Celebrating Veterans Festival de Servicio y Conmemoración

Across 250 years of American history, generations of Latinos have served the nation through the U.S. military. Celebramos a los Veteranos: A Festival of Service and Remembrance honors that history while bringing together veterans, service members, families and communities to reflect on what it means to serve. Presented by the National Museum of the American Latino at the National Museum of American History, the festival will explore stories of military service across generations—from Admiral David Glasgow Farragut to Colonel Marisol Chalas and veterans serving today. Through conversations with veterans, service members and military historians; historical tributes; a pop-up exhibition; and participation from veterans organizations nationwide, the program will examine the many ways Latino service has shaped American military history. Visitors will also experience the music of military and civic life, exploring how marching bands, patriotic music and other musical traditions have become part of the American soundscape. A special story booth will invite veterans to record their own recollections of military service and reflect on why they served. Presented in collaboration with the American GI Forum, American Latino Veterans Association, Hispanic Veterans Leadership Alliance, and the League of United Latin American Citizens. Should you need assistance such as ASL interpretation, please email NMALeducation@si.edu with your name, date of program, and request and the museum will respond with further information. When possible, we ask for two-week notice. Schedule of Events: 10AM - 5:30 PM Community centered veterans resource tables and family activities. Participating organizations include: American Civil War Museum American G.I. Forum American Latino Veteran’s Association American Legion Hispanic Veterans Leadership Alliance League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Library of Congress National Museum of the Marine Corps Queen Sofia Spanish Institute Smithsonian Amateur Radio Group SWT Fitness TAPS for Vets 11 AM Smithsonian Honor Guard Flag Ceremony and National Anthem 12:30 PM The Greatest Stories Never Told A chance to hear from our servicemembers themselves how great valor can have great sacrifice. 1:30 PM From Page to Stage An in depth look at how real histories are shared worldwide through archives, literature, stage and screen featuring a special musical performance. 2:30 PM Resilience & Recovery What happens when service takes more than you can give? What comes from the struggle to find meaning in a new life? 3:30 PM From Page to Stage Reprise A second chance to experience a musical performance. 4 PM Set in Stone How we dedicate, develop, and commission monuments for monumental acts of service. 5PM Smithsonian Honor Guard Flag Ceremony and TAPS