Valley Forge Plans Big Vets Day

One of the nation's most famous military encampments will commemorate Veterans Day with a full roster of events on Monday.

Valley Forge National Historical Park posted an open invitation to the public on the park's Facebook Page that sums up the day's activities in the park this way:

Join us this #VeteransDay, Monday, November 11th to honor America's military, past and present. A commemoration ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the National Memorial Arch with participation from a number of local and national military organizations including honor guards from Royersford and Collegeville, a brass quintet from Fort Dix, and our guest speaker from the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Concluding the main portion of the ceremony 20 new recruits will take their Oath of Enlistment into the US Armed Forces.

Later on at the Muhlenberg Brigade huts, take part in a unique opportunity to learn about America’s military through the ages. Over a dozen reenactors in period military attire will present a timeline of American wars and conflicts including the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War. Program is ongoing from noon to 3:00 p.m.

Here are the specifics as detailed on the VFNHP website.

11 a.m. Commemoration Ceremony at the National Memorial Arch
Guest speakers from the National Park Service and the Military Order of the Purple Heart, as well as several local and national military organizations will honor our nation's heroes through traditional ceremonial services. Concluding the event, an Oath of Enlistment Ceremony will induct twenty new recruits into the United States military. Immediately following the ceremony all military personnel and their families are invited to a reception in their honor in the Education Center, located next to the park's Visitor Center.

12 p.m. - 3 p.m. American Military Through the Ages at the Muhlenberg Brigade Huts
Following the morning's ceremony, park staff, volunteers, and veterans will present America's military history from the perspectives of a variety of conflicts including the Revolutionary, Civil, and Vietnam Wars.

Valley Forge Trolley Tours 90 minutes
Guided tours depart from the Visitor Center at 12 p.m. & 2 p.m.
10% discount will be given to all military personnel.

Ranger-led Walking Tours 40 minutes
Meet outside the Park Theater at 12:20 p.m. & 2:20 p.m.
and walk 1/4 mile to Muhlenberg Brigade Huts.

Parking for the commemoration ceremony is available at the National Memorial Arch. Additional parking is available at the Wayne's Woods Picnic Area, just past the Arch 1/4 mile on the right. Follow the Encampment Tour Route (Outer line Drive to 252 to Rt 23 East) to return to the Education Center located in a separate building adjacent to the Visitor Center.

This event is free and open to the public.