Virginia War Memorial To Present Special Holiday Program Commemorating World War I Christmas Eve Truce
“Silent Night on the Western Front, 1914,” a special holiday program and concert will be presented at 6 p.m., Thursday, December 15 at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond.
Dr. Clay Mountcastle, the Memorial’s director and a noted military historian, will present a multi-media program that tells the story of how French, German and British soldiers fighting along the Western Front during World War I initiated an unofficial truce on Christmas Eve 1914 and left their trenches to exchange greetings, share food, sing carols and even play a game of soccer.
The program will also include a live concert of traditional holiday music sung by members of the Greater Richmond Chorus. There is no charge for admission and the public is encouraged to attend.
“The story of the Christmas Eve Truce is truly a story of war, peace and the triumph of the holiday spirit,” Dr. Mountcastle said. “It is particularly fitting that we remember this historic and inspirational event as we prepare for the 100th anniversary of America’s entry into World War I.”
“We invite everyone to come and join us for our ‘Silent Night on the Western Front’ program,” Dr. Mountcastle added. “In fact, the Virginia War Memorial and our Paul and Phyllis Galanti Education Center will also be open for free tours every day during the holidays except Christmas Day, so please come visit.”
For more information about “Silent Night on the Western Front, 1914” and other upcoming events, please call 804.786.2060 or visit www.vawarmemorial.org.
About the Virginia War Memorial
The mission of the Virginia War Memorial is to 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.
Situated on over four acres at 621 South Belvidere Street in downtown Richmond, the Virginia War Memorial and its Paul and Phyllis Galanti Education Center are open for tours Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, 12 noon-4 p.m. Admission and parking are free. For more information, please visit www.vawarmemorial.org or www.facebook/virginiawarmemorial.
About the Virginia War Memorial Foundation
Chartered in 2000, the Virginia War Memorial Foundation (VWMF) is the non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation dedicated to the sole financial support of the educational outreach, historical exhibits, documentary films and patriotic programs of the Virginia War Memorial. Donations to the Foundation from individuals, corporations, military and veterans groups, and organizations are tax-deductible. For more information, call 804.786.2060 or go to www.vawarmemorial.org and click on “Get Involved.”