Virginia War Memorial to Host 70th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony November 11

The Virginia War Memorial will host the 70th Annual Commonwealth’s Veterans Day Ceremony on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 11 a.m., inviting Virginians to gather in Richmond to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

The free public ceremony will recognize veterans who served during war and peacetime, from the Revolutionary War 250 years ago to today’s military service members.

Veterans, active-duty military personnel, their families, and members of the public are encouraged to attend the annual tribute.

The program will feature guest speakers, a special tribute to Virginia’s Blue Star families, recognition of the Virginia War Memorial’s Virginia Military Family of the Year, and the announcement of the winners of the 2026 Veterans Day Student Essay Contest.

The Mount Vernon Baptist Church Choir of Glen Allen will provide music under the direction of John Sullivan. The choir will also perform a pre-ceremony concert beginning at 10:35 a.m.

“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 Virginia War Memorial Director Dr. Clay Mountcastle, who will serve as master of ceremonies.

“We encourage everyone to come and participate here where we honor our veterans not just on November 11 but 365 days a year.”

Ceremony Details and Parking

Weather permitting, the ceremony will take place outdoors in the E. Bruce Heilman Amphitheater at the Virginia War Memorial, located at 621 South Belvidere Street in Richmond.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive by 10:30 a.m. to find seating before the program begins.

Admission is free, with parking available in the Memorial’s surface lot, underground parking deck, and nearby streets.

The Memorial’s grounds and exhibit hall will remain open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Veterans Day, allowing visitors to explore exhibits honoring Virginia’s military history.

Live Television and Online Coverage

Those unable to attend in person can watch the ceremony live through several broadcast and online options.

The program will air on WTVR CBS 6.1 and 6.2 in Richmond and WGNT-TV 27.1 in Norfolk. A livestream will also be available at WTVR.com.

Seven Decades of Honoring Virginia’s Veterans

Dedicated in 1956, the Virginia War Memorial serves as the Commonwealth’s tribute to military service, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice defending the nation.

The Memorial bears the names of nearly 12,000 Virginians who died while serving during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the Global War on Terrorism.

Its mission is to honor veterans, preserve history, educate young people, and inspire patriotism.

As a division of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, the Memorial also plays an important role in preserving the stories and sacrifices of generations of Virginia service members.

The Department of Veterans Services operates more than 50 locations throughout Virginia, helping veterans and their families access benefits, healthcare-related resources, employment assistance, education, housing support, and other services.

The November 11 ceremony continues a seven-decade tradition of bringing Virginians together to remember the service, courage, and sacrifice of the Commonwealth’s military veterans.

For additional information about the ceremony, visit www.vawarmemorial.org or www.dvs.virginia.gov, or call 804-786-2060.