Veterans Day Trail

Your tour begins at the National Museum of the United States Army, which aims to regale you with stories and artefacts that cover over 245 years of army history.

Exhibits and educational experiences cover the army’s role in the dawning and preservation of the US, alongside overseas campaigns and modern conflicts.

There’s also an immersive Army Theater, which features a 300-degree screen and plays Of Noble Deeds every hour – a sensory movie that showcases exactly what it’s like to be an American Soldier.

1775 Liberty Drive, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060

https://www.thenmusa.org/

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Head north on I-95 and I-395 to pay your respects at the Arlington National Cemetery – perhaps the nation’s most hallowed grounds.

The bodies of fallen soldiers from the Civil War and onwards have been laid to rest across these 639 acres. The grounds preserve a sense of peace and beauty for guests, while honoring the people who have lost their lives serving their country.

Take time to reflect and visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a monument dedicated to those lost in combat who are as yet unidentified.

1 Memorial Avenue, Fort Myer, VA 22211

https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/#!/

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Found just outside the cemetery in Arlington Ridge Park is the iconic Marine Corps War Memorial.

Erected in memory of Marine Corps servicepeople who perished during World War Two at the battle of Iwo Jima, it has since been dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives since 1775 in defense of their nation.

Arlington County is known for its beautiful situation beside the Potomac River. Reserve a stay in the Hyatt Centric Arlington, for sweeping views of the skyline and waters.

Arlington, VA 22209

https://www.barracks.marines.mil/history/marine-corps-war-memorial/

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A short trip across Theodore Roosevelt Bridge will see you the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC’s Constitution Gardens.

The wall has more than 58,000 names inscribed on it, standing as a testament to the bravery of those who served in the Vietnam War. You can walk alongside it to pay homage to those who passed away during the conflict.

While you’re visiting the Gardens, enjoy a peaceful stroll along to the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and National Mall – all within a 15-minute walk away.

5 Henry Bacon Drive NW, Washington, DC 20245

https://www.vvmf.org/

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Further along Constitution Avenue lies the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. This facility educates about the history of our nation with over 1.8 million objects and archival collections.

Exhibitions cover pivotal events like September 11 and World War I. There’s also social chronicles of Women’s History, collections of US Political items, and an in-depth collection of military artefacts. Reserving accommodation in DC is recommended before traveling onward to Baltimore.

Treat yourself to a stay at the 5-star Jefferson Hotel, with its on-site Michelin-star fine dining restaurant.

1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560

https://americanhistory.si.edu/visit

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It’s less than an hour’s drive along the Baltimore-Washington Parkway toward Baltimore for your next stop, The Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine.

Built in 1798 and playing a pivotal role in the defense of Baltimore Harbor in the War of 1812, this pentagonal bastion is now a national park.

Learn about over 200 years of the Fort’s history and its role in the Civil War, WWI and II, all while soaking in the beautiful surroundings that look out onto the Patapsco River.

2400 E Fort Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21230

https://www.nps.gov/fomc/index.htm

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Next, you’ll take a one-hour 45-minute drive on I-95 N to reach the City of Brotherly Love and Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.

These bastions of American history both have designated visitor centers, letting you discover the venue where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 and view the symbol of our independence.

You can then venture to nearby Washington Square, a delightful open-square park that which features several memorials, including the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Solider.

526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

https://www.visitphilly.com/features/guide-to-independence-hall-and-the-liberty-bell-in-philadelphia/#independence-hall

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A 10-minute drive across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge will see you arrive in NJ and the Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial.

Climb aboard the USS New Jersey, perhaps our nation’s most decorated battleship. Now retired, it has become an interactive exhibit that lets you experience the day-to-day of commanders and crew, and learn about how the ship operated during its heyday.

There are also many great hotels in the area, including the Hilton Garden Inn Camden Waterfront, a fantastic place to base yourself before your drive onto NYC.

100 Clinton Street, Camden, NJ 08103

https://www.battleshipnewjersey.org/

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Moving toward the final leg of the trail, you’ll take two-hour drive along I-95 to arrive in NYC and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.

It’s dedicated to showcasing some of the most impressive war vessels from air, sea and space missions gone by. Witness first-hand the size and scale of aircraft carriers like the USS Intrepid and view an original Lockheed A-12 supersonic plane up-close.

A stay at the Radisson Mid-Town 5th Avenue will leave you ideally placed for the Veterans Day Parade and other central sights.

Pier 86, West 46th Street, NY 10036

https://www.intrepidmuseum.org/

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The Veterans Day Parade is the final stop and highlight of the trail. Taking place on the 11th of November on NYC’s 5th Avenue, the parade commemorates several prominent anniversaries, including the end of WWI and the start of Desert Shield.

Watch as thousands of individuals take to the streets to celebrate and honor the nation’s veterans, or even take part in the parade yourselves.

Afterwards, you may want to round off your trip with a visit to the poignant 9/11 Memorial Museum in Greenwich.

5th Avenue, New York

https://parade.uwvc.org/overview-and-schedule/

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