The Virginia War Memorial will host the 70th annual Commonwealth’s Veterans Ceremony at 11 a.m., Wednesday, November 11.
Members of the public and especially those who have served or currently serve in the U.S. armed forces and their families are urged to attend and participate, reported director Dr. Clay Mountcastle. The ceremony honors and celebrates the men and women veterans who served in war and peacetime from the Revolutionary War 250 years ago to today.
“This is the 70th consecutive year that Virginians have gathered on these sacred grounds to honor those who have served our Commonwealth and Nation and commemorate Veterans Day,” said Dr. Mountcastle, who will serve as emcee. “We encourage everyone to come and participate here where we honor our veterans not just on November 11 but 365 days a year.”
The program will include notable speakers, a tribute to Virginia’s Blue Star families, the recognition of the Virginia War Memorial’s “Virginia Military Family of the Year” and the announcement of the 2026 winners of the Veterans Day Student Essay Contest. Music will be provided by the Mount Vernon Baptist Church Choir of Glen Allen, directed by John Sullivan, whose members also will present a pre-ceremony concert beginning at 10:35 a.m.
