Governor McAuliffe To Address 2015 Commonwealth’s Veterans Day Ceremony at Virginia War Memorial, Public Invited To 59th Annual Program Honoring All Who Served in U.S. Armed Forces
(Richmond, VA) Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe will deliver the keynote address at the 59th Annual Commonwealth’s Veterans Day Ceremony to be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, November 11 at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond.
The annual program will be presented in the Heilman Amphitheater and Shrine of Memory on the grounds of the War Memorial at 621 South Belvidere Street. Co-hosts are the American Legion 11th District and the Virginia War Memorial Foundation.
This event is free of charge and the public is encouraged to attend and participate in honoring their fellow Virginians and all Americans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces from the Revolutionary War to present day.
“November 11 is the day we Americans set aside each year to honor the men and women who have proudly wore the uniforms of our United States Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard and Merchant Marine,” said Jon Hatfield, Executive Director of the Virginia War Memorial. “It is because of their service and sacrifice that we continue to enjoy the liberties and freedoms we all hold dear.”
Governor McAuliffe will be joined by several special guests, including the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs John Harvey, Dr. John O’ Bannon, Member of the House of Delegates and Chairman of the Virginia War Memorial board, Major General Darrell Williams, Commanding General, Fort Lee, and others.
Civic, military, veteran and community organizations that wish to participate in the presentation of memorial wreaths at the ceremony are requested to bring their own wreaths and must register with American Legion representatives onsite from 9 – 9:45 a.m. prior to the call to order of the program.
The 59th Annual Commonwealth’s Veterans Day Ceremony will be held rain or shine. The Virginia War Memorial’s Paul and Phyllis Galanti Education Center will be open for tours from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information about the Commonwealth’s Veterans Day Ceremony or directions to the Virginia War Memorial, please call 804.786.2060 or visit www.vawarmemorial.org or www.facebook/virginiawarmemorial .
About the Virginia War Memorial
The Virginia War Memorial’s mission is Honor Veterans, Preserve History, Educate Youth and Instill Patriotism in All. Dedicated in 1956, the Memorial includes the names of the nearly 12,000 Virginia heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and the Global War on Terrorism. The Virginia War Memorial is a division of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services and serves as an integral part of its mission in support of all Virginians who served in our military forces.
About The Virginia War Memorial Foundation
The Virginia War Memorial Foundation (VWMF) is the non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation dedicated to the sole financial support of the educational and patriotic programs and exhibits of the Virginia War Memorial. Donations to the Foundation from individuals, corporations, military and veterans groups and other organizations may be tax-deductible and are encouraged and appreciated. For more information, please visit www.vawarmemorial.org and click on Get Involved.