Salute to our Veterans

A Veterans Day Tribute Tour

“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.”

– President Harry S. Truman

Step into history and honor the bravery and sacrifice of our nation's heroes on a Veterans Day Tour in Washington, DC. Join us as we explore the heart of our Nation's Capital, visiting iconic monuments and memorials that pay tribute to the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Discover the stories behind the monuments, hear tales of valor and resilience, and join us on a journey of reflection and gratitude, celebration of their lives, and the annual events to commemorate the dedication and patriotism of our veterans.

Duration

4 Days /3 Nights

Group size

Min. 35 + 1 Single Comp

Customization

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Price

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Highlights of Sample Itinerary Include: based on 2024 schedule; 2025 TBA

Annual Fireworks Display and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the National Harbor
Annual Veteran's Day, "Parade of Heroes" in Washington, DC
2025 Veterans Day Celebration at National Harbor's Spirit Park
NEW! World War I Memorial (completed in 2024)
National Museum of the Marine Corps. at Quantico
National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir
United States Navy Memorial
Newly completed Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial
American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial
Illuminated Monuments and Memorials Tour at night
Air Force and Marine Corps (Iwo Jima) Memorials
Vietnam and Korean War Veterans Memorials
Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Hall of Flags, REACH Expansion, and the Art & Ideals: John F. Kennedy Exhibit
Arlington National Cemetery and Wreath Laying Ceremony, Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Pentagon City Mall

Estimated Tour Pricing Inclusions: 3 nights’ accommodation, baggage handling, 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners, admissions, entrance, and guide fees as stated in the itinerary, including taxes, and gratuity. Except gratuity for guide fees is not included on adult tours unless otherwise requested.

Sample Itinerary:

DAY One - The National Museum of the United States Army, Tree Lighting, & Fireworks

Arrive in the Washington, DC area and visit the National Museum of the United States Army (located at Fort Belvoir). The Museum will celebrate over 240 years of Army history and honor our nation’s Soldiers – past, present, and future – regular Army, Army Reserves, and the Army National Guard. It will provide the only comprehensive portrayal of Army history and traditions and will offer educational experiences to illustrate the Army’s role in building and defending our nation, as well as humanitarian missions, public contributions, and technological and medical breakthroughs.
Stake out your spot in Belvedere Plaza and get ready to ignite the holiday spirit this evening with the annual Fireworks Display and Tree Lighting Ceremony at the National Harbor! Witness the night sky ablaze with dazzling fireworks as we illuminate our towering holiday tree, spreading joy and warmth throughout the season. It's a magical celebration that brings families and friends together, creating cherished memories against the stunning backdrop of the National Harbor waterfront. Join us in kindling the holiday magic at this enchanting event.
Enjoy a Welcome Dinner included at a local favorite restaurant to complete your day one festivities!
Depart and relax at your hotel for the evening.

DAY Two - "Parade of Heroes" and Spirit Park Celebrations

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing with your Licensed DC Guide on a Monuments & Memorials Tour to visit:
- The Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- The Lincoln Memorial
- The Korean War Veterans Memorial
Honoring those who served and sacrificed: It's time for the annual Veterans Day Parade in the heart of Washington, D.C. as we pay tribute to our brave veterans. This vibrant and patriotic procession features marching bands, color guards, veterans' organizations, and community groups, all coming together to celebrate the courage and commitment of our military heroes. A special ceremony takes place in honor of all our war veterans, including WWII, The Korean War, The Vietnam War, The Gulf War, and the War on Terror. This historic event will feature veteran speakers as well as choirs and bands from across the country as part of the ceremony. Each ensemble will have the opportunity to perform songs of our American heritage. It's a day of remembrance and appreciation you won't want to miss.
- Boxed Lunches will be delivered to your group to enjoy while watching the parade go by!
Arrive for the 2025 Veterans Day Celebration at the National Harbor’s Spirit Park. Spirit Park, the latest tribute to America at the iconic National Harbor, will welcome a crowd of veterans, first responders and elected officials and dignitaries from throughout the region, to celebrate Veterans Day. Spirit Park features Maryland’s largest American Flag along with 13 additional American flags honoring service to the nation and community. Spirit Park is a modern tribute to the soul and spirit of the American flag. This American park is grand with intention—our immense flag, unforgettable design elements, inspirational art and patriotic details all serve to honor our nation’s tapestry and the history of all people who walk beneath its colors.
- Enjoy an incredible performance by the Air Force Band, or similar. Final performance schedule for 2025 is TBD.
Enjoy an included dinner in Old Town Alexandria. A beautifully preserved historic district on the Potomac River, Old Town Alexandria is the heart of the city George Washington called home. Today Old Town’s cobblestone streets and red brick sidewalks hum with an energy that attracts everyone from presidents to pet lovers to some of the best Old Town Alexandria restaurants, arts, events, shopping, and historic attractions.
Return to your hotel for the rest of the evening.

DAY Three - Monuments & Memorials in the Nation's Capital

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning.
Depart with your Licensed DC Guide and embark on a Monuments & Memorials in the Nation's Capital Tour and experience each branch of the United States Armed Forces.
- Stop for a Photo Opportunity at The White House.
- Stop at The National World War I Memorial. The National World War I Memorial is a national memorial commemorating the service rendered by members of the United States Armed Forces in World War I. The 2015 National Defense Authorization Act authorized the World War I Centennial Commission to build the memorial in Pershing Park, located at 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C. In January 2016, the design commission selected the submission "The Weight of Sacrifice", by a team consisting of Joseph Weishaar, Sabin Howard, Phoebe Lickwar, and GWWO Architects, as the winning design, which is expected to be completed by 2024. Sabin Howard is sculpting 38 figures for a bronze relief that is 10% larger than life-size in his studio in New Jersey. Each figure takes 600 hours of work, even with 3D-printed armatures. The design, “A Soldier's Journey”, shows the story of a soldier who leaves his family, sees combat and the loss of comrades, and returns to his family after receiving medical care.
- Stop at the United States Navy Memorial. The United States Navy Memorial's mission is to Honor, Recognize, and Celebrate the men and women of the Sea Services, past, present, and future; and inform the public about their service. When architect Pierre L'Enfant designed Washington, DC, he envisioned a memorial that would celebrate the rich heritage of the United States Navy, dating back to 1775 when a force of eight small wooden ships fought and won its first battle at sea. A bill was introduced in the Senate and House in 1978 and was signed into law by President Carter – a U.S. Naval Academy graduate – in 1980. The memorial would be built on the recently redeveloped Pennsylvania Avenue, also known as “America’s main street” for its prime location between the White House and Capitol Building. The Lone Sailor was dedicated on the Navy Memorial on October 13th, 1987, the Navy's 212th birthday. It has served as a living tribute to the men and women of the Sea Services – past, present, and future – for more than 30 years.
- Explore the newly completed Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe during World War II and 34th US President. Designed by world-renowned architect Frank O. Gehry, this one-of-a-kind memorial and urban park is located near the U.S. Capitol along Independence Avenue, S.W. The space is defined by eight 80-foot stone-clad columns. Six columns support an artistically woven stainless-steel tapestry depicting the Pointe du Hoc promontory of France’s Normandy coastline in peacetime. A life-size sculpture of Eisenhower as a young man begins the trajectory of his life as the quintessential American story. The sculpture’s inspiration comes from Eisenhower’s famous homecoming speech in Kansas on June 22, 1945, where he declared “the proudest thing I can claim is that I am from Abilene.”
- Stop at the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, a memorial which honors veterans of the armed forces of the United States who were permanently disabled during the course of their national service. The memorial features a granite & glass monument with an amazing flame & a reflecting pool.
Arrive for lunch on own at Pentagon City Mall. The sky-lit Food Court features international specialties from the familiar to the exotic. There is something to satisfy any craving.
Continue touring to include:
- Stop by The Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial. This memorial to FDR combines sculpture, water, and natural landscape to forge a dramatic setting for recounting the events and terms of office of the nation’s 32^nd The FDR is unique among the memorials of Washington, DC. Its shade trees, waterfalls, statuary, and quiet alcoves create the feeling of a secluded garden rather than an imposing structure. The memorial is divided into four outdoor galleries, or rooms, one for each of FDR’s terms in office. Water cascades and quiet pools are present throughout.
- Stop by the Marine Corps Memorial (Iwo Jima Statue). One of the largest bronze statues ever created, this majestic bronze sculpture depicts the iconic moment when U.S. Marines raised the American flag on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. It serves as a powerful tribute to the bravery of all Marines and honors the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Visiting this iconic monument is a humbling experience that allows us to reflect on the indomitable spirit of those who serve
- Stop by the Air Force Memorial. The redesigned Memorial is both BOLD and graceful and truly representational of the Air Force. Central to the design are three stainless steel spires which soar skyward. The highest of the spires will ascent 270' above the 3-acre elevated promontory site. Other key elements of the Memorial include a bronze Honor Guard, inscription walls, and an open glass Chamber of Contemplation, all landscaped to create a memorial park and parade ground overlooking the nation’s capital.
Return to your hotel late afternoon to rest and freshen up for dinner.
Enjoy a Farewell Dinner included at a local favorite restaurant.
Depart on a Guided Illuminated Monument Tour. Washington’s grand buildings, memorials, and monuments sparkle and are impressive during the day; but in the evenings they are illuminated, soft, focusing on the solid stones and bronzes; fountains and water features shimmer in reflection; shadows darken highlighting the floodlit detail. Impressive during the day – stunning at night!
- Drive by the Marine Corps Memorial (Iwo Jima Statue)
- Drive by the Air Force Memorial
- Drive by the Washington Monument
- Drive by the National World War II Memorial
- Walk through the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Explore the Hall of Flags, see the larger-than-life bronze bust of Kennedy himself, see the incredible view of the city from the rooftop terrace, discover the new REACH Expansion, and experience the NEW Art & Ideals: John F. Kennedy Exhibit. Two months after President Kennedy's assassination in November 1963, Congress designated the National Cultural Center as a "living memorial" to Kennedy and authorized $23 million to help build what was now known as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
- Drive by other memorials as desired and as time permits.
Return to your hotel to rest for the evening.

DAY Four - Arlington National Cemetery & The National Museum of the Marine Corps at Quantico

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning before checking out.
Arrive at Arlington National Cemetery Visitors Center for a Wreath Laying Ceremony. Offering flowers at a memorial site is a ritual that occurs around the world, symbolizing the beauty and brevity of life. Floral tributes are made each day at Arlington National Cemetery — at funeral services, public ceremonies, and individual visits to a loved one's gravesite. Formal ceremonies at Arlington often involve the laying of a wreath. These ceremonies typically take place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, attended by ceremonial units from the uniformed services.
Afterwards, explore the rest of Arlington National Cemetery with tickets for the Tram Service included and experience the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. No land in American is more sacred than this square mile. It is America’s shrine to valor and sacrifice. This is the final resting place for President John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Robert F. Kennedy, Edward Moore (Ted) Kennedy, Audie Murphy, prizefighter Joe Louis, and thousands of soldiers from every major U.S. war. The Cemetery is the former plantation and home of Civil War General Robert E. Lee. Arlington House, Space Shuttle Challenger Astronauts’ Memorial, and Monuments to nearly every major sacrifice that affected our country are located within these 624 + acres. The Tomb of the Unknowns speaks of a nation’s debt to the many whose ultimate sacrifice helped make a nation free. Arlington National Cemetery averages 27 to 30 funerals, including interments and inurnments, each weekday, and six to eight services on Saturday. The crews, service members, and groundskeepers follow an elaborate choreography to ensure each funeral feels like it is the only one taking place.
Discover the National Museum of the Marine Corps at Quantico. Experience what it means to be a Marine! Enter a recruiting station. Step a board the bus taking you to boot camp. Stand astride the famed “yellow footprints” and hear the roar of your first dreaded drill instructor issuing commands! See American history through the eyes of a marine. Learn how diversified American youngsters are transformed into self-disciplined, courageous, cohesive comrades-in-arms forever woven into the historic fabric of the Marine Corps. You will leave with an understanding of the Marine Corps motto Always Faithful “Semper Fidelis”.
- Enjoy lunch on own while visiting the museum.
Depart for home with amazing photos of your visit to Washington, DC, and the celebratory spirit of Veteran's Day.

MARS will customize quotes or personalize itineraries for FREE. Base rate does not include motor coach transportation, airfare, airport transfers, driver gratuity, guide gratuity, (student groups exempt) or any upgrades or add-ons unlisted from itinerary as stated. Pricing may vary based on day of arrival or other conditions. Personalized itineraries with custom pricing and/or additional transportation can be created and added based on client needs and upon client’s request.

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