SOUTHERN MARYLAND – As Veterans Day approaches, Southern Maryland is preparing a series of events to honor the bravery and sacrifices of America’s veterans. The public is invited to attend these community gatherings in Leonardtown, Lexington Park, Mechanicsville, and Solomons, with each event offering unique ways to commemorate the day.
Veterans Day Parade in Leonardtown
The annual Veterans Day Parade in Leonardtown is set for November 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., hosted by the Commissioners of Leonardtown and the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County. The parade begins at St. Mary’s Ryken High School and proceeds through Town Square. A Memorial Wreath Laying Ceremony will follow the parade to honor fallen veterans.
Parking for Spectators: Spectators are encouraged to park at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds, the St. Mary’s County Governmental Center, or the College of Southern Maryland lots. Free shuttles will be available from these locations, with signs directing attendees to shuttle pickup spots. At the Governmental Center, spectators are advised to use the lots next to the Carter State Office Building at 23115 Leonard Hall Drive.
Washington Street and Fenwick Street leading into downtown Leonardtown will be closed to traffic from 8 a.m. until noon. Downtown parking and through traffic will be restricted to Lawrence Avenue, with access permitted only for residents, business owners, and employees. Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office will provide traffic control.
Handicapped Parking: Spectators needing handicapped parking may access Washington Street and park in the public lot beside the Hair Company. Additional handicapped parking is available at the Mattingley Gardiner Funeral Home lot, accessible via Lawrence Avenue.
For more information, visit https://www.visitleonardtownmd.com/veteransday
Veterans Day Celebration at Patuxent River Naval Air Museum
At the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum in Lexington Park, a Veterans Day Celebration will begin at 10 a.m. on November 11. This family-friendly event offers a day of remembrance and gratitude, with a Veterans Recognition Ceremony, family activities, games, and resources from veteran organizations. The Wildewood BBQ Company food truck will also be on site.
Located at 22156 Three Notch Rd., the event welcomes all community members, from veterans and their families to supporters looking to honor the nation’s heroes. Admission is free.
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/851448163782865
39th Annual Veterans of Helen Veterans Day Observance Program
The Veterans of Helen will hold their 39th Annual Veterans Day Observance Program on November 11 at 2 p.m. at the monument site in Helen, Maryland, located at 29945 Point Lookout Rd., Mechanicsville, MD. This longstanding event honors the town’s namesake, its citizens, and all who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
This year’s program will feature a keynote address from CAPT Douglas Burfield, Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Patuxent River. The community is invited to gather in remembrance and gratitude for veterans at this meaningful observance program.
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/569170108886433
Veterans Day Feature with Friends and Artifacts at Calvert Marine Museum
The Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons will host a Veterans Day Feature event on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., honoring Southern Maryland’s rich military history. Visitors will have the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from veterans and local community members, connecting personally with the experiences and sacrifices of those who served.
In addition, selected military artifacts from the museum’s collection will be on display, highlighting the area’s military heritage. Visitors can also write letters of thanks to veterans, which will be delivered to Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. The museum offers free admission to active-duty military personnel and veterans from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Veterans Day.
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1268278750876572
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