Veterans Day Events, Nov. 11

This Monday, Nov.11, ceremonies will take place all over Washington D.C – and America — in honor of military veterans. Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, has been celebrated since the end of World War I. It became an official national holiday in 1954, when Congress passed a bill making it a day to honor American veterans of all wars. Veterans Day takes place every year on the 11th day of the 11th month, the day in 1918 when World War I officially ended.

It is a federal holiday in the District of Columbia, which also means no parking restrictions in the city, no trash pick-up and government office closures.

Veterans Day Observance
World War II Memorial, 9 a.m

Special ceremony celebrating World War II Veterans. Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley will speak, and a U.S. Postal Service commemorative stamp will be unveiled.

National Veterans Day at Arlington Cemetery
Arlington Cemetary, 11 a.m.

To honor those who have served in the armed forces. Ceremony starts at the Tomb of the Unknowns with the laying of a presidential wreath and will be continued inside the Memorial Amphitheater.

U.S. Navy Memorial
Naval Heritage Center, 1 p.m.

Wreath-laying by the Naval District of Washington will take place near the Lone Sailor statue on the Memorial Plaza.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Constitution Avenue and Henry Bacon Drive, 1 p.m.

Veterans and their families will pay tribute to those who have served in military in Vietnam and other conflicts. A wreath-laying ceremony will take place by the Wall.

Freedom Bell Ringing Ceremony
Arlington Cemetery, West side Entrance of the welcome center, 1 p.m.

A ringing ceremony will be held by the welcome center at Arlington Cemetery. Visitors can ring the Freedom Bell to pay tribute to the armed forces or to honor loved ones in the military.

The Women in Military Service for America Memorial
Arlington Cemetery, The Women’s Memorial, 3 p.m.

The Women’s Memorial 16th annual Veterans Day Ceremony to honor all servicewomen, past and present. The ceremony will include a keynote address by Susan Scanlan, president of Women’s Research & Education Institute, a wreath-laying, and veterans’ remarks. Five servicewomen will join Scanlan to pay tribute to military veterans.

Mount Vernon Salutes Veterans
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway,?
Mount Vernon, Va.
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Performances by the Harmony Heritage Singers and Air Force String Orchestra and a wreath-laying ceremony. Free admission for all active duty, former or retired military personnel in honor of veterans. Veterans are invited to place a flower on George Washington’s tomb. Admission to Mount Vernon: adults, $17; children, $8.

Raise a Glass to Honor Our Veterans
Jack Rose Dining Saloon, 2007 18th St., NW.
6 p.m to 9 p.m

Exclusive tastings of rare single malt whiskies, sponsored by Potomac Wine & Spirits and Jack Rose Dining Saloon, in honor of veterans. Tickets are $100, and proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.
RSVP to info@jackrosediningsaloon.com

Honoring Our United States Armed Forces, Our Veterans and Their Families
DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D St., NW.
7 p.m.

A free concert by the organizers of the National Veterans Day Salute. Host Sheryl Lee Ralph will be joined by artists Katie Armiger, Carolyn Malachi, Y’Anna Crawley, among others, to honor veterans, military and their families.