Recognizing Veterans Day in Rosslyn

Honor those who have served our country by visiting local landmarks, supporting neighborhood businesses, and more.

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With proximity to the nation’s capital, Rosslyn and the greater Arlington area offer a rich military history as well as a plethora of resources for Veterans, their families, and those who support them.

On Saturday, Nov. 11, we recognize Veterans Day, which occurs every year in the U.S. in honor of the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" of 1918 that signaled the end of World War I, known as Armistice Day. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and it became a national holiday in 1938. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day.

Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans, living or dead, but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.

Just down the road from Rosslyn sits Ft. Myer, which traces its origins to the Civil War. Since then, it has been a Signal Corps post, a showcase for Army cavalry, and the site of the first flight of an aircraft at a military installation. Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall is a Joint Base of the U.S. military in Arlington that is made up of Fort Myer (Arl), Fort McNair (SW DC), and Henderson Hall. It is commanded by the United States Army, but has resident commands of Army, Navy, and Marines.

“On Veteran’s Day and any day really, I would ask that you do two things to honor our veterans. First, thank them for their service. Second, if they are willing to share, listen to their stories of service and get an appreciation for the magnitude of what they have done for our country.”

- Col. David Bowling, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall commander

Support our Rosslyn-based veteran-owned businesses

Rosslyn is proud to be the location of many veteran-owned businesses across a wide range of industries. Read on to learn more about some that call our neighborhood home!

If you are a veteran-owned business in Rosslyn and would like to be included in this roundup, please email us at communications@rosslynva.org. 

• Compass Coffee: Started in DC’s Shaw neighborhood by former Marines Michael Haft and Harrison Suarez, Compass Coffee expanded to a multi-level space at 1201 Wilson Blvd. in Rosslyn in 2018 as their first Virginia location. Compass roasts their own beans and works with a variety of importers who specialize in bringing in coffees that are in season, so their coffees are always at peak freshness. 

• Navy Federal Credit Union: Navy Federal Credit Union was founded during the Great Depression by seven Navy Department employees who wanted to help themselves and their co-workers reach their financial goals. What started as a small group of naval employees in 1933 has grown to include officers and enlisted men and women of all branches of the military, veterans, DoD employees, and their family members.

• PAINT Nail Bar: Since 2020, Rosslyn has been home to this woman and veteran-owned luxury nail salon at 1520 Clarendon Blvd. Owners Amber and Kevin Donohoo (pictured) believe that getting your nails done should be downright lovely and affordable. Enjoy a fume-free and luxurious environment, talented nail technicians, high-end polish lines, environmentally friendly products, and great service! Read more about PAINT in this feature article from their opening. 

• Party Favor Photo: Owned by a John Lyon VFW Post 3150 Life Member, Party Favor Photo offers a unique photo booth experience with fun props and backdrops for a variety of events.

• Zermount: Zermount, Inc., is a certified Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) started by Mr. Terry Butler, a former Army officer and proven leader and Cybersecurity/Information Technology (IT) professional with approximately two decades of experience supporting the federal government and commercial clients. Learn more about Zermount in this feature article!

Honor and celebrate Veterans at area events

Ahead of or on Veterans Day, area organizations are hosting ceremonies, concerts, and more. Arlington National Cemetery is accessible from the Rosslyn Metro Station just one stop south via the Blue Line Metrorail, and the Marine Corps War Memorial is a short 10-15 minute walk from the heart of Rosslyn.

• Arlington County Veterans Day Commemoration and Concert: Each year on Veterans Day, Arlington County honors all those who proudly serve and defend our Nation. Join Arlington on Thursday, Nov. 9, at 11:30 a.m. in Bozman Government Center Plaza (or virtually) for the Veterans Day Commemoration and Concert, featuring the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own." 

• Arlington National Cemetery Veterans Day Ceremony: Two major annual remembrance ceremonies take place at Arlington National Cemetery's Memorial Amphitheater, on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Some 5,000 visitors attend each of these national ceremonies, which are sponsored by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington. This year's event begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, featuring a wreathlaying, a parade of colors by veterans’ organizations, and remarks from dignitaries

• Military Women's Memorial Veterans Day Ceremony: Join the Military Women's Memorial (accessible through Arlington National Cemetery) for its annual Veterans Day Ceremony, one of the major observances in the nation’s capital, on Saturday, Nov. 11, at 3 p.m. This free event is free and open to the public and will include formal military honors, a keynote address, veterans’ remarks, and wreathlayings.

• Marine Corps War Memorial: While no formal ceremony is planned, the Marine Corps War Memorial, also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial (pictured at top of page), is a great place to honor those who have served. It represents the nation's gratitude to Marines and those who have fought beside them. While the statue depicts one of the most famous incidents of World War II, the memorial is dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives in defense of the U.S. since 1775.

Learn more about local Veteran resources

• Just west of Rosslyn sits John Lyon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3150, which has been a leader in Arlington County since 1935. With a mission to foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts, support veterans and the military, and advocate on behalf of all veterans, this VFW Post serves as a great asset for the local military community.
• Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall offers a variety of services for local veterans, listed below. DoD ID or approved post access is required for post access. More information on access can be found on the joint base website.
  • The Andrew Rader U.S. Army Clinic provides several health services for service members, families, retired service members and eligible veterans. Some of the most popular services are the Flu Vaccination Clinics and the COVID-ID Vaccination clinics.
  • Most veterans are welcome to come onto the installation and shop at the Post Exchange, The Shoppette and gas station, The Marine Corp Exchange, and The Commissary. Click here for more information on eligible patrons who can shop at the commissary and exchanges.
  • The Directorate for Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (DFMWR) provides a variety of programs, facilities, and services that are available at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall and Fort McNair. Services and programs are offered by Army Community Services, Child Youth Services and the Business Recreation Division that includes Leisure Travel Services, a Community Activity Center, catering at Patton Hall Community Club and Conference Center & and Spates Annex, a Bowling Center, two Physical Fitness Centers, a Library, a four-pool seasonal swimming complex, an Equipment Check Out Rental Program and the BOSS (Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers) Program. Eligible patrons for DFMWR programs, services and facility access include all Active-Duty Military Personnel, Reserve and National Guard personnel, Military Family Members, Department of Defense/Federal Civilian Employees, Retirees and all Veterans.
  • The Education Center is open and has available services for all members of the military community, including retirees and veterans, and offers education guidance and counseling (space available basis for vets and retirees), on-post college courses (evenings and weekends), GI Bill counseling and assistance, and a computer lab for anyone that has a CAC. Interested parties may contact the education center directly by email or by calling 703-696-3070 (automated) / 703-696-1653 and the admin assistant will connect you to the right service provider.

To find out more about what is happening at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, visit their website at home.army.mil/jbmhh!