75th Anniversary of D-Day At Virginia War Memorial Today

From the Virginia War Memorial’s event page:

Thursday, June 6, 2019 – 10:00am to 1:00pm
Watch the ceremony commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day streamed live from the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia.

Scheduled events include:

10:00 a.m. – Aerial Tribute to the Veterans of WWII
11:00 a.m. – “The Final Salute” Commemorative Observance

8th annual 5K for the Virginia War Memorial This Saturday

From event page:

07:30 AM – 09:00 AM EDT
621 S. Belvidere Street, Richmond, VA 23220

Join us as we honor and remember the sacrifices of those who have served in the United States Military. This annual event, the 8th annual 5K for the Virginia War Memorial, features a scenic route winding through historic Oregon Hill and Hollywood Cemetery, with the dramatic backdrop of the Virginia War Memorial Shrine, the James River and the River City skyline. All proceeds support the Virginia War Memorial Foundation and fund the Memorial’s educational outreach, documentary films, museum exhibits, and patriotic and community programs throughout the year.

Register for the race at https://runsignup.com/tga5k. Make sure you join the team ‘Team RWB’ so we can show the power of community and camaraderie in engaging veterans and enriching their lives!

Some additional information from organizers:

Expecting 500 participants, we will have Course Marshals and volunteers along the route, and Capitol Police and Richmond City Police will also be present. Please expect some minor delays along the course route during the race. There will not be any road closures in Oregon Hill, however, the following streets will be closed:
· The 2nd street ramp off of Belvidere and 2nd Street from Belvidere to Byrd Street.
· The Eastern most lane of northbound Belvidere (the lane closest to the Virginia War Memorial) from Spring Street to the Lee Bridge off ramp.
· Spring Street from Belvidere down to 2nd Street.

We are actively looking for volunteers (“Spirit Boosters”) for various roles before, during, and after the race. Volunteers are cheerfully accepted and encouraged. You can easily sign up to volunteer online, or call us directly at 804.786.2060.
Memorial Day is the day we remember all who have died in service to our country. By commemorating this weekend of reflection with our annual 5K race, we encourage all participants to remember the service and sacrifice of these brave men and women. This is a wonderful opportunity for the public to honor and remember our veterans and to thank them for all of the freedoms that we share. We are looking forward to having the residents of Oregon Hill help cheer for our race participants!
We also hope that you will attend the Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 27th and the free Thomas Jefferson Cadet Corps Alumni Band & Friends Memorial Concert in our Shrine at 2 p.m. that afternoon.
Thank you for your assistance with the 5K. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

The Greatest Generation Speaks: The Voices of WWII At Va. War Memorial Tomorrow

From the Virginia War Memorial event page:

Saturday, April 27, 2019 – 11:00am to 1:00pm
Free Event
Patriotic Events
Learn about World War II from those who have experienced it first-hand. A panel of veterans, several of whom have been features in our critically acclaimed Virginians at War documentary film series, will be on-site to share their stories and answer questions. A light reception to follow.

Play Ball! 100 Years Of Baseball in Virginia At War Memorial

Tomorrow night, April 16, the Virginia War Memorial is holding a special event that starts at 6:30 pm.

Come to the War Memorial on April 16 to celebrate the long history of baseball in Virginia!

Join local experts and fellow baseball fans as we discover the intertwined history of baseball and World War I from the Virginia National Guard Command Historian Al Barnes. Al will also be available during the event to personalize copies of his brand new book “Play Ball! Doughboys and Baseball in the Great War.”

Jump forward to today with the Richmond Flying Squirrels’ Todd “Parney” Parnell, to learn how the Squirrels are redefining baseball in Richmond today. Come ready to ask questions and learn, and see a variety of baseball artifacts spanning back through a century.

This family-friendly event is FREE and open to the public, and baseball-themed snacks will be available for purchase!

Speakers:
Al Barnes, Virginia Army National Guard Command Historian
Todd Parnell (Parney), Chief Operating Officer and Vice President, Richmond Flying Squirrels
James Triesler, VWM Director of Education

Cost:
FREE

Stories Of Service Event At The Virginia War Memorial

From the Virginia War Memorial event page:

Tuesday, February 26, 2019 – 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Free Event
Patriotic Events
Did you know the United States Colored Troops (USCTs) played a decisive role in the Union’s victory in the Civil War? These soldiers became known for their bravery and honor in the face of adversity from all sides.

This February, as part of our celebration of Black History Month, the Virginia War Memorial has invited the Civil War Museum to co-host a special event that delves into some of the lesser known personal histories of the USCTs. Please join us on Tuesday, Feburary 26 at 6:30 p.m. and discover the history and accomplishments of Virginian USCTs. Guest speakers dig into the stories of the African-American soldiers who fought for the Union, and for their own freedom.

Film Screening Tonight At Virginia War Memorial: Thank You For Your Service – 2nd showing

From Virginia War Memorial event page:

Monday, February 11, 2019 – 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Adult Programs
Free Event
The Virginia War Memorial will host two free screenings of the award-winning documentary Thank You For Your Service by Tom Donohue. The film takes aim at the failed mental health policies within the U.S. military and their tragic consequences.” Donahue combines the stories of four struggling Iraq War veterans with candid interviews with top military and civilian leaders to examine the U.S. military’s mental health crisis.

Former U.S. Army Sergeant William Rodriguez, MSW, one four veterans featured in the film, will be at both screenings to participate in panel discussions following the presentation.
Admission is FREE, but due to limited seating, pre-registration for free tickets is required. Click here for registration.

Partners with the Virginia War Memorial in presenting this film and discussion are the Office of the Mayor of the City of Richmond and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Richmond Vet Center. The goal of the presentations is to raise awareness of the issue of suicide among veterans, their spouses and families as part of the Mayor’s Challenge and Governor’s Challenge to prevent these suicides.

For more information, email Dr. Brian Meyer, Interim Associate Chief, Mental Health Services/Supervisor Psychologist at McGuire VA Medical Center at brian.meyer@va.gov.

Welcome & Introductory Presentation: 6:00 p.m.

Film Screening: 6:45 p.m.

Panel Discussion at 8:15 p.m.

Hike For Kids 2018

The last weekend of this busy month is even more busy, if that is possible. Hike for Kids, a fundraising event for the Blue Sky Fund, is this weekend and it has grown in stature. The purpose of the Blue Sky Fund is to increase the number of Richmond City Public School students that connect with nature.
From the event’s webpage:

Enjoy the challenge of our
3-mile (family-friendly!), 8-mile, or 14-mile
loops, each starting and ending at the Virginia War Memorial. Soak in unforgettable river views and the crisp autumn air while hiking for a good cause – celebrate the end of your hike with beer, food and fun festivities for the whole family!

62nd Annual Memorial Day Ceremony

From the Virginia War Memorial’s website:

Monday, May 28, 2018 – 10:00am to 12:00pm
Free Event
Patriotic Events
Youth & Family
Join us for Virginia’s 62nd Annual Memorial Day Ceremony as we honor and remember all veterans who gave their lives to preserve American freedoms, from the Revolutionary War through today. This ceremony is one of the most beloved and well-attended every year.

Highlights of the event include music, guest speakers, and a wreath-laying ceremony in the Shrine of Memory.

“Little Soldier Saturday” At The Va. War Memorial

The Virginia War Memorial is holding an event Saturday called “Little Soldier Saturday”. It is aimed at children aged 3 to 8.

From the event page:

Spark your child’s love of history at our “Little Soldier Saturday.” This FREE program is tailored to meet the needs of young learners, encourage an appreciation of the past, and inspire creativity. Activities feature songs, stories, crafts, and movement, based around a theme or historic time period.

Parents/caregivers must remain with children at all times.

Free to attend but registration is required.

For questions, please call our education department at 804 786 9700.

“Our Fathers’ Fight for Freedom” At Va. War Memorial Saturday

From the event page:

Part of the Virginia War Memorial’s 2018 Black History Month Series:

“If ordinary people are given proper training and opportunity they can do extraordinary things, regardless of race, creed, or color.” Those words were spoken by Mr. Howard Baugh (pictured), who flew 135 missions with the Tuskegee Airmen. During World War II, African-Americans fought fascism overseas and racism at home. These American heroes also included men like Mr. George Bland, who was serving aboard the USS West Virginia during the surprise attack at Pearl Harbor.

CBS6 Anchor Greg McQuade will lead the discussion as Captain Howard Baugh Jr. and Mr. Frank Bland share stories of their fathers and spread their legacies at the Virginia War Memorial on Saturday, February 17 at 2:00pm.

This event is FREE and open to the public, but registration is encouraged. Parking is free and will be available next door to the Virginia War Memorial at the VHDA.

Register here: http://vawarmemorial.org/event/our-fathers’-fight-freedom