FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2004

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 Heritage Harmony Singers at 11 a.m., and a 2 p.m. wreathlaying at the tomb of our first Commander-in-Chief George Washington.

The all-veteran barbershop chorus, The Heritage Harmony Singers represent all branches of the military. The 11 a.m. concert in the Smith Auditorium is free and open to the public; no tickets required.

The wreathlaying, sponsored by the Sons of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the American Revolution at George Washington’s tomb, will take place at 2 p.m. Open to all visitors, veterans may participate in the ceremony by placing a red carnation inside the gates of Washington’s final resting place. 

Events, programs, and activities are subject to change.

Public Information: 703-780-2000; 703-799-8697 (TDD); www.mountvernon.org

George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, open to the public since 1858, communicates the character and leadership of Washington to millions of Americans each year through a variety of interpretive programs on the Estate and in classrooms across the nation. Mount Vernon is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, founded in 1853, making it America’s oldest national preservation organization. Mount Vernon is located at the southern end of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, just 16 miles from Washington, D.C. Admission fees, restaurant and retail proceeds, along with private donations, support the operation and restoration of Mount Vernon.

Hours of operation: April-August, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; March, September, October, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; November – February, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Regular admission rates: adults, $11.00; senior citizens, $10.50; children age 6-11, when accompanied by an adult, $5.00; and children under age 5, FREE. Admission fees, restaurant and retail proceeds, along with private donations, support the operation and restoration of Mount Vernon.