Veterans Day 2024: National Parade and Memorial Ceremonies in Washington, D.C.
The National Veterans Parade returns to Washington, D.C., this Sunday, marking its fourth year. As the capital prepares for the federal holiday on Wednesday, November 11, the parade serves as the centerpiece of commemorations honoring military service across multiple national war memorials.
Robert Kiyosaki Serves as Grand Marshal for the Parade
The event begins at 11:30 a.m. Sunday with an opening ceremony featuring live music and formal addresses in front of the National Archives on Constitution Avenue and 7th Street NW. According to Stars and Stripes, the parade commences at noon, proceeding down Constitution Avenue past the White House. The procession includes the Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, the Marine Corps Band, and more than a dozen active-duty ceremonial units. The National Veterans Parade Foundation has confirmed that Robert Kiyosaki, a Marine Corps veteran and author of “Rich Dad, Poor Dad,” will serve as the event’s grand marshal.
The parade route spans from 7th Street to 17th Street NW. Organizers have identified the steps of the National Archives as a primary viewing location, though the entire route offers vantage points for the public. Approximately 30 veterans service organizations are scheduled to participate, alongside university music groups and high-stepping high school marching bands.
Veterans Day Observances at National Memorials
While Sunday’s parade initiates the public festivities, the official federal holiday on Wednesday, November 11, remains the focus for solemn remembrances. Multiple memorials in the D.C. area have structured ceremonies throughout the day. At 10 a.m., the Friends of the National World War II Memorial will host a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument located at 1750 Independence Ave. SW. This event will be streamed live via the organization’s Facebook page.
Simultaneously, at 10 a.m., the African American Civil War Museum will conduct its annual reading of names at the African American Civil War Memorial at 10th Street and U Street NW. This site honors the U.S. Colored Troops, a force formally organized by the War Department on May 22, 1863. At 11 a.m., the 73rd annual National Veterans Day Observance will take place at the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery, following a musical prelude by the Coast Guard Band and Air Force Singing Sergeants.
Bells of Peace Ceremony Honors Those Who Served
The National World War I Memorial will host the Bells of Peace Ceremony at 11 a.m. on November 11. This tribute honors the 4.7 million Americans who served in the conflict and the 116,516 who died. The Doughboy Foundation reports that the ceremony will feature the tolling of the National World War I brass bell and the playing of taps and “The Last Post” by buglers. Also at 11 a.m., a wreath-laying ceremony is scheduled at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, which features 19 stainless-steel statues representing service members.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, colloquially known as The Wall, will hold its ceremony at 1 p.m. on November 11. Organizers note that larger groups are encouraged to register in advance through the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund website. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be broadcast via a livestream.
Public Access and Registration for National Commemorations
All national commemorations are free to the public, though some organizations require advance registration for large groups. Visitors are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before scheduled start times. The National Military Monument, a temporary installation sponsored by USAA, remains open for public access through the holiday. The site recognizes more than 41 million service members across 250 years of American history and is scheduled to close shortly after Veterans Day.