Free Veterans Day Celebration And BBQ Planned At Dodona Manor In Leesburg

LEESBURG, VA — Free tours, vintage military vehicles and a community barbecue lunch will be part of the 22nd annual Veterans Day Celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Dodona Manor.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 312 E. Market St. and is hosted by the George C. Marshall International Center, the Town of Leesburg and Loudoun County.

Dodona Manor is the former Leesburg home of Gen. George C. Marshall, who served as Army chief of staff during World War II. It now operates as a house museum.

Tours of Dodona Manor and vehicle displays begin at 10 a.m., followed by a speaker program at 11 a.m. Retired Army Lt. Gen. Bruce T. Crawford will deliver the keynote address. A free barbecue lunch begins at noon, while supplies last.

Crawford served as the Army's chief information officer and commanded the 82nd Signal Battalion during Operation Iraqi Freedom. His decorations include two Distinguished Service Medals, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal.

The celebration is free and will take place rain or shine. Parking is available at the Loudoun County Government Garage on Loudoun Street, and Cartwheels will provide transportation to Dodona Manor. Organizers recommend parking by 9:30 a.m.