For Immediate Release
October 31, 2005
Digital images available
Media Contact:
Melissa Wood (703) 799-5203
mwood@mountvernon.org
MOUNT VERNON, Va. – Mount Vernon celebrates Veteran’s Day by admitting active duty military personnel and veterans free-of-charge in honor of the nation’s veterans. Special activities include a patriotic community concert by the all-veteran barbershop chorus The Harmony Heritage Singers at 11 a.m., a 2 p.m. wreathlaying at the tomb of our first commander-in-chief, George Washington, and “Martha Washington” talking about her work with veterans at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the Robert H. and Clarice Smith Auditorium. The barbershop concert and Martha Washington program are free and open to the public.
The all-veteran barbershop chorus, The Heritage Harmony Singers, representing all branches of the military, will sing a variety of patriotic songs in a 45-minute performance that will include a special musical tribute to the Coalition forces serving overseas. At the end of the performance, the singers will ask members of the audience who have served in the military to stand and join them in singing the Armed Forces Medley. The 11 a.m. concert in the Robert H. and Clarice Smith Auditorium is free; no tickets required.
“Martha Washington” will be at the Robert H. and Clarice Smith Auditorium discussing her role of accompanying General Washington during the Revolutionary War and her support of veterans. Martha made the trip every winter to the winter quarters to spend time with her husband. While in military camp, she entertained visiting diplomats and the wives of fellow officers and assisted with secretarial duties. She led fundraising campaigns to provide the troops with much needed supplies. The programs at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the Robert H. and Clarice Smith Auditorium are free; no tickets required.
A moving wreathlaying ceremony at George Washington’s tomb, sponsored by the Sons of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the American Revolution, will take place at 2 p.m. The ceremony will begin with visitors participating in the Pledge of Allegiance. Giving the visitors time for reflection, Washington's “Prayer for His Country” will be read aloud to the crowd. The wreathlaying is open to all visitors, and veterans may participate in the ceremony by placing a red carnation inside the gates of Washington’s final resting place. The wreathlaying is included with regular Mount Vernon admission, $11 for adults and $5 children.
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