Salute to America's Veterans - Washington, DC

Day 1

Day 1: Thursday, November 7, 2024
We are off to celebrate our nation’s veterans, those who sacrificed and those who gave all so that we may enjoy the many freedoms we experience daily like the ability to board a luxury motorcoach from the available departure location of your choice where you will be greeted by your friendly Trailways Travel driver and tour host. Settle in and get to know those around you for our first day of travel to the Drury Inn in Dayton, Ohio. We will make rest and refresh breaks along with a stop for lunch, on your own, on the way. Since we will be entering into the Eastern time zone, we will be losing an hour and may not arrive in time for the full Kickback Reception experience at the Drury this evening. Each person will receive a meal gift card to the Texas Roadhouse located in the hotel’s parking lot area for dinner this evening at your leisure.

Day 2

Day 2: Friday, November 8, 2024
After a great night of rest it’s time to fuel up with the hot breakfast buffet at the hotel this morning before departing to arrive in Alexandria, Virginia later today after our usual rest and refresh breaks and a stop for lunch, on your own. Check in to Marriott’s Courtyard Alexandria Old Town Southwest with a little time to freshen up before this evening’s welcome dinner at Fish Market Restaurant in Old Town. The Fish Market in historic Old Town Alexandria offers the best and freshest seafood in Northern Virginia located in a renovated warehouse that’s over 200 years old. We return to the hotel to retire to your rooms at your leisure. Rest up, we are up and running tomorrow morning for a full day of exploration!

Day 3

Day 3: Saturday, November 9, 2024
Have an included breakfast at the hotel this morning before meeting our local guide and the rest of your fellow travelers in the hotel lobby before departing. The first stop today is at The National Museum of the Marine Corps. This museum is a lasting tribute to U.S. Marines – past, present, and future. Situated on a 135-acre site adjacent to Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, and under the command of Marine Corps University, the Museum’s soaring design evokes the image of the flag-raisers of Iwo Jima and beckons visitors to this 120,000 square foot structure. World class interactive exhibits using the most innovative technology surround visitors with irreplaceable artifacts and immerse them in the sights and sounds of Marines in action. Experience We, The Marines movie at the Medal of Honor Theatre – an action packed, giant screen adventure that immerses audiences in the unparalleled experience of becoming and serving as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps. Narrated by Academy Award winning actor and Marine, Gene Hackman, the film follows the journey of Marines from boot camp to training, deployment and finally homecoming. With footage filmed at Marine Corps Bases across the nation, including Parris Island, Camp Pendleton, Camp Lejeune, Quantico and 29 Palms, it brings to life the often-intense experience of what it takes to serve as a United States Marine.
While at the Museum today, we ask that you take time to have lunch, on your own, before we depart.
At nearby Quantico National Cemetery, we meet a local volunteer and experience a once in a lifetime opportunity by paying homage to our nation’s veterans with a private flag laying ceremony. This is in conjunction with the Missing in America Project, an organization whose mission is to find, identify and inter unclaimed remains of fallen veterans. Quantico National Cemetery is a located in Triangle, Virginia for veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces. Located adjacent to and originally a part of Marine Corps Base Quantico, it was established as a national cemetery in 1983 with an area of 725 acres.
We are then off to explore the National Museum of the United States Army. The museum celebrates over 240 years of Army history and honors 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. America’s Soldiers are among the finest of our citizenry and have been instrumental in the forming, fighting for, and protecting our nation. The Museum tells these stories through the very eyes and voices of our Soldiers. From the historic “Fighting for the Nation Gallery” to the “Army & Society Gallery,” the artifacts, exhibits and programmatic elements will help you discover new stories and explore the ways our nation has benefited from the innovation and advancement of its Army.
It’s time to depart and stake out our viewing area for the fireworks and tree lighting ceremony at the National Harbor. This evening’s festivities lets you witness the night sky ablaze with dazzling fireworks as they illuminate the 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. You then will have free time to explore, shop, and to have dinner, on your own, while at the National Harbor Waterfront Street. National Harbor is a community unlike any other in the D.C. region, designed to take full advantage of the most historic river in the nation. Rising from the banks of the Potomac River, just south of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in Prince George’s County, Maryland, National Harbor is a 350-acre resort destination that includes the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, Tanger Outlets, hundreds of residential and office units, tree-lined promenades with scores of popular shops and restaurants. We encourage you to take a spin on The Capital Wheel, a 180-foot observation wheel featuring panoramic views of the nation’s capital.
We will depart and drop our guide on our way back to the hotel for the evening after such a full and busy day.

Day 4

Day 4: Sunday, November 10, 2024
Breakfast is at the hotel this morning with your fellow travelers before meeting with our local guide again to depart for the day. We begin in a solemn way this morning as we venture to Arlington National Cemetery. No land in America is more sacred than this square mile. It is America’s shrine to valor and sacrifice. Standing on sacred ground at this final resting place of veterans, the cost of war to us is evident. 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 Unknown speaks of a nation’s debt to the many whose ultimate sacrifice helped make our nation free. Arlington 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.
Then we are off to celebrate our nation’s heroes with the Annual Veterans Day, “Parade of Heroes,” Parade in the nation’s capital! This monumental salute to the veterans honors those who bravely served our country during the past century of our nation’s history. 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. A boxed lunch will be delivered to us at our parade location to enjoy while watching the activities.
From here we arrive for the 2024 Veterans Day Celebration at 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. Later, the commencement of the 2nd Anniversary Ceremony of Spirit Park begins with a special performance by the Air Force Band (or similar – pending final schedule). Full performance schedule is yet to be determined at this time.
It is time to head back to the hotel to rest and freshen up before this evening’s dinner at Tony & Joe’s Seafood Place at Washington Harbor, an upscale restaurant on the waterfront in Georgetown featuring floor to ceiling windows and some outdoor seating that provides scenic river views as you dine on the freshest of seafood. On our return to the hotel this evening we end the day with an Illuminated Monument Driving 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!

Day 5

Day 5: Monday, November 11, 2024
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel once more this morning before we check out and depart for our last bit of DC exploring with our local guide. This morning we take the time to stop at many of the memorials for photo opportunities and to pay respect for the sacrifices given. The following will be included: Air Force Memorial which 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 feet 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.
Marine Corps Memorial (Iwo Jima Statue), one of the largest bronze statues ever cast depicts the American Flag being raised on Mount Suribachi during World War II and commemorates all Marines who have died in battle since 1775.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a privately funded memorial that has drawn millions who have come to touch over 50,000 names, make pencil rubbings and to leave flowers, letters, flags, and personal mementos.
The Lincoln Memorial, overlooking the Reflecting Pool, this memorial was patterned on a classic Greek temple. Inside, inscriptions from Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural Address flank the 19-foot marble statue of our 16th President.
The Korean War Veterans Memorial, this triangular field contains nineteen ground troopers, clad in foul weather ponchos, fully equipped for battle. Representing those who supported the ground troops are hundreds of faces etched on a polished granite wall.
The National World War II Memorial, honoring the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the U.S. during World War II, the more than 400,000 who died, and the millions who supported the war effort from home. Symbolic of the defining event of the 20th Century, the memorial is a monument to the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of the American people to the common defense of the nation and to the broader causes of peace and freedom from tyranny throughout the world.
We make a stop for lunch at the Smithsonian Institute’s American History Museum on the National Mall with a small amount of free time to view some iconic items in the museum such as the Star Spangled Banner and the First Ladies’ Inaugural Gowns. We say goodbye and thank you to our guide that has helped to provide so much insight and information on the many places we visited and things that we have seen while in our nation’s capital. We depart for Bedford, Pennsylvania with a dinner this evening at Horn O’Plenty, a simple, rustic dining room turning out New American fare made with locally sourced ingredients. We check into our hotel for the night to rest up for all that is in store for us tomorrow.

Day 6

Day 6: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Have breakfast at the hotel before checking out and boarding the motorcoach to depart. This morning we arrive at the Quecreek Mine Rescue Site, for a live presentation. Examine the actual yellow rescue capsule on display at the visitor’s center. You can see what is left of that broken drill bit that brought tears to everyone’s eyes when it broke and separated us from the miners. You can follow the chain of events down the 17 ft. long timeline and watch videos of the miners as they express what they went through. There is so much more here to see, the gift shop, the history of mining, some of their clothing, the Quecreek mine map, and even Bill’s newest book, Miracle at Quecreek Mine.
We depart and make a stop at the Flight 93 National Memorial, for a story of hope, courage, and unity. When confronted with the urgency of their situation, the passengers and crew of Flight 93 chose to act heroically and made the ultimate sacrifice for their country on that fateful September 11 day. The National Park Foundation (NPF) has supported Flight 93 National Memorial for over a decade, providing funding for vital projects, including the construction of park buildings and reforestation efforts.
We continue our journey home with a two-night stay at the Drury Inn and Suites in Dayton, Ohio once more and enjoy the included Kickback Reception this evening with a rotating menu of foods along with complimentary drinks. Available from 5:30 – 7:00 pm.

Day 7

Day 7: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Have a hot breakfast this morning with the hotel’s morning buffet before departing for a day at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, is the world’s largest military aviation museum. The museum features more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles and thousands of artifacts amid more than 19 acres of indoor exhibit space. Each year more than 800,000 visitors from around the world come to the museum. Enjoy lunch on your own while exploring the museum today. Gallery tours are offered daily and each is approximately one hour, 15 minutes in length. Tours start at the information desk in the gallery in which the tour will take place at a specified time. At the time of the creation of this brochure, available gallery tours are as follows: The Early Years, WWI and WWII Galleries; Korea and SE Asia Galleries; Space, Research & Development, Global Reach and Presidential Galleries; Cold War Gallery. We depart this afternoon and return to the hotel where you can rest and then visit with your fellow travelers during the evening’s Kickback Reception which includes hot and cold food items served buffet-style with a daily menu rotation. Also included are some cocktails, wine, and beer choices along with soft drinks.

Day 8

Day 8: Thursday, November 14, 2024
It’s one more breakfast at the hotel before we make our way back to our own homes today and enjoying all the freedoms that have been bestowed upon us. We depart Dayton with some fond memories of our time in Washington, D.C. honoring our nation’s many veterans, our heroes. We will make our usual rest and refresh breaks and a stop for lunch along the way. We are sure this is a tour that will create many memories while remembering all those that gave some, and those that gave all.