Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, home of the historic aircraft carrier USS Yorktown and destroyer USS Laffey, will offer complimentary admission for all U.S. military veterans, active-duty personnel, including members of the National Guard and Coast Guard, and their immediate family members over Veterans Day Weekend, November 9th to 11th.
The museum will also host special events on November 9th to celebrate veterans and their contributions. At 10 a.m., renowned artist Mary Whyte will lead a watercolor painting workshop for veterans who have pre-registered, offering participants an opportunity to learn watercolor techniques and explore creative expression.
At 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 9th, visitors are invited to join Whyte for a live painting demonstration aboard the USS Yorktown in the Smokey Stover Theater. The demonstration is free for veterans and their immediate families and included with general admission for other guests.
Later that day, at 2 p.m., The Citadel’s Summerall Guards will perform their iconic silent drill on the USS Yorktown’s flight deck. This drill showcases a series of precision movements, reflecting the rigorous training and discipline of cadets from one of the nation’s leading military colleges. The performance is free for veterans and their immediate families and included in admission for all other visitors.
“We are honored to provide a space where veterans and their families can come together to reflect and celebrate the values that make our nation strong,” said Patriots Point Executive Director Allison Hunt. “This Veterans Day Weekend, we’re proud to offer special events that not only showcase the talents of inspiring individuals like Mary Whyte but also deepen our commitment to preserving and sharing America’s history and traditions. Our museum is dedicated to honoring the courage and sacrifice of those who served, and we look forward to welcoming visitors who share our passion for patriotism and support of our veterans.”
Throughout Veterans Day Weekend, the USS Yorktown Foundation will introduce the “Friends of the Fleet” membership program. Expanding on the current annual pass, this membership offers exclusive benefits such as priority access to events, members-only programming, and discounts with local partners and participating museums across the U.S.
For more information on Veterans Day Weekend programming or to purchase tickets and memberships, please visit www.patriotspoint.org.
