While Veterans Day (Wednesday, Nov. 11) will be more low key than usual years, there are still plenty of events to help honor those who served the country. From virtual ceremonies to the opening of a new museum, here are nine events to attend on Veterans Day.
Grand Opening of the National Museum of the U.S. Army
Wednesday, 9 a.m.
Start off your Veterans Day celebration at the brand new National Museum of the U.S. Army. This will be the first and only museum to tell the entire history of the military branch since it was established in 1775. There will be a variety of exhibits and videos about the transformation of the army and the soldiers that helped protect the country. Timed tickets are required to enter. // National Museum of the United States Army: 1775 Liberty Drive, For Belvoir; free
Veterans Day Brunch and Silent Auction
Wednesday, 9 am.-2 p.m.
Enjoy a delicious meal and help out a good cause at Daybreak Kitchen. Spend the day filling up on an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet and browsing local donations at the silent auction. A portion of the ticket sales will be donated to Mission 22 and all of the silent auction sales will be donated toward Loudoun Career Fire Fighters Association.// Daybreak Kitchen & Biscuit Co.: 22455 Davis Drive, Suite 133, Sterling; $35
Mount Vernon Salutes Veterans
Wednesday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Make your way over to Mount Vernon for a special celebration. While you are touring General Washington’s estate, make sure to pay your respects at Washington’s grave. Masks will be required when social distancing cannot be maintained. // George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon; free admission for active duty, former or retired military personnel
Veterans Day Commemoration
Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.
Honor those who fought to protect the country at Leesburg’s annual commemoration. The celebration will be led by speaker Rear Admiral Thomas C. Lynch, who served 32 years in the U.S. Navy. Reservations are required. // George C. Marshall’s Dodona Manor: 312 E. Market St., Leesburg; free
Veterans Day Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery
Wednesday, 11 a.m.
Arlington National Cemetery’s Veterans Day observance will be live-streamed this year. Like the usual ceremony, it will include the honorary wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and multiple speakers. While the cemetery will be open to the public, the ceremony will be limited to official ceremony participants. // Arlington National Cemetery: 1 Memorial Ave., Arlington; free
Free Pizza at Colony Grill
Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.
The new Colony Grill will be celebrating Veterans Day with complimentary slices for active, inactive and retired military members. The restaurant is know for its photos of military members throughout the walls of the establishment, know as the Wall of Heroes. The offer will be applied to dine-in orders, unless approved by management. // Colony Grill: 2800 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 850, Arlington; free for active, inactive and retired military members
Veterans Day Fundraiser at Lost Rhino
Wednesday, 4-9 p.m.
Take your happy hour to Lost Rhino Brewing and support local veterans. For Veterans Day, the brewery will feature specials for the military community. Also, a portion of the day’s sales will go towards the Road Warrior Foundation. // Lost Rhino Brewing Co.: 21730 Red Rum Drive, Suite 142, Ashburn; free entry
Free Activities at Punch Bowl Social
Wednesday, 4-10 p.m.
Let your inner gamer out at Punch Bowl Social. This Veterans Day, active duty military members and veterans will receive one hour of free activities at the food and entertainment venue. This includes blowing, ping pong, bocce ball, darts and arcade games. // Punch Bowl Social: 4238 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1180, Arlington; free for active duty military members and veterans
Virtual 5K: Semper K9 3rd Annual Hero Hike 5K/1 Mile
Through Saturday
The third annual Hero Hike 5K is going virtual. Plan out your 5K or one-mile path and help honor all veterans, from the soldiers and doctors to the pups. Participants for the week-long event will receive an event shirt and medal. // $35
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