Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

A large stone block marks the east entrance to the National World War II Memorial. "Through stone architecture and bronze sculptures, the World War II Memorial recognizes the ways Americans served, honors those who fell, and recognizes the victory they achieved to restore freedom and end tyranny around the globe." Veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

Members of the United States Army Brass Quintet plays patriotic and period music as veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

Veteran Alvin Norris of Lake Norman was a lieutenant in the 1st Calvary Division in Vietnam in 1970. NC Veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

Elaine Hackett , Congressional Liaison, Legislative and Congressional Affairs, National Park Service was on hand as veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

Elaine Hackett , Congressional Liaison, Legislative and Congressional Affairs, National Park Service was on hand as veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

Elaine Hackett , Congressional Liaison, Legislative and Congressional Affairs, National Park Service was on hand as veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

Elaine Hackett , Congressional Liaison, Legislative and Congressional Affairs, National Park Service was on hand as veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

Visiting students of the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy are in attendance as veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

Visiting students of the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy are in attendance as veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

Veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

Veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

An Armed Forces Color Guard in the Presentation of Colors. Veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

An Armed Forces Color Guard in the Presentation of Colors. Veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

An Armed Forces Color Guard in the Presentation of Colors. Veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

An Armed Forces Color Guard in the Presentation of Colors. Veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

An Armed Forces Color Guard in the Presentation of Colors. Veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

An Armed Forces Color Guard in the Presentation of Colors. Veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

An Armed Forces Color Guard in the Presentation of Colors. Veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

Navy seaman from an Armed Forces Color Guard in the Presentation of Colors. Veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

Airman from an Armed Forces Color Guard in the Presentation of Colors. Veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

A member of the Coast Guard from the Armed Forces Color Guard in the Presentation of Colors. Veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

Marine from an Armed Forces Color Guard in the Presentation of Colors. Veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

Member of the U.S. Army from an Armed Forces Color Guard in the Presentation of Colors. Veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

WWII veteran Garnet Hammond was a participant in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. A native Washingtonian, Mr. Hammond's military career began in 1942 when he attended Howard University and enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve Officer's Training Corp. As an Army solider, he traveled overseas to England, France, and Germany as part of the European Theater of Operations, taking part in the Battle of the Bulge. Mr. Hammond faithfully served the U.S. Army as a mail clerk until receiving an honorable discharge in 1946. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

WWII veteran Garnet Hammond was a participant in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. A native Washingtonian, Mr. Hammond's military career began in 1942 when he attended Howard University and enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve Officer's Training Corp. As an Army solider, he traveled overseas to England, France, and Germany as part of the European Theater of Operations, taking part in the Battle of the Bulge. Mr. Hammond faithfully served the U.S. Army as a mail clerk until receiving an honorable discharge in 1946. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

Veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

Veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

Veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

Veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

Veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

Veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

Veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

Veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

World War II veteran Herman Zeitchik of Silver Spring MD earned the French Legion of Honor Medal by landing at Normandy, helping liberate Paris, and holding back Nazis at the Battle of the Bulge. He also helped liberate starving prisoners at the Dachau concentration camp. He and other veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

World War II veteran Herman Zeitchik of Silver Spring MD earned the French Legion of Honor Medal by landing at Normandy, helping liberate Paris, and holding back Nazis at the Battle of the Bulge. He also helped liberate starving prisoners at the Dachau concentration camp. He and other veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

World War II veteran Herman Zeitchik of Silver Spring MD earned the French Legion of Honor Medal by landing at Normandy, helping liberate Paris, and holding back Nazis at the Battle of the Bulge. He also helped liberate starving prisoners at the Dachau concentration camp. He and other veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

U.S. Army World War II veteran Alfred Petro Gallo of Ellicott City Md. participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

U.S. Army World War II veteran Alfred Petro Gallo of Ellicott City Md. participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

U.S. Army World War II veteran Alfred Petro Gallo of Ellicott City Md. participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

U.S. Army World War II veteran Alfred Petro Gallo of Ellicott City Md. participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

Veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

Veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

Veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

U.S. Coast Guard veteran Carroll George, age 98, of Falls Church Va. served in Okinawa aboard the USCG Cutter Taney. Veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

U.S. Coast Guard veteran Carroll George, age 98, of Falls Church Va. served in Okinawa aboard the USCG Cutter Taney. Veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

U.S. Coast Guard veteran Carroll George, age 98, of Falls Church Va. served in Okinawa aboard the USCG Cutter Taney. Veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

Veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

Mike Hydeck, news anchor at WUSA9 served as master of ceremonies as veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

Mike Hydeck, news anchor at WUSA9 served as master of ceremonies as veterans of World War II participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)

Veterans Day, National World War II Memorial

World War II veteran and author Allan Wilford Howerton, age 93, was keynote speaker in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on November 11, 2016. He was a rifleman, messenger, and company communications sergeant with the 84th Infantry Division (Company K, 335th Infantry) during the Rhineland, Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge), and Central Europe campaigns. Veterans day, observed annually on November 11, is an official U.S. public holiday that honors persons who served in the United States armed forces. (Photo by Jeff Malet)