69th Annual Commonwealth’s Veterans Day Ceremony

This Tuesday is Veteran’s Day, which was originally established as Armistice Day, in 1918, the day that marked the end of “The War To End All Wars”.
Armistice Day was considered a global day of peace, that lead to the creation of The League of Nations in 1920, the predecessor to the United Nations.
The holiday was renamed Veterans Day in the United States in 1954.

The Virginia War Memorial will be holding its annual Veterans Day ceremony this Tuesday at 3pm:

From the website announcement:

Join us for the 69th Annual Commonwealth’s Veterans Day Ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial, honoring Virginia’s men and women who have served and who are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces.
There will be guest speakers, patriotic music and recognition of the winners of the Virginia War Memorial’s Veterans Day Student Essay Contest.
The ceremony will be held in the Virginia War Memorial’s E. Bruce Heilman Amphitheater, rain or shine.

Virginia War Memorial To Hold “Say Their Names” Marathon

The Virginia War Memorial will honor fallen service members in a unique way this Memorial Day by having veterans, “Gold Star families”, and members of the public will read aloud the names of nearly 12,000 Virginians killed or missing in action over an estimated twelve hour time period.

The names, etched in glass and stone at the Shrine of Memory, represent Virginians who died during wartime from World War II to the never-ending “War on Terror”.

The Virginia War Memorial, a division of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS), will host the 69th annual Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 26, 2025, in the Heilman Amphitheater. The “Say Their Names Marathon” will begin at the conclusion of the formal ceremony in the Shrine of Memory – 20th Century. The public is invited and encouraged to attend the ceremony and to support those reading the names through the afternoon and evening.

Virginia War Memorial Veterans Day 2024

Today at 11 am, the Virginia War Memorial hosts the 68th annual Commonwealth’s Veterans Day Ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial, honoring Virginia’s men and women who have served and who are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces.

There will be guest speakers, patriotic music, and the winners of the annual Virginia War Memorial’s Student Essay Contest will be formerly announced. The event is rain or shine and ceremony will be held in the Virginia War Memorial’s E. Bruce Heilman Amphitheater.

It’s important to remember that the historic Oregon Hill neighborhood used to extend to this area, and that Belvidere Street used to be a one lane, residential street similar to what Laurel and Pine streets are.

Oregon Hill residents are respectful and thankful to our veterans for their service and sacrifice.

Yet… I also took the above photo this morning, partly because it shows the yet-to-be-unveiled new traffic light for the pedestrian crossing, but also because the shrouded figure reminded me of the infamous and damning Abu Ghraib torture and prisoner abuse.

Many Oregon Hill residents are concerned about the longterm and increasing militarism and war promoted by BOTH sides of the corporate duopoly (Democrats AND Republicans), despite public opinion against it.

When will the politicians read and listen?

Let’s hope Veteran’s Day ceremonies remain nonpartisan and nonpolitical in a solemn spirit, but let’s also remember the recent Halloween Parade’s theme, “A Funeral March for Silence”.

Virginia War Memorial Holds Virtual Valentine’s Day Event

The Virginia War Memorial is holding a a virtual event on Wednesday, Valentine’s Day, starting at 10:30 am.

From event description:

The simple act of sending and receiving a Valentine’s Day card or letter provided a boost in morale among service members.

Many military personnel were grappling with homesickness on the frontlines. Their loved ones at home were dealing with the anxiety of the unknown.

Join our Archivist Sylvia Marshall on Valentine’s Day as she looks at historical Valentine’s, cards, and letters sent during wartime. Sylvia will bring you some selections from our Archives that highlight stories of love, romance, and loss of those who were far apart during wartime.

As always, our Livestream Programs are free and open to all, but registration is required.

Register on Zoom from the event page.

Virginia War Memorial To Host Vietnam Veteran Event On Wednesday

The Virginia War memorial will host a special event on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, ‘National Vietnam Veterans Day’, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The free event will feature a book discussion featuring Barbara Powers Wyat, author and editor of “We Came Home: The First Hand Stories of Vietnam POWS,” followed by a tour of the Memorial’s newest exhibit, “Fifty Years Beyond The Vietnam Veteran Experience.”

“Virginia is home to nearly 700,000 military veterans. Of these, over 200,000 served during the Vietnam War from 1961 through 1975,” said Daniel Gade, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS). “More than 1,300 Virginians died in service, and another 46 are still missing in action. Nine Virginians who served were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, our Nation’s highest military honor.”

The Virginia War Memorial is requiring registration as space is limited.

Antique Cars Today, Virtual Memorial Day Ceremony Tomorrow

From Neighbor and OHNA President Todd Woodson:

Hope you are having a blessed Memorial Day Weekend!

Today (Sunday) between 1:15-1:45, a group of about 30 Vintage cars will be driving down 300 block S Cherry on a road rally from the Antique Auto Club.

Well worth a walk over to see.

Also, tomorrow, our neighbor the Virginia War Memorial will be holding its annual Memorial Day service. Due to the current stay-at-home orders, they regretfully cannot host their annual Memorial Day events open to the public. The Virginia War Memorial instead invites you to this year’s Memorial Day Ceremony “virtually” at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 25. To watch, connect on their website.

“Megan Leavey” At Virginia War Memorial This Saturday

Saturday, March 7, the Virginia War Memorial will celebrate Women’s History Month with a screening of “Megan Leavey” (2017, PG-13) – a story of a Marine and her military K9 dog – followed by a panel discussion with women veterans of the so-called “the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT)”.

Just keep in mind that “Hollywood isn’t in the business of telling true stories”, and some have criticized the film as being “oblivious to Iraqi suffering”.

Also, star actress of the movie, Kata Mara later joined the Humane Society in delivering close to 200,000 petition signatures to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, urging the agency to restore online records of inspections and violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act after it had suddenly purged many records.

The screening is free and open to the public. and doors open at 10:00 AM. Movie begins at 10:30 AM. Snacks will be available during the film.

Artist Reception At the Virginia War Memorial This Thursday

This Thursday from 6pm to 8pm, the Virginia War Memorial is hosting an artist reception.

From their site:

Join us at the Virginia War Memorial to celebrate the opening of the Veterans’ Art Gallery with a reception, presentation, and live music. Our inaugural exhibit contains stunning artwork in varied mediums from a collection of veterans. Come see, learn, and be inspired by this new, one-of-a-kind gallery. Our featured artist is Mike Fay.

Exhibit Artists included:

Mike Fay
Diana de Avila
Pamela Corwin
Bernie Donato
Dennis Hicks
Saxon Martinez
This event is free and open to the public.