The Commonwealth is Marking 250 Years of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps with memorable events
Virginia is taking center stage in the nation’s semiquincentennial celebrations, honoring the 250th anniversaries of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps. With a lineup of extraordinary events and activities and a host of incredible museums and memorials, the state is paying homage to its pivotal role in American history.
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Arlington National Cemetery (Arlington County)
Two major annual remembrance ceremonies take place at Arlington National Cemetery’s Memorial Amphitheater on Memorial Day (last Monday of May) and Veterans Day (November 11). Some 5,000 visitors attend each of these national ceremonies, which are sponsored by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington. All ceremonies and special events are free and open to the public.
Women’s Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery
As the only historical repository documenting all military women’s service, this memorial educates and inspires through innovative and interactive exhibitions, world-class collections and engaging programs and events. Celebrated each year on June 12 in recognition of the anniversary of the 1948 Women’s Armed Services Integration Act signing, 2025 is the 77th anniversary of that groundbreaking legislation for America’s military women, granting women a permanent place and an opportunity for a career in the nation’s military. Visit the memorial fora festive afternoon featuring a special program, recognition, celebration, food and appreciation for the three million women patriots who have served and are serving this nation so proudly and well.
Military Aviation Museum (Virginia Beach)
The Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach will host an airshow in 2025 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of military events. The Flying Proms Symphonic Airshow will take place on June 14. This one-of-a-kind outdoor concert features live music, thrilling aerial displays and dazzling fireworks. Flying Proms promises an unforgettable fusion of history and group-friendly festivities. Bring your picnic basket and soak in the ambiance as you delight in your favorite patriotic tunes and aviation-themed melodies, while enjoying a selection of wines, beers, sodas and water that are available for purchase.
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National D-Day Memorial (Bedford)
The National D-Day Memorial is a must visit for anyone interested in World War II or American military history. This year, the Memorial will honor the military on June 6 with a special ceremony. The event will offer free admission until noon.
National Museum of the Marine Corps (Triangle)
The National Museum of the Marine Corps is a lasting tribute to the commitment, accomplishments and sacrifices of U.S. Marines. Situated on a 135-acre site adjacent to Marine Corps Base Quantico, and under the command of Marine Corps University, the museum’s soaring design evokes the images of the flag raisers of Iwo Jima and beckons visitors to this 240,000-square-foot structure. World-class interpretive exhibits with innovative technology and unique artifacts surround visitors and immerse them in the sights and sounds of Marines in action.
Marine-related events scheduled for the year include:
- (Nov. 10 and 11) VA250 Marine Corps and Armed Forces 250th Celebration at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond
- (Nov. 15) 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Kemp’s Landing
National Museum of the United States Army (Fort Belvoir)
This museum celebrates 250 years of Army history and honors the country’s soldiers: the Army, Army Reserve and the Army National Guard.
The museum and the Army Historical Foundation are planning multiple events to commemorate the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary in 2025. On May 30, the museum will host a Revolutionary War Symposium. This free, full-day symposium will focus on the first two years of the Revolutionary War. The symposium will include speakers and a behind-the-scenes look at the new exhibit.
Opening June 14 is the exhibit Call To Arms: The Soldier and the Revolutionary War. Curated to commemorate the Army’s 250th birthday and our nation’s independence in 2026, this landmark 5,000-square-foot exhibit will include a rare collection of Revolutionary War artifacts from the original colonies, England, France and Canada, accompanied by soldier stories of our nation’s first veterans. Experience the sights and sounds of the American Revolution through the personal stories of the men and women who fought it.
Also on June 14th is the 250th Army Birthday Festival. The AHF will collaborate with museums, cultural institutions, and education groups to share the museum’s mission across the country.
Virginia War Museum(Newport News)
American military history from 1775 to the present is highlighted through weapons, vehicles, uniforms, insignia and more. See a section of the Berlin Wall and a portion of the outer wall from Dachau Concentration Camp. Galleries include Women at War and Marches Toward Freedom, exploring the roles of women and African-Americans in the military and Visions of War, the Museum’s outstanding propaganda poster collection. On June 14, the museum will host The Shipyard Experience: A Trolley and Walking Tour. Although visitors cannot enter Newport News Shipyard due to security restrictions, this tour will feature many sites related to the shipyard, including Huntington Avenue, the tugboat Dorothy, the Apprentice School Dormitory, the Victory Arch and Victory Landing Park, the Yard District, and Hilton Village. Guests will learn about the shipyard’s founding, its role in 20th century wars, and its current priorities.
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