First established in 1919 as Armistice Day to celebrate the end of World War I, Nov. 11 was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to include American veterans from all wars. Get the kids involved this year with fun activities, games and events in your neighborhood, or take time out of your busy schedule to give back while making new memories together.
Military families enjoy discounts, free offers and special events around the country. Families in the Virginia area enjoy free admission to Colonial Williamsburg, the historic district in Williamsburg, Va., including access to general stores, colonial homes, gardens, museums and the Governor’s Palace.
For those in the Virginia and Washington, D.C. area, take in some history while honoring veterans on with a visit to the Arlington National Cemetery. With more than 250,000 American heroes laid to rest, the site can be overwhelmingly powerful for visitors of all ages. Visit the eternal flame at John F. Kennedy’s grave and stroll through the various monuments including the Marine Corps War Memorial. Head over early and observe traditional Veterans Day ceremonies including the laying of a presidential wreath, playing of Taps and paying respects to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Head to the National Veterans Art Museum in Chicago, displaying art exhibits and incredible artwork created by veterans. The National Veterans Art Museum showcases a unique and important perspective on how it feels to have served in the military by veterans in their own interpretation and voice. The museum was originally dedicated to artwork created by Vietnam soldiers, but has since opened to works by all veterans. Check out special exhibits on Veterans Day and stop in exhibits “Above and Beyond,” “The Things They Carried” and the Vietnam Memorial, displaying 58,226 dog tags dangling from the ceiling.
National World War I Museum and Memorial
Veterans Day weekend offers active military and veteran families special admission prices and events. Check out the museum’s exhibits and sit in on keynote speakers, musical performances and various events over the long weekend.
Take a boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial for a documentary and history lesson. The World War II Valor in Pacific National Monument explores the USS Arizona Battleship, sunk Dec. 7, 1941, during the historical attack on Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawai’i. The loss of thousands of U.S. sailors ignited the United States’ involvement in WWII and is an incredibly impactful memorial for visitors.
Check out local parks and events in your area for a way to support and remember veterans and their families.
Read This Next
Travel Sustainably with BWH Hotels
Multigenerational
Apr 22, 2024#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedMultigenerational
Apr 22, 2024Travel Sustainably with BWH Hotels
BWH Hotels invites family travelers to experience sustainable practices across its global portfolio. The brand prioritizes sustainable and responsible tourism through its Because We Care program and various partnerships with eco-friendly brands.
Sponsored Content
United Continues Its Global Expansion
United Airlines keeps soaring to new heights, recently announcing another expansion of its leading global route network. The airline added new non-stop flights between Newark (EWR) and Marrakesh (RAK), Morocco; Tokyo (NRT) and Cebu (CEB), Philippines; and Houston (IAH) and Medellin (MDE), Colombia. That’s not all: United also plans to increase flights to popular worldwide destinations including Hong Kong (HKG); Seoul (INC), South Korea; and Porto (OPO), Portugal. Following the recent agreement to increase flights between the U.S. and Chinese governments, the airline now adds four weekly flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Shanghai (PVG).
Parents
Apr 22, 20244 Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day fast approaches, and all mothers and mother figures deserve something extra special this year. Treat the mom in your life, whether she’s an outdoor enthusiast or host extraordinaire, to these four great gifts.
Destinations / North America
Apr 19, 2024This Midwest Aquarium Lets You Live Out Your Ultimate “Night at the Museum” Dreams
This new experience at Wonders of Wildlife National Museum + Aquarium will have family travelers living out their Night at the Museum dreams. Whether visiting from out of town or a local to Springfield, Missouri; or looking for a unique kids’ birthday party experience, the new Private Overnight offer is perfect for explorers curious to see what happens at the aquarium after the lights go out.
Sponsored Content
Travel Tips to Help Protect Your Health and Your Trip
Five Tips to Help Minimize Potential Travel Problems
Multigenerational
Apr 19, 2024Why You Should Take a Multigen Vacation to Woodstock, Vermont
Kids can meet farm animals and try their hand at old-time crafts; energetic parents can hike the trails of Mount Tom; and those who prefer a slower pace can tour historic homes and gardens, photograph covered bridges, browse for antiques or gallery hop. All members of the family will enjoy family travel to central Vermont for a multigenerational getaway in Woodstock.
ShareThis