Place a Floral Tribute at Washington's Tomb
All day, veterans are invited to place a floral tribute at the Tomb, provided by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Hear From General George Washington & Henry Knox
Listen to a speech by the first commander in chief and Henry Knox, a General of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, at 1:30 p.m. in the Interpretive Center.
Celebrate Veterans Day With Music & Tradition
Watch a Special Music Program From Mount Vernon's Fifer
Enjoy a special music program for Veterans Day at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on the bowling green. Hear patriotic medleys, learn a brief history of Veterans Day, and participate in a Q&A session with Mount Vernon's fifer.
In case of rain, the program will be held inside the greenhouse in the upper garden.
Listen to Choral, Strings & Woodwind Performances
Throughout the day, talented ensembles from across the armed forces and the local community will take the stage in the Robert H. and Clarice Smith Auditorium, offering performances in honor of Veterans Day.
- The Harmony Heritage Singers at 11 a.m.
- The United States Army Woodwind Quintet at 12:30 p.m.
- The United States Air Force Strings at 2 p.m.
Sample Free Fresh Baked Bread (Veterans Only)
As a thank you to our veterans, visit the Half Crown Bakehouse on the 12-acre field all day for a complimentary quarter-slice of traditional 18th-century bread with salt pork butter.
While supplies last. Coupons for this free sample can be picked up upon arrival, along with the free admission tickets for veterans.
Explore the Creation of Military Branches at the Discovery Station
Stop by the discovery station all day on the bowling green to learn about the daily lives of sailors and Marines, and George Washington's role in leading them, during the 250th anniversary of the creation of the United States Navy and Marine Corps.
Touch some of the objects they might have packed in their sea chest.
Join Story Time to Uncover a Unique Patriot Soldier
At 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the bowling green, listen to a reading of Cloaked in Courage: Uncovering Deborah Sampson, Patriot Soldier, and discover how a woman enlisted and fought in the Continental Army.
Create Your Own Card for a Veteran
Make your own card thanking a veteran for their service at the Hands-on-History Center in the Education Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Schedule of Events
| All Day | Active, formed, & retired military receive free admission | Mount Vernon |
| All Day | Veterans place a floral tribute (facilitated by Daughters of the American Revolution) | The New Tomb |
| All Day | Fresh-baked bread samples for veterans from Half Crown Bakehouse | 12-Acre Field |
| All Day | Discovery Station: Continental Navy & Marines | Bowling Green |
| 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Make a thank-you card for a veteran | Education Center |
| 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. | Music & History for Veterans Day | Bowling Green |
| 11 a.m. | Story Time: Cloaked in Courage: Uncovering Deborah Sampson, Patriot Soldier | Bowling Green |
| 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Harmony Heritage Singers performance | Smith Auditorium |
| 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | United States Army Woodwind Quintet performance | Smith Auditorium |
| 1 p.m. | Sons of the American Revolution & Daughters of the American Revolution Ceremony | The New Tomb |
| 1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m. | Meet General George Washington & Henry Knox | Interpretive Center |
| 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. | United States Air Force Strings performance | Smith Auditorium |
| 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m. | Music & History for Veterans Day | Bowling Green |
| 3 p.m. | Story Time: Cloaked in Courage: Uncovering Deborah Sampson, Patriot Soldier | Bowling Green |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do veterans and military members receive free admission?
Yes. Active-duty, former, and retired military personnel receive free admission on Veterans Day. Military service members can pick up their free tickets upon arrival. Free admission does not extend to family members or guests.
Does Mount Vernon Salutes Veterans take place rain or shine?
Mount Vernon is open rain or shine. Some programs or activities may be modified or canceled because of severe weather.
Are dogs allowed at Mount Vernon Salutes Veterans?
Leashed dogs are welcome in outdoor areas during daytime public visitation, but they are not permitted inside the Mansion or other buildings.
What are Mount Vernon's hours?
Mount Vernon is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through October and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March. Hours may vary for special events.
Where is Mount Vernon, and how do I get there?
Mount Vernon is located at 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway in Mount Vernon, Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C., and is easily accessible by car. You can also reach us by public transportation, via boat cruise, or by bike (bike rentals are available).
Where can I park when visiting Mount Vernon?
Free parking is available on-site on a first-come, first-served basis.
Is Mount Vernon accessible to visitors with disabilities?
Mount Vernon offers accessible parking, routes, and accommodations throughout the estate. Some historic areas have limitations because of their age and design. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Will my bag be inspected?
Yes. All bags and containers 16x16x8 inches or smaller are subject to inspection upon arrival. Larger bags are not permitted.
Are strollers allowed at Mount Vernon?
Strollers are permitted at Mount Vernon, although some areas may have restrictions because of historic buildings, crowds, or uneven surfaces.
This event is sponsored by:
