68th Annual Commonwealth Veterans Day Ceremony to Honor Virginia’s Military Service Members

The 68th annual Commonwealth Veterans Day Ceremony is set for Monday, November 11, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond. This event, which holds significant importance for honoring military veterans, is open to the public. All are encouraged to attend in person, watch local television, or view the live stream online.

The longstanding Virginia tradition ceremony honors those who have served in America’s armed forces. This year’s keynote speaker will be General Gary M. Brito, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command based at Joint Base Langley-Eustis. Dr. Clay Mountcastle, Director of the Virginia War Memorial, will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

“Virginia has nearly 700,000 veterans, making it one of the states with the highest populations of veterans per capita,” said Mountcastle. “Our mission is to honor, remember, and celebrate our veterans daily, but Veterans Day is especially meaningful. When we say ‘Virginia is for Veterans,’ it’s not just a saying – it’s a commitment.”

The ceremony will feature remarks by Virginia Adjutant General Major General James W. Ring, a tribute to Virginia’s Blue Star families, and the announcement of the Virginia War Memorial’s 2024 Veterans Day Student Essay Contest winners. Musical tributes will include a performance by Gentlemen South of the Virginia Opry and additional music by the Virginia National Guard’s 29th Division Band.

Held in the Memorial’s E. Bruce Heilman Amphitheater, the ceremony will proceed rain or shine. Seating will begin at 10:30 a.m. The Memorial’s exhibit halls and grounds will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for visitors. Admission is free, and ample parking is available at the Memorial’s lot, underground deck, and nearby streets.

For those unable to attend, the event will be broadcast live on Richmond’s CBS stations WTVR 6.1 and 6.3 and streamed on WTVR.com. More information is available at www.vawarmemorial.org or by calling 804-786-2060.

This annual Veterans Day ceremony continues Virginia’s legacy of honoring its veterans, both living and fallen. It reminds the Commonwealth of its dedication to those who have dedicated their lives to service to the nation.