. Ellington, director of finance and grants administration for the Home Depot Foundation.
“Together, we can continue to provide this special opportunity for military and their families to learn and honor the history of a nation for which they sacrifice so much,” Ellington said.
Elisabeth Reiss, who is married to Mitchell B. Reiss, president and CEO of Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, oversees the Foundation’s military outreach efforts. Reiss said the nonprofit is happy to have an opportunity to partner with The Home Depot Foundation to offer complimentary admission.
For families of military personnel interesting in getting tickets, the service member need not be present, organizers said. Tickets for the “Honoring Service to America” will be provided to dependent family members of currently deployed troops with appropriate identification.
Military veterans who separated before retirement may bring a copy of their honorable discharge paperwork — form DD 214 — as identification of service.
Culminating the weekend events will be a Memorial Day commemorative service on Monday, May 29, beginning at 10 a.m., to honor fallen service members.
A fifes and drums and military programs procession will begin at the Governor’s Palace and proceed to Bruton Parish Church, ending at the Capitol.
During the ceremony, wreaths will be placed, prayers given, and volleys fired to honor soldiers of the American Revolution, the Civil War and other conflicts. This service is free and open to the public.
Additional information about “Honoring Service to America” tickets and program is available by visiting www.colonialwilliamsburg.com or calling (855) 296-6627.
