Salute to Service FAQ

Below are some important event details and logistics that you may find helpful as you plan for your arrival on March 21, 2026!

 

────────────────────────────────────────

WHERE & WHEN

────────────────────────────────────────

Virginia War Memorial

621 South Belvidere Street, Richmond, VA 23220

 

Saturday, March 21, 2026

Registration & Coffee: 9:00 AM

Program Begins: 10:00 AM

Reception Concludes: 6:15 PM

 

Plan to arrive no later than 9:45 AM so you are checked in before the 10:00 AM Opening Ceremony.

 

WEATHER NOTE FOR SATURDAY: The weather is forecasted to be a high around 75F with mostly cloudy skies early will become partly cloudy later in the day. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. It could be chilly in the morning for our opening events, we encourage you to bring a jacket if you think you might be cold outside during these times.

 

────────────────────────────────────────

PARKING — FREE

────────────────────────────────────────

Parking at Virginia War Memorial is complimentary. 

Options include:

• Outdoor lots accessible from Rowe Street and South 1st Street

• Underground parking accessible from South 1st and South 2nd Streets

 

Google Maps to Parking: https://maps.app.goo.gl/u5jP7yiV2KDCSzaQ7

CONSTRUCTION NOTE: A portion of Spring Street between South 1st and South 2nd Street is closed due to nearby construction. Please access the Memorial via Belvidere Street, then turn east on Rowe Street, or east on Spring Street and then south on 1st Street.

ADA parking is available. Volunteers will be on-site in the parking areas to assist with directions upon arrival.

 

────────────────────────────────────────

✅ CHECK-IN

────────────────────────────────────────

Upon arrival, please proceed to the Registration Desk to pick up your name badge and event materials. There is no security screening — just check in and you are set for the day! There will be signage and volunteers to direct you along the way.

 

Walk-in registration may be available on a space-limited basis, but we strongly encourage anyone who has not yet registered to do so in advance at: Salute to Service 2026 Registration

 

────────────────────────────────────────

EVENT APP - STAY CONNECTED

────────────────────────────────────────

We are using technology to keep all of our attendees up to date and connected in real time. If you have not already, please download the event app. You can connect with other attendees, see who else is participating, upload photos, plan your agenda and so much more! 

Aventri App Download - Apple App Store - DOWNLOAD NOW

Aventri App Download - Google Play Store - DOWNLOAD NOW

 

If you have not already - you will recieve a sepearte email with instructions on how to access the app. You can also email our Events Team directly for more information.

 

────────────────────────────────────────

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

────────────────────────────────────────

9:00 AM    Registration & Coffee

10:00 AM   Presentation of Colors  & National Anthem

10:15 AM   Opening Remarks

10:40 AM   Documentary Premiere: Decisive Victory: Operation Desert Storm

11:30 AM   Lunch & Connect — Rally Points, Shrine of Memory Tours, Oral History Booth

12:00 PM   West Point Alumni Glee Club Concert

1:15 PM    Panel Discussion

3:00 PM    Memorial Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Shrine of Memory

4:00 PM    Reception & Portrait Photo Experience

6:15 PM   Program Concludes

 

For full program details, visit: 2026 Salute to Service Event Program

 

────────────────────────────────────────

FOOD & DRESS

────────────────────────────────────────

Morning coffee, a boxed lunch, and a full reception with food and beverages are all included.

 

If you have dietary restrictions and have not yet noted them, please email us at salutetoservice@vawarmemorial.org as soon as possible so we can do our best to accommodate you.

 

Dress code: Casual and comfortable. We want you to enjoy the full day without worry.

 

WEATHER NOTE FOR SATURDAY: The weather is forecasted to be a high around 75F with mostly cloudy skies early will become partly cloudy later in the day. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. It could be chilly in the morning for our opening events, we encourage you to bring a jacket if you think you might be cold outside during these times.

 

────────────────────────────────────────

ACCESSIBILITY

────────────────────────────────────────

The Virginia War Memorial is fully ADA accessible. Volunteers will be available throughout the venue to assist. If you have accommodation needs that have not yet been noted, please email salutetoservice@vawarmemorial.org.

 

────────────────────────────────────────

PHOTOS & ORAL HISTORIES

────────────────────────────────────────

Professional photography will take place throughout the day. Each registered attendee acknowledged a photo release at registration.

 

An optional portrait booth will be available during the reception — a wonderful way to commemorate the day.

 

Oral history sessions for March 21 are fully booked. If you are interested in participating in a future session, please email salutetoservice@vawarmemorial.org.

 

────────────────────────────────────────

DAY-OF CONTACTS

────────────────────────────────────────

 

For general questions: salutetoservice@vawarmemorial.org

If you need assistance during the event, you may call or text any of the following team members. Please identify yourself and your location in the Memorial when you reach out.

 

Virginia War Memorial Foundation Team:

• Pam Seay | (804) 239-6956

• Anne Wilson | (404) 245-2554

• Annie Warman | (540) 808-6410

• Allie Rose | (571) 606-3388

• Amanda Burton | (804) 339-1105

 

Events Team:

• Martina James | (540) 809-7505

• Gillian Saul | (804) 929-8438

────────────────────────────────────────

 

Thank you for being part of this special occasion. It is our privilege to spend this day honoring the men and women of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm — and those who have waited 35 years for this recognition.