National Harbor to Hold Spirit Park Celebration on Veterans Day

NEWS Contact: Vicki Bendure
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National Harbor to Hold Spirit Park Celebration on Veterans Day
November 11 festivities will commemorate park’s one year anniversary with a walk/run, sealing of a Patriot’s Value time capsule, performance by U.S. Air Force Band and tree lighting!

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., Oct. 12, 2023—On Saturday, November 11, National Harbor will celebrate Veterans’ Day at Spirit Park (115 Waterfront Street). The park opened last year on Veterans’ Day and is designed to honor the history of the American flag and all of those who represent it—veterans, first responders, public servants and Americans across the U.S.

The day will begin at Spirit Park at 10 a.m. with a walk/run that will benefit The Check-6 Foundation. Since its inception in 2004, The Check-6 Foundation has assisted hundreds of veterans in need in paying their bills, receiving medical attention, finding jobs and so much more. It also continues to provide an unforgettable experience for children battling serious illnesses (and their families) through its Pilot for a Day Program nationwide. “Check-6” is a military term used to reference an aviator’s practice of checking his wingman’s 6 o’clock position (directly behind him) to ensure it is clear of any threat. Simply put, it means “I’ve got your back and am looking out for you.” Participants in the walk/run must register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spirit-park-walkrun-tickets-716153072117?aff=oddtdtcreator. The cost is $24.25 for civilians, $13.58 for military. There will be a pancake breakfast (early bird pricing is $13.58) in Spirit Park following the walk/run.

From 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., National Harbor will host the sealing of a Patriot’s Value time capsule at Spirit Park that will contain a variety of items and memorabilia commemorating the park’s opening as well as National Harbor’s opening more than 15 years ago. Aerial photos, an American flag that has flown over the park, a challenge coin, list of long-term employees, a chip from the grand opening of MGM National Harbor and more will be included—approximately two dozen items. Also, during this time, the U.S. Air Force Band Max Impact will perform.

The Capital Wheel will provide free wheel rides from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. for active and retired military. A military ID is required. Military family will receive the military discount.

At 5:30, National Harbor will hold its inaugural 2023 holiday tree lighting when its breathtaking 60-foot tree comes to life with a custom light show and holiday medley recorded by the United States Air Force Band. Patriotic fireworks will follow the tree lighting.

Since its opening a year ago, Spirit Park has seen thousands of visitors. The park features a 50 by 80-foot custom-made flag (flown on special occasions including Veterans Day.) It is one of the largest flags in the U.S. It flies on a flag pole that is 177 feet and 7 inches tall commemorating the first Flag Day on June 14, 1777. It’s surrounded by 13 smaller flags representing the 13 colonies. These flags initially arrived by representatives from around the region who walked, ran, biked and swam the flags over to National Harbor.

A few of the many additional elements of the park include Union Tower that rings daily and marks significant occasions with patriotic songs and American Bison sculptures, created by John Lopez.

For more information on National Harbor, visit www.nationalharbor.com. For more information on Spirit Park, visit www.NationalHarbor.com/spiritpark.




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About National Harbor

Situated on the banks of the historic Potomac River and just minutes from the nation’s capital, National Harbor is a waterfront resort destination unlike any other. National Harbor is home to two of Maryland’s Four Diamond rated hotels—Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, the East Coast’s largest non-gaming hotel and convention center and has almost 2,000 hotel rooms and 660,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and MGM National Harbor, an integrated luxury casino resort with renowned chef-driven restaurants, a 3,000-seat state-of-the art theater and one of the largest gaming floors outside of Las Vegas. The vibrant Waterfront District features boutique shops, restaurants and entertainment options along picturesque promenades. The iconic Capital Wheel, a 180-ft observation wheel, Tanger Outlets’ 85 designer brands, and a robust calendar of events round out this destination that welcomes more than 15.2 million visitors a year. For more information, visit www.NationalHarbor.com.