Cover photo: Mary Carter

New Colonial Beach event! A full day of events to honor and memorialize the 100th anniversary of World War I and 75th anniversary of World War II, veterans of those wars, their sacrifices, and contributions of the people at home. Visit our blog for all the details and the latest additions: World War Commemoration Day

• Opening ceremony with color guard, ceremonial band, and VIP guest speakers;
• Educational sessions and discussions with regional historians, including Dahlgren Heritage Foundation;
• Flyover by WWII planes from The Flying Circus Air Show;
• Silent Drill, Marine Barracks, Washington, DC
• Exhibits and displays of world war memorabilia, including a WWII observer plane; military & veteran organizations; entertainment;
• Book signing The Dark and Lonely Road by Sean Gates;
• Capping off the day will be a USO-themed gala fundraiser: dinner, swing dance lessons by DanceFXBG, entertainment and dance featuring the 1940s-era Fredericksburg Big Band.

**USO-style gala fundraiser is a ticketed event. Click HERE to learn more or order tickets.

Commemoration Day for WWI & WWII aims to foster public knowledge and promote an appreciation for the immense scale of the world wars given the cost in lives lost; resources expended; physical destruction of land, facilities, and infrastructure; people impacted; and the resulting far-reaching changes to the world-wide political, cultural, and economic landscape. Learn the community’s history as it relates to WWI and WWII, notably the impact of Naval Proving Grounds in Dahlgren during WWII.

Proceeds to support veterans and historical endeavors, including:

Dahlgren Heritage Museum programs that preserve and promote the history, traditions, heritage, and culture of the U.S. Navy at Dahlgren, Virginia and provide long-term preservation efforts and educational activities associated with sharing stories and interpreting the U.S. Navy’s physical, technical, intellectual and social contributions to King George County, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the nation.

Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Scholarship Fund and Foundation, which assists veterans by creating, enhancing, expanding, or supporting high-impact, proven-successful programs and services that enable the nation’s uniformed servicemembers and veterans of all ranks and their families to maintain a quality of life reflective of their selfless service to America.

American Legion, the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to servicemembers and veterans. Hundreds of local American Legion programs and activities strengthen the nation, through scholarships, Operation Comfort Warriors, National Emergency Fund and more.