Veteran's Day 2007 in the Nations Capital

Veteran's Day was created originally to celebrate the Veteran's of World War I. It was first celebrated on November 11, 1919 after the war had ended on November 11, 1918. Back then it was known as "Armistice Day". It was made an official Federal Holiday on May 13, 1938. In 1954 at the end of World War II the government official changed "Armistice Day" to "Veterans Day" and it was to celebrate all American Veterans. Veterans Day will be celebrated throughout the Nation on November 11^th, but what better place to celebrate our Veterans than in our Nations Capital.

Here in Washington, D.C. There will be lots to do and see, not to mention possibly the highest number of Veterans gathered together. They will come to the monuments to celebrate and remember those lost at war. The traditional "Reading of the Names" will be taking place from November 6^th until the 10^th at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. Start your weekend off with the Vietnam Veterans Parade. It will be held on November 10^th beginning at 11 am. The route will run between 7^th Street and end at the Washington Monument. At the end of the parade there will be further celebrations to include a reuniting of units. The parade is to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Be sure to stop by the Vietnam Veterans memorial wall on November 11^th at 1pm for the wreath laying ceremonies.

There will also be other wreath laying ceremonies taking place in Washington, D.C on the 11^th of November. The wreath laying Ceremony at the Navy Memorial will take place on November 11^th at 1pm. It will include the color guard and the Navy's Ceremonial Band is scheduled to perform. At the World War II Memorial a wreath laying ceremony will take place at 11 am and 4pm on November 11^th.

A really interesting event to checkout will be the Marines Corp's National Museum which will be celebrating it 1^st year open as well as Veterans Day from November 10^th to November 12^th. This event will be filled with exciting events and interesting displays. You will be able to sample an MRE's (Meal ready to eat) and a cake cutting, but not with your ordinary knife. They will cut the cake with swords. For more information you can contact the National Marine Corp Museum at 1(800) 397-7585.

There are other traditional events that take place every year like the wreath laying ceremonies at Arlington Nationals Cemetery's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. That will take place at 11 am. You could spend the entire day walking the museum and taking one of their many tours. You should also watch the changing of the guard while you are there.

Washington, D.C has many events to offer those who want to pay their respects to the Veterans of this great Nation. From Nov 10^th through November 12^th the Nations Capital will be filled with Veterans and events to honor them. For more information or to learn about the history of Veterans Day please visit The Department of Veteran Affairs website.