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The National Park Service and its partners will honor those who have served in our nation’s armed forces through in-person and virtual programming at several of the memorials on the National Mall on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11:
Wreath Laying Ceremonies – Wednesday, November 11
World War II Memorial – 10 a.m.
The Friends of the National World War II Memorial and the National Park Service will pay tribute to the more than 400,000 Americans who lost their lives during World War II on Veterans Day. World War II veterans will lay wreaths at the Freedom Wall in remembrance of their fallen comrades and the Military District of Washington will provide military support for the event. The ceremony is open to the public, but advance registration is encouraged.
World War I Memorial - 11 a.m.
The Doughboy Foundation will host a Bells of Peace commemoration at the World War I Memorial at 11 a.m. Bells of Peace commemorates the end of World War I and pays tribute to the 116,516 Americans who died during that conflict. Wreaths will be presented from embassies and veteran organizations. Attend in person at the memorial at 1493 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
African American Civil War Memorial - 10 a.m.
The staff of the African American Civil War Museum will hold a reading of the names at Memorial to honor the United States Colored Troops (USCT) as part of their Grand Reopening celebration and in recognition of Veterans Day.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial – 3 p.m.
Speakers at this ceremony and wreath laying will include Edie Meeks, a U.S. Army Nurse Corps veteran who served from 1968 to 1970, including a year in Vietnam, and Rebecca Rusch. Learn more and RSVP at vvmf.org.
U.S. Navy Memorial – 1 p.m.
The U.S. Navy Memorial will hold a wreath-laying ceremony to honor our nation's sailors and show appreciation for their service and sacrifice. Attend in person at the memorial (701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW) or online.
Korean War Veterans Memorial – 11 a.m.
The Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation will host a ceremony and wreath presentation at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, to honor all veterans who served in the Korean War.
If You Go
Parking at the memorials is extremely limited, more so on Veterans Day. Designated drop off points will be marked at the World War II Memorial and Korean War Veterans Memorial. Consider using DC Circulator or other forms of public transportation if you are planning to attend the ceremonies or visit the memorials on Veterans Day.
The monuments and memorials on the National Mall, including the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, World War I Memorial and World War II Memorial are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
National Park Service rangers and volunteers (easily identifiable by their bright yellow hats and shirts) are on duty at all of the veterans memorials on Veterans Day to answer questions and provide information about how these memorials honor those who served in the Armed Forces.
Please show your fellow visitors and the people honored by the memorials the proper respect during your visit. Bicycles and scooters are welcome on the National Mall, but please remember that riding is not permitted within the memorials themselves. Please walk your bike or scooter through the memorials, or use the designated parking areas provided. Your assistance in preserving a respectful and safe experience for all visitors is appreciated.
