Best military events photo
(Sarah L. Voisin/For The Post)

Best military events

Christina Barron  |  Updated 05/21/2012

Beyond the battlefield, the military also serves us -- with parades, concerts, air shows and exhibits, most of which are free. Make your way to the following places and events to appreciate the military on Veterans Day and beyond.

 
 
 
 
 

Twilight Tattoo

Washington, DC  | 6/6 - 6/27

A military unit on parade is precision at its finest.

 
 
 
 
 

Evening Parade

Washington, DC  | 6/1 - 8/31

This summer event feature drill teams, color guards and music.

 
 
 
 
 

The Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and The Star Spangled Banner

Baltimore, MD  | 6/13 - 6/19

Visit Baltimore for the kickoff of the War of 1812 bicentennial. A parade of tall ships -- at least five of the world's largest sailing ships and at least 11 warships from the U.S. Navy and other countries -- will sail into Baltimore on June 13. Visitors can tour the ships free of charge and watch an air show over Fort McHenry featuring the Blue Angels. The ships will also be in Norfolk from June 2 to 12.

 
 
 
 
 

Sunset Parade

Arlington, VA  | 6/5 - 8/28

This event is the most family-friendly and convenient of the summertime military traditions. Spread out a blanket to watch members of the Silent Drill Platoon spin and toss their rifles and listen to the Marine Band and the Drum and Bugle Corps, all with the iconic Marine Corps War Memorial in the background. No reservations are needed.

 
 
 
 
 

Navy Museum

Washington, DC

The National Museum of the U.S. Navy doesn't have dramatic architecture or many multimedia embellishments, but it does have a lot of model ships, huge guns that kids can climb on and a convenient waterfront location. There are sections about the Navy's early years and a large exhibition on World War II that includes armaments, uniforms, large-scale models and a Corsair fighter plane suspended from the ceiling. Outside the museum, cannons, guns, anchors and other artifacts provide plenty of opportunities for a hands-on history lesson.

 
 
 
 
 

National Museum of the Marine Corps

Triangle, VA

The National Museum of the Marine Corps gets top marks for engaging exhibits aimed at visitors of all ages. The museum, just five years old, is well designed and filled with interactive elements such as a boot camp section that lets visitors experience life as a recruit: being loudly "encouraged" by a drill sergeant, practicing pull-ups and lifting a hefty pack. Other highlights include newsreel footage from World War II, veterans' reflections and a glimpse of one of the two flags flown at Iwo Jima.

 
 
 
 
 

USS Barry

Washington, DC

If you want to climb aboard a Navy ship, you don't have to go far. The USS Barry, a destroyer that took part in the 1962 quarantine of Cuba and was used in Vietnam, is a permanent attraction at the Washington Navy Yard in Southeast. On a self-guided tour, visitors can see the cramped sleeping quarters and the expansive view from the bridge. Some steps are steep, so this isn't a tour for those with limited mobility.

 

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