The annual National Veterans Day Observance is scheduled for Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at Arlington National Cemetery to honor all veterans who served and continue to serve in the military.
The U.S. Army Military District of Washington will conduct an Armed Forces Full Honor Wreath-Laying Ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Tomb of the Unknowns, to be followed by an observance program hosted by the Department of Veterans Affairs in Arlington’s Memorial Amphitheater.
Both the wreath-laying ceremony and the observance program are free and open to the general public. No tickets are needed to attend these events. Space is limited to standing room only for the wreath-laying ceremony and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the amphitheater. Attendees are encouraged to be at the Tomb of the Unknowns or seated in the amphitheater by 9:30 a.m.
Free parking is available for vehicles in the Arlington National Cemetery Visitors Center parking lot from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. A free shuttle service will provide transportation to Memorial Amphitheater beginning at 8 a.m. Walking to the amphitheater is prohibited. After the observance is over, shuttles will provide transportation back to the Visitors Center until 1 p.m.
Attendees will be required to pass through a security checkpoint to gain access to the ceremony. Prohibited items include: large bags or backpacks, firearms and weapons of any type, laser pointers, aerosol containers, soda cans, umbrellas, coolers, picnic baskets, bottled water, tripods, lighters, personal protection sprays, and insulated beverage containers.
Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. So it was no wonder that sooner or later his interests drew him to American history and especially to American military history. Many of his articles can be found on renowned portals like the New York Times, Washingtonpost or Wikipedia.
Reviewed by: Michael Howard