Getaway Guide To Veterans Day
When I began reporting Philadelphia Veterans Day ceremonies aboard the U.S.S. Olympia for KYW-Newsradio nearly 50 years ago, 23 veterans of the 1898 Spanish American War took part. They all had stories to tell as dramatic as the tale of Teddy Roosevelt's charge at San Juan Hill. When the ceremony takes place this year, those veterans will be a memory. They have long since passed on. But Veterans Day is a collection of memories and a tribute to those who served in war and kept watch over the peace. Veterans Day, November 11th falls on a Wednesday this year. So, where can we go for the most vivid memories of life in uniform? Here are a few of my favorite spots for a day or a weekend getaway. -- Jay Lloyd
CRUISER OLYMPIA/SUBMARINE BECUNA
PENN'S LANDING
The Spanish-American War flagship of Admiral Dewey at the battle of Manila Bay still forms the backdrop for Philadelphia's principal observance. The ceremonies will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and will include tours of the cruiser and the World War II submarine, Becuna. Those attending the ceremony will also be given a free pass to the Independence Seaport Museum.
VALLEY FORGE NATIONAL PARK
nps.gov/vafo/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?eventID=347806-232573
America's military can trace its early history to the soldiers who spent a winter encampment here at Valley Forge under the command of General George Washington. Their memory is kept alive with artifacts and structures, including Washington's Headquarters and troop huts. Veterans Day tours by foot and trolley will provide an insight into the life of a Revolutionary War G.I. Ceremonies will begin at 11 a.m. at the National Memorial Arch. The observance will conclude with the induction of new service recruits - the veterans of tomorrow.
CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY
discovercapemaynj.com/events/veterans-day-ceremony-0
Cape May, New Jersey is home to one of the largest Coast Guard bases in the country and this year was designated as a Coast Guard Community. The nation's oldest seagoing service will play a large role in Veterans Day ceremonies at the All Wars Monument on Columbia Avenue. The observances begin at 11 a.m.
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE
DOVER, DELAWARE
amcmuseum.org/events/2015-veterans-day/
For Air Force veterans, nearby Dover Air Force Base in Delaware holds a treasure trove of historic aircraft. Veterans Day ceremonies begin at 11 a.m. at the Air Mobility Command Museum to be punctuated by music and a tour of the planes that trained, transported and were flown by veterans of both today's Air Force and its forerunner, the Army Air Corps.
U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY
Annapolis, Maryland
www.usnabsd.com/for-visitors/
Make a weekend of it and head to historic Annapolis, MD for a tour of the U.S. Naval Academy and immersion into the history and lore of the Navy and Marine Corps. Visitors are welcome and there are guided tours. The museum which traces the storied history of both services is a must-see. The ship model displays are amazing works of craftsmanship. Then stop at the chapel to enter the "Crypt". Guarded round-the-clock by Marines, you'll see the last resting place of America's first naval hero - John Paul Jones.
INTREPID SEA, AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM
46th Street & 12 Avenue
New York City, NY 10036
hintrepidmuseum.org
A getaway to an iconic aircraft carrier that launched propeller driven planes and recovered returning spacecraft during its long years of service is a journey through time that displays some of the most unique elements to touch the lives of American men and women in uniform. Veterans Day ceremonies begin at 3 p.m. on the flight deck. Activities and tours are available all day and are free to all active duty service members, military retirees and veterans.
Welcome aboard.
