FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Annie Stone, 215-409-6687 [email protected]
CELEBRATE VETERANS DAY AT THE NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER
ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2019
Admission is free for veterans on Veterans Day
Philadelphia, PA (November 4, 2019) – On Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, the National Constitution Center will recognize the dedication and sacrifices of the brave people who have answered the Constitution’s call to “provide for the common defense.” Special events include a wreath laying ceremony, patriotic concerts, visitor chats with veterans, and engaging civic education programs. At activity stations, guests can write thank you letters to veterans and make patriotic crafts, including star wreaths and poppy pins. Admission is free for veterans on Veterans Day.
Veterans Day Programs
Flag Raising Ceremony
9:15 a.m., Front Lawn
The day begins with a flag raising ceremony overlooking Independence Mall.
Letter Writing Stations
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Grand Hall Lobby
At letter writing stations, visitors will be invited to take a moment to write messages (or draw pictures) expressing thanks to the people who have served in the country’s armed forces. The messages will be distributed to veterans in the community through Thank-A-Vet. Postcards can also be accessed online and downloaded by virtual visitors.
Community Partner Tables
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Grand Hall Lobby
Representatives from various community partner organizations will join the National Constitution Center for its Veterans Day observance. These organizations will discuss their work in the community; the services they offer veterans, military personnel, and military families; and how volunteers can get involved.
Arts and Crafts Tables
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Grand Hall Lobby
Activity tables will include a variety of family-friendly make-and-take crafting stations. Among the craft projects offered will be Make Your Own Poppy Pins—inspired by the poem “In Flanders Field,” poppies have been used to honor fallen service members since World War I, and poppy pins are often worn in November both in the U.S. and abroad. Families will also have the option to create wreaths from red, white, and blue paper stars, and crepe paper American flags.
Wreath Laying Ceremony
11 a.m., Grand Hall Overlook
The Center will hold a moment of silence and a wreath laying ceremony on the Grand Hall Overlook. Participants will include veterans on staff at the National Constitution Center.
Veterans Talks
11:30 a.m., The Story of We the People exhibit
12:30 p.m., Civil War and Reconstruction exhibit
3 p.m., F.M. Kirby Auditorium
Visitors can meet the veterans who have served in our nation’s military. Guest speakers will share stories and answer audience questions about their time in the service.
A Soldier’s Life: Civil War Edition Demonstrations
1 p.m., Grand Hall Lobby
At this activity, visitors can learn about a day in the life of a Civil War era soldier as he showcases the daily tasks and lifestyle of a typical infantryman in the Union Army. Visitors will have the opportunity to try on replicas of military uniforms and equipment. Presented in partnership with Historic Philadelphia, Inc.
Flag Folding Challenge
2 p.m., Front Lawn
Visitors can help members of the museum staff fold a giant 20-by-30-foot American flag.
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About the National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia brings together people of all ages and perspectives, across America and around the world, to learn about, debate, and celebrate the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the U.S. Constitution. A private, nonprofit organization, the Center serves as America’s leading platform for constitutional education and debate, fulfilling its congressional charter “to disseminate information about the U.S. Constitution on a nonpartisan basis.” As the Museum of We the People, the Center brings the Constitution to life for visitors of all ages through interactive programs and exhibits. As America’s Town Hall, the Center brings the leading conservative and liberal thought leaders together to debate the Constitution on all media platforms. As a Headquarters for Civic Education, the Center delivers the best educational programs and online resources that inspire citizens and engage all Americans in learning about the U.S. Constitution. For more information, call 215-409-6700 or visit constitutioncenter.org.
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About the National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia brings together people of all ages and perspectives, across America and around the world, to learn about, debate, and celebrate the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the U.S. Constitution. A private, nonprofit organization, the Center serves as America’s leading platform for constitutional education and debate, fulfilling its congressional charter “to disseminate information about the U.S. Constitution on a nonpartisan basis.” As the Museum of We the People, the Center brings the Constitution to life for visitors of all ages through interactive programs and exhibits. As America’s Town Hall, the Center brings the leading conservative and liberal thought leaders together to debate the Constitution on all media platforms. As a Headquarters for Civic Education, the Center delivers the best educational programs and online resources that inspire citizens and engage all Americans in learning about the U.S. Constitution. For more information, call 215-409-6700 or visit constitutioncenter.org.
