Pamplin Historical Park will offer a living history timeline of America’s military with reenactors and multiple programs throughout the day. Programming includes a lecture on United States Army Immigrants serving in World War I by author and historian Al Barnes,  a special ceremony with cannon fire salute and tour of the Breakthrough Battlefield of April 2, 1865..

Living history will take place throughout the day with reenactors portraying American military members from various conflicts. Families will have the opportunity to learn about our nation’s rich military heritage and interact with living historians who will share stories, uniforms, equipment and weaponry of America’s fighting men and women.

A Veterans Day ceremony will start at 11:00 am with a presentation of colors and remarks by Executive Director Colin Romanick, which will be followed by a cannon fire salute. The ceremony will honor and recognize all of America’s veterans from the American Revolution to the present day.

Living history programming will be joined by a Forgotten Soldiers of World War I lecture by author and historian Alexander Barnes. Alexander F. Barnes served in the United States Marine Corps and Army National Guard, retiring as a warrant officer. He is currently the Virginia National Guard Command historian and author of seven books to include the title, Forgotten Soldiers of World War I: America’s Immigrant Doughboys.

A guided walking tour of the Breakthrough Battlefield, which occurred on April 2, 1865 will take place in the afternoon. The tour will offer attendees a chance to hear about the events which unfolded on that fateful morning while viewing some of the most well-preserved earthworks in the country. A notable story to be shared is that of Captain Charles Gould of the U.S. 5th Vermont Infantry Regiment who is credited as being the first man to enter the Confederate held earthworks. Gould would later receive the Medal of Honor for his actions during the battle.

All visitors will have the opportunity to explore the 424-acre park to include the Breakthrough Battlefield which on April 2, 1865, resulted in the evacuation of both Petersburg and Richmond. A temporary exhibit titled “292 Days, A City at War” can be toured and is open through December 17, 2023. It presents the civilian side of the war as the City of Petersburg laid under siege for 292 days from June of 1864 to April of 1865. The exhibit is divided into two parts. The first part examines the history of Petersburg and its impressive growth from its founding around 1675 as a trading post known as Peter’s Point to the secession of Virginia from the United States in 1861. Then the war came, the second part of the exhibit covers the war years from the secession vote to the end of the siege.

All event activities and programs are included with regular daily paid admission.

This event is held in partnership with The Bank of Southside Virginia and Strosnider Chevrolet.