In recognition of President Woodrow Wilson’s involvement in the formation of Veterans Day, the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum is presenting a free Veterans Day program, open to the public, including a dramatic reading by Woodrow Wilson portrayer Judd Bankert of President Wilson’s Armistice Day address to Congress.
The program will be on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009, at 11 a.m., the 91st anniversary of the address. Weather permitting, the program will be held at the back of the Manse above the historic gardens. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be held in the Woodrow Wilson Museum in the Dolores Lescure Center.
On Nov. 11, 1918, President Wilson announced the armistice, or temporary halt of fighting in World War I, and proclaimed that November 11 would forever be Armistice Day in the United States. The armistice took effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. The day has evolved into Veterans Day during which all veterans are remembered and honored, and, for years, the entire country observed a moment of silence at 11 a.m.
In addition to the program, all veterans, active military members, and their families will be entitled to free admission to the Presidential Library on that day, including guided tours of President Wilson’s Birthplace and self-guided tours of the Woodrow Wilson Museum, which includes the President’s 1919 Pierce-Arrow limousine. Effective Nov. 1, the Presidential Library’s visitor hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
On Saturday, Nov. 14, the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum will participate in the Staunton Veterans Day parade, including the President’s 1919 Pierce-Arrow limousine, Judd Bankert portraying President Wilson, and Lilchy Huffman portraying Edith Wilson.
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Chris Graham
