Veterans Day 2009 - Video Message

"Thank a veteran, remember the price of freedom is not free."

Veterans Day was originally established to honor Americans who had served in World War I. The national holiday is celebrated on November 11, the anniversary of the day World War I ended in 1918. Today Veterans Day honors veterans of all wars for their patriotism and willingness to serve in the military and sacrifice for our country.

Veterans Day is a great time to visit the monuments and memorials in Washington, DC. Many of the memorials and a few other attractions around the region host special events in honor of America’s veterans.

Here is the schedule for 2009:

Vietnam Veterans Memorial November 11, 2009, 1 pm. Constitution Avenue and Henry Bacon Dr. NW, Washington, DC. Color guard, speakers and a wreath-laying ceremony.

Arlington National Cemetery November 11, 2009, 11 am. Across the Potomac from Washington at the west end of the Memorial Bridge, Arlington, Virginia. (703) 607-8000. This is the national Veterans day service with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Seating in the amphitheater is limited, so visitors should plan to arrive at least a half hour before the ceremony.

Vietnam Women's Memorial November 11, 2009, 9 am -12 pm and 2 - 5 pm. Constitution Avenue and Henry Bacon Drive, NW, Washington, DC. (301) 314-8505. Vietnam-era veterans and the children of veterans tell stories "in their own voices" about their experiences.

World War II Memorial November 11, 2009, 8 am. 17th Street, between Constitution and Independence Avenues, NW, Washington, DC. (202) 619-7222. Wreath laying ceremony.

Navy Memorial November 11, 2009. 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC. (202) 737-2300. 12 pm - Book Signing and Q&A with David Sears, author of "At War With The Wind. In the last days of World War II", a new and unknown weapon terrorized the United States Navy sailors in the Pacific Ocean - kamikaze. 1pm - Naval District Washington Commemorative Wreath laying, 1:30 pm - Screening of "Pappy Boyington Field," followed by Q&A with director Kevin Gonzalez. During World War II, Major Gregory "Pappy" Boyington led a squadron of Marine Corps fighter pilots known as the legendary "Black Sheep" of VMF-214. The movie details the controversial campaign Veterans groups initiated to add his name to an Idaho airport near his hometown for his courageous leadership.

National Marine Corps Museum November 10, 2009, 11 am and 1 pm. 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway, Triangle, Virginia. (800) 397-7585. Celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday and Veterans Day with a ceremonial sword cake cutting.

Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens November 11, 2009. Mount Vernon, Virginia. Special activities include a patriotic community concert by the all-veteran barbershop chorus at 11 am, at 2 pm wreath laying at the tomb of our first commander-in-chief, George Washington, and "Martha Washington" talking about her work with veterans at 1 pm and 3 pm in the Little Theater. Active duty military personnel and veterans are admitted free-of-charge. The wreath laying is included with regular Mount Vernon admission, $13 for adults and $6 children. The barbershop concert and Martha Washington program are free.

National Building Museum November 8, 2009. 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC. The National Building Museum offers a concert with the Navy Band, family activities, and special tours of its facility in honor of Veterans Day. Bring the family, a blanket, and picnic (food can be purchased in the cafe in the Museum's Great Hall, while listening to a free, noon-time performance by the United States Navy Band Cruisers. Special historic building tours will be offered for free at 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, and 3:30 pm.