Valley Forge Park to Honor Military History

The following release comes from Valley Forge National Park:

Valley Forge National Park has a full slate of events planned in observance of Veterans Day on Monday.

When

Monday, November 11, 2013

• 11:00 a.m. Commemoration Ceremony at the National Memorial Arch (tour stop #3)
• 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. American Military program at the Muhlenberg Brigade Huts (tour stop #2) Ongoing
• 12:20 p.m. & 2:20 p.m. 40-min Ranger-led walks
• 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. 90-min Guided Trolley Tours (10% discount to all military personnel)

What

Commemoration Ceremony: To help remember and thank our nation’s brave men and women, park staff will be joined by local and national military organizations including the Captain Harris D. Buckwalter American Legion Post 0164 and VFW Post 6341 from Royersford, Bugles Across America, Valley Forge Military Academy and College, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 25 from Collegeville, Gold Star Mothers, The Friends of Valley Forge Park, and with music from the 78th Army Band from Fort Dix. 

Guest Speakers: Michael J. Mescavage, Commander for the State of PA Military Order of the Purple Heart, a veteran of the U.S. Army having served with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade during the Vietnam War will speak about The Badge of Merit, originally designed by George Washington to recognize the sacrifices made by our soldiers. Valley Forge’s own, Ranger William Troppman, will also speak about General Washington’s appreciation of the soldiers who served in the American armed forces. 

Concluding the event the Harrisburg Military Entrance Processing Station will conduct an Oath of Enlistment Ceremony to induct twenty new recruits into the United States military from local recruiting companies in Valley Forge.

American Military Program: Visitors have 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.

Where

Ceremony at the National Memorial Arch (tour stop #3)

Military program at the Muhlenberg Brigade Huts (tour stop #2)

Ranger Walks and Trolley Tours depart from the Visitor Center (tour stop #1)