National Archives Marks Veterans Day in Washington, DC, and Nationwide
Press Release · Sunday, November 6, 2016

Washington, DC

Washington, DC… The National Archives commemorates Veterans Day with programs and events at the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC, and at National Archives Presidential Libraries nationwide.

Events at the National Archives Building in Washington, DC

All programs are free and open to the public, and will be held in the William G. McGowan Theater of the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC. The building is located on the National Mall and is fully accessible. Attendees should use the Special Events entrance on Constitution Avenue at 7th Street, NW.  Metro accessible on Yellow or Green lines, Archives/Navy Memorial station. Additional information online.

FILM AND DISCUSSION:  The Luft Gangster: Memoirs of a Second Class Hero

Wednesday, November 9, at noon

In commemoration of Veterans Day and the 75th anniversary of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American fighter pilots in American history, this documentary film features fighter pilot (Red Tail) Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson. After heroically serving his country in World War II, Alex returned home to racism, bigotry, and segregation. This award-winning film is an inspirational and fascinating account of bravery, perseverance, and character. (2016; 70 minutes) The film’s director, Mike Rott, will introduce the film and answer audience questions.

PANEL DISCUSSION:  From the Trenches of WWI to the November 2016 Elections: Race Relations in America

Wednesday, November 9, at 7 p.m.

A panel will discuss race relations in our country, focusing on discrimination in the segregated military during World Wars I and II and the effort to posthumously award Medals of Honor to those who were denied them due to race. A bipartisan group of former Members of Congress join issue experts to look at key events in our nation’s history and how they were influenced by race, as well as the role race played in the November 2016 elections. Moderated by Charlayne Hunter Gault, panelists include former Members of Congress Joe DioGuardi (R-NY) and Steve Horsford (D-NV); and Sam Fulwood, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress. Presented in partnership with the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress.

BOOK TALK:  Countdown to Pearl Harbor: Twelve Days to the Attack 

Wednesday, November 30, at noon

Pulitzer Prize–winning reporter Steve Twomey takes a fascinating look at the 12 days leading up to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor—the warnings, clues, and missteps. Twomey unravels the crucial characters and moments and produces a dramatic account of America at this moment in its history. A book signing follows the program.

Featured Display: 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor: “A Date Which Will Live in Infamy”

On December 8, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked a joint session of Congress for a declaration of war in response to Japan’s attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. On display is the U.S. Senate’s copy of President Roosevelt’s famous “Infamy” speech. 

East Rotunda Gallery, November 10, 2016–January 4, 2017

Events at National Archives Presidential Libraries Nationwide

The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum will offer free admission to veterans and their families on Veterans Day, November 11.

Special presentation, November 11 at 11 a.m., Figge Auditorium

Iowa Senator David Johnson will speak:  "A Common Soldier's Uncommon Story." 

The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum will offer free admission (to both the Library and National Historic Site) to veterans on Veterans Day, November 11. 

Book Talk and Signing, Thursday, November 10, at 7 p.m., Henry A. Wallace Center.  

Pearl Harbor:  From Infamy to Greatness, by Craig Nelson

Veteran Arts Showcase exhibit, performances and presentations

November 19 and 20, Henry A. Wallace Center 

Opening Reception - Friday, November 18, at 5:30 p.m.

Presented by the FDR Library and Museum, Veteran Family Support Alliance, and Creative Warriors - Orange County Arts Council 

The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum will offer free admission to veterans on Veterans Day, November 11.

Fifth Annual Ike Skelton Veterans Day Ceremony, November 6

This event is free and open to the public, and is co-presented by the Library, Truman Library Institute, City of Independence, and the Independence Pioneers Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.

Highlights include:

• Free Museum admission 

• Patriotic musical performance by the Spirit of Independence Concert Band

• Musical salute by the Young MAIster Singers.  

• Keynote address by veteran and author, Doug Bradley, author of We Gotta Get Out of This Place

• Bagpipe procession into the Courtyard, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at President Truman’s grave, including a 21-gun salute, taps, and the National Anthem. 

The Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home will offer free admission and a 20% discount in the gift shop on Friday, November 11, to all veterans and their families.
Veterans Day Homage to Veterans of all Wars, November 11, starting at 9:35 a.m.

Ceremony highlights include: remarks by Todd Hokanson, Commander of General Dwight D. Eisenhower VFW Post #3279, and Eddie Avinger, Commander of the James R. Cutler American Legion Post #39; and a wreath laying at Eisenhower’s grave, followed by a rifle salute and bugler. 

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum will honor veterans and their families with free admission November 5-13.  

• “Stranded at Sea: The PT-109 Story” This family-friendly 25-minute hands-on experience tells the story of JFK’s patrol torpedo boat collision with a Japanese destroyer during World War II, and the crew’s six-day struggle for survival.  Visitors follow the path of the collision and rescue, read JFK’s letters home describing Navy life, and hold a battle lantern like the one he used to signal passing ships for help.  

• Museum Highlights Tours will feature the president and his siblings’ war service.

The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum will offer free admission on Veterans Day to all active and retired military members.  Active military receive free admission to the museum year-round.  

Veteran’s Day Ceremony and Concert, November 11, 10 a.m., free and open to the public Registration is suggested. Ceremony highlights include:

• Remarks by Rep. Ed Royce, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee

• Remarks by Marine Corps Major General (Ret.) Melvin Spiese

• Formal Presentation of Colors

• Performances by the Villa Park High School Jazz Ensemble, Orange High School Concert Choir, Santa Ana College Singers and Orange Community Master Chorale

• Placentia Symphonic Band Concert (1 p.m. in the East Room).  

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum

Annual Veterans Day Commemoration, November 11, 10:30 a.m., main auditorium 

Program highlights include: an Honor Guard, live music, and remarks by Vice Admiral Fred Midgette, Commander, Pacific Area Commander, Coast Guard Defense Force West. A screening of the documentary They Were Our Fathers will follow the program.  The following Veterans Day activities are free to the public: live musical entertainment, a civil war encampment, a military vehicle display and a program honoring all branches of our military. 

The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum will honor veterans and their families with free admission on Veterans Day, November 11. Gulf War Veterans and their family members will receive a free copy of the book, 25th Anniversary: The Liberation of Kuwait (while supplies last).

The William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum will offer free admission on Veterans Day to all active and retired military members and their families.

Military records at the National Archives

The National Archives is the official repository for records of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard, and other government agencies. These records include: military personnel service records, textual documents including unit reports and rosters; maps and plans; photographs; posters; motion pictures and sound recordings; and electronic records. Resources include:

Military and Veterans records at the National Archives and Online Veterans and Military Documents

Video Short  highlighting how the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, MO, processes military records requests.

Selected Finding Aids related to World War II records at the National Archives

Background information and a transcript of the Instrument of Surrender on the list of 100 Milestone Documents of American history.

Finding Information on Personal Participation in World War II

National Archives congratulates Monuments Men on Congressional Gold Medal