0900 | Registration & Coffee

Upon arrival, check in and pick up your name badge and event materials. Enjoy morning coffee and connect with fellow veterans and guests before the program begins. 

1000 - 1015 | National Anthem & Presentation of Colors

The National Anthem will be performed by the 29th Infantry Division Band. Presentation of Colors by the Marine Corps Veterans Color Guard.

1015 - 1030 | Opening Remarks

Opening Remarks by Robert B. Flowers, Lieutenant General, USA (Ret.)

1040 - 1115 | Documentary Premiere, Decisive Victory: Operation Desert Storm 

Our next Virginians at War documentary, Decisive Victory: Operation Desert Storm, features interviews with Desert Storm veterans and their families, and discusses the invasion of Kuwait, Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and the lasting impact on the American public. Our production partner for the documentary is Blue Ridge PBS, guaranteeing that the documentary will be shown on PBS stations across Virginia. The names and lives of the seven Virginia service members who were killed in action will be featured prominently.

Get a first look at Decisive Victory: Operation Desert Storm with this compelling trailer, highlighting key moments and voices from the documentary. This trailer contains scenes and themes that may be distressing or triggering to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised. 

View the official trailer here! (External link |Vimeo will open in a new window)

1130 - 1300 | Lunch 

Box Lunches will be provided for attendees to enjoy at their leisure.

1130 | Connect & Explore

During this time guests will have a number of programs to select from and participate in. We encourage guests to participate in multiple programs, as not all require extended blocks of time. 

Unit rally points 

Rally points will be organized by branch of service based on registration feedback, allowing veterans to reconnect with shared experiences and service histories. Each rally point includes interactive maps and timelines where participants can visually mark where and how they served—recognizing service both in and beyond the Middle East.

Tours and Time to Explore: Shrine of Memory 20th Century and Global War on Terrorism and beyond

Virginia War Memorial volunteers will be available during this time to lead guided tours.

Oral History Booth 

Veterans are invited to sign up for a 40-minute oral history recording session to share their personal service experiences. These one-on-one sessions provide a comfortable, respectful setting to tell your story in your own words. Recordings will be professionally archived to help preserve the history and legacy of your service for future generations. Veterans who participate will be asked to sign a brief release form prior to recording to allow the session to be archived. These will be scheduled individually throughout the day.

Photo Booth

As you have time, be sure to stop by the photo booth and take a picture. This is a great way to capture the memories of your participation in the inaugural Salute to Service Reunion Celebration.

1200 - 1245 | West Point Alumni Glee Club Concert

Enjoy a special musical presentation by the West Point Alumni Glee Club, featuring traditional and patriotic selections that honor service and leadership.

1315 - 1445 | Panel Discussion 

Please join us for an engaging discussion focusing on the historical context of Operation Desert Storm.

Panelists:

• General James Henry Binford “Binnie” Peay III, USA (Ret.)
• General Barry R. McCaffrey, USA (Ret.)
• General John P. Jumper, USAF (Ret).
• Lieutenant General Robert B. Flowers, USA (Ret.)
• Major General Michelle Rose, USA (Ret.)
• Moderator: Michael S. Bell, PhD (COL, USA, Ret.) Executive Director of the Institute for the Study of War and Democracy at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans.

1500 - 1600 | Memorial Ceremony | Shrine of Memory 

Memorial wreath laying ceremony

1600 - 1815 | Transition gavel from Operations Desert Storm/Desert Shield to Vietnam & Reunion Celebration Reception

This marks the transfer of Salute to Service leadership and our 2027 event honoring Virginia veterans who served during Vietnam.  Salute to Service Coming Home: The Vietnam War 1955 - 1975 | April 3, 2027 | Co-chaired by Commander Paul Galanti, USN (Ret). and Jamie Galanti

Conclude the day at the Salute to Service Reunion Celebration, featuring a special sing-along with the West Point Alumni Glee Club.