[Archived] City of Alexandria Commemorates World War I Armistice Centennial

For Immediate Release: November 5, 2018

The City of Alexandria, in partnership with American Legion Post #24, invites the public to a commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the armistice to end the First World War (WWI), signed November 11, 1918. Join fellow Alexandrians on Sunday, November 11, in marking the centennial, now celebrated as Veterans Day, with a ceremony and plaque unveiling at the ballroom of the American Legion Post #24 (400 Cameron St.). Doors will open at 9:30 a.m.; the program will begin at 10 a.m.  

The ceremony will have Dr. Lee Anthony, a WWI historian as the featured speaker, the T.C. Williams High School JROTC performing honor guard and posting of the colors, and the unveiling of a new plaque remembering all those from Alexandria who died during WWI. A reception in the Post #24 Club Room immediately follows the program.

As part of the ceremony, more than 8,000 knit and crocheted poppies will be displayed and handed to guests in memory of Alexandria’s veterans. Local visitors and residents created the poppies over the last 18 months for this event. Poppies were officially adopted as a symbol of remembrance for those who died in service to their country shortly after WWI.

For a small city in the shadows of the Nation’s capital, Alexandria was fully involved in WWI.  More than 4,000 residents participated directly in uniform, while hundreds more worked in war industries including aircraft construction, shipbuilding, and other war-related production. Effects of the war can still be seen in Alexandria today.

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, originally purchased by the American Legion Post #24 and opened as a memorial to WWI veterans, will be open with free admission from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. From 1 to 4 p.m., guests will have the opportunity to interact with a Revolutionary War reenactor as they explore the museum. The museum, located at 134 N. Royal St., is owned and operated by the City.

To RSVP to the free event and reception, and for more information about the World War I Centennial in Alexandria, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic.

For media inquiries, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer, at andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended. To request a reasonable accommodation, email gadsbys.tavern@alexandriava.gov  or call 703.746.3852, Virginia Relay 711.