​Veterans Day Events 2024

Mission Impossible? You decide!

How do you attend several events on the same day around the same time?

The National Executive Board (NEB) members had several opportunities during Veterans Day weekend to honor those who served our military.

Mission A:

Friday, November 8th - Eight NEB members gathered at Headquarters in DC to go through over 8,000 holiday cards for the Operation Holiday Salute project for our Veterans in hospice. Patti is expecting other packages to be delivered to her house by the end of the week. Thank you to everyone who helped support our project to bring  some holiday cheer to our Veterans.

Mission B:

Saturday, November 9th – The Washington Navy Yard – Commemorating the docking of the USS Olympia over 100 years ago and American Valor sponsored by the Veterans Center. Theresa Karlson, Sherrie McGhee, Denise Torbert and Nichole Chilton participated in the commemoration of the docking of the USS Olympia at the Washington Navy Yard over 100 years ago. In October 1921, the USS Olympia set off from France, carrying the remains of an unknown U.S. soldier who died in World War I.  It was bound for the Washington Navy Yard, where those remains would be buried in the newly established Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The Veterans Center (AVC) sponsored their annual American Valor: A Salute to our Heroes at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington DC.  Several Heroes were honored.  Patti, Annette, Teresa and Joan attended as special guests of U-Haul. The AVC’s Emmy-winning program shares the stories of America’s greatest heroes from World War II to the present day. Narrated by celebrities and noted Americans, these are the stories that inspire and unite us, reminding us of who we are at our very best.

Mission C:

Sunday, November 10th – Walk in the National Veterans Parade and attend the WWI Memorial Screening with the Doughboy Foundation.

National Veterans Parade - Nine members of the NEB were honored to walk in this year’s National Veterans Parade. Several Veterans Service Organizations, marching bands and floats started at 7th Street to 17th Street on Constitution Avenue in Washington, DC.​

WWI Memorial Screening with the Doughboy Foundation – Eight members of the NEB were invited to the first screening of the journey of completing the WWI Memorial as sponsored by the Doughboy Foundation. The WWI Memorial is located on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC. This memorial includes a sculpture entitled “A Soldier’s Journey” that honors the 4.7 million American armed forces who served during WWI. The film highlighted how the foundation started out by finding the land, getting approval, raising funds and their search for the architect and artist to complete the monument. Memorial architect Joe Weishaar and sculptor Sabin Howard were ultimately selected to create A Soldier’s Journey sculpture. Thirty-eight separate figures, spread over approximately 58 feet of wall towards the western end of the Memorial Core, portray the experience of one American soldier. The figures are mounted on the wall. Finally, the foundation thought it would be appropriate to have a bugler play Taps everyday at 5:00 pm in honor of all Americans who have served and continue to serve.

Mission D: 

Monday, November 11th - White House Breakfast, Memorial Observances at ANC, WWI Memorial, WWII Memorial, Vietnam Wall, Korean Memorial and the National Women’s Memorial – These ceremonies occurred throughout the day as several NEB members divided up to attend and honor the Veterans who served our country.  We believe that the AGSM Veterans Day Missions were accomplished, and we were truly thankful for the opportunities to spend time and honor our beloved Veterans.

Please share your Veterans Day stories and send them to [email protected].  Stories and pictures are due by December 8 for the next newsletter.


Theresa Karlson 
National Secretary 
American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.
Proud Mother of LCpl Eugene "Gino" Mills, III, USMC
KIA Afghanistan 
11/19/1990 - 06/22/2012