This weekend we celebrate Veterans Day by honoring the men and women living and passed who have bravely served our country.
Veterans Day was declared a holiday by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in honor of the Veterans of World War I, then referred to as “The Great War.” It was to be celebrated on Nov. 11, in recognition of Armistice Day, when a temporary ceasefire went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th month on the 11th day.
For this reason, you will find that most of the Nov. 11
events will be held at 11 a.m.
Friday, Nov. 9, 2012:
Take a break from the fall festival scene and immerse yourself in warrior culture this weekend. See the gifted Shaolin Chinese Warriors perform magnificent Kung Fu at the Hylton Center at Manassas’ George Mason Campus. Be awed by their grace, strength and discipline. Tickets range from $32-$48. Call ahead 703-993-7759, or email hylton@gmu.edu for ticket information.
Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012:
Come down to historic Old Town Manassas at 11 a.m. Saturday to witness the 4th Annual Greater Manassas Veteran’s Day Parade, honoring America’s Cold War Veterans. It is the only Washington, D.C. area veteran’s parade. This year’s parade also includes community awareness exhibits at the Harris Pavilion comprised of various period military uniforms. It is open to the public and free. http://www.vetpar.org
While in town, visit two new exhibits at the Manassas Museum ,“Between the States: Photographs of the American Civil War” and “Currency in Conflict,” and learn more about the Civil War era. Then stroll through the museum and to learn more about Civil War history.
One way in which you can honor veterans this Veterans Day weekend is by volunteering your team to clean up Marumsco Creek in Veterans Park on 14300 Featherstone Road in Woodbridge. Clean up will be held between 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. Sign up at the park’s large pavilion. Children above the age of six may participate along with their parents. Do not bring children any younger. Email any questions to kellyjimenez@pwswcd.org.
Enjoy some classic rock music on Saturday night. George Mason University’s Patriot Center in Fairfax, Virginia will hold an American Freedom Festival at 7:30 p.m., featuring performances from Chicago and Kansas. The concert will honor veterans, service members and their families and benefit various organizations that provide support to veterans and wounded warriors. In cooperation with the American Freedom Festival, a military veterans' job fair will be held from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012
The nation’s most honorable Veteran’s memorial service is just a few miles away in nearby Arlington. Arlington National Cemetery will hold its National Veteran’s Day Observance Program at 11 a.m. at the Memorial Amphitheater, including laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider. Seating is limited, so plan to arrive early.
Manassas will also hold its own Veteran’s Day Wreath Laying ceremony, hosted by the GFWC Women’s Club of Manassas and Stonewall Jackson High School Junior Air Force ROTC. It will commence at 11 a.m. at the Manassas Museum’s War Memorial, which is located next to the museum on 9010 Prince William Street in the City of Manassas. Call 703-508-0399 for more information.
Monday, Nov. 12, 2012
Remember, in recognition of Veterans Day school and government offices will be closed.
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