Veterans Day will be observed by special programs at numerous locations around the country on November 11, and a number of National Park Service sites have special ties to our nation's military history.

One such location, Valley Forge National Historical Park, will take an interesting approach to next Tuesday's recognition of our nation's veterans: in addition to more traditional ceremonies and guided tours of the area, a group of park staff, volunteers, and veterans will "present America's military history from the perspectives of a variety of conflicts including the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War II, and Vietnam War."

"American Military Through the Ages" will be presented from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Muhlenberg Brigade Huts, which are located about a quarter-mile walk from the park's Visitor Center.

Other activities on November 11 include ranger-led Walking Tours, which will depart from outside the Park Theater at 12:20 p.m. & 2:20 p.m. During the 40-minute tours, participants will take the short walk to the Muhlenberg Brigade Huts.

If you'd rather ride than walk, guided Valley Forge Trolley Tours will depart from the Visitor Center at 12 p.m. & 2 p.m. These tours will last 90 minutes, and include extended stops at the Muhlenberg Brigade Huts and Washington's Headquarters. A 10% discount will be given to all military personnel, and Trolley Tour tickets can be reserved in advance by calling 610-783-1074. You'll find fare information for the trolley tours at this link. 

The special events at the park on November 11 will begin at 11 a.m with a Commemoration Ceremony at the National Memorial Arch. The National Park Service staff will be joined at that time "by local and national military organizations to honor our nation's heroes through traditional ceremonial services."

Brigadier General Steven A. Shapiro, Commander of Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support in Philadelphia, will highlight the critical role of Army Quartermasters and provisioning supplies to military units. Concluding that event will be an Oath of Enlistment Ceremony, where several new recruits will be inducted into the United States Military.

Immediately following the ceremony all military personnel and their families are invited to a reception in their honor in the Education Center, located next to the park's Visitor Center, courtesy of the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board.

You'll find additional details about the November 11 schedule, along with information about vehicle parking, at this link, and the park website offers additional tips for planning a visit, including a park map and driving directions.