FREE Admission To Constitution Center For Vets And Active Military

NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER SALUTES THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE U.S. ARMED FORCES DURING MOVING VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION

FREE admission for veterans and active military personnel

A MUST-SEE: The Center’s new, World War II-era exhibition,

Fighting for Democracy: Who is the “We” in “We the People”?

Philadelphia, PA (October 21, 2011) – The National Constitution Center will honor the dedication and sacrifices of the brave men and women who have answered the Constitution’s call to “provide for the common defense” during a moving Veterans Day celebration on Friday, November 11, 2011.  The event, which coincides with the Center’s new, World War II-era exhibition, Fighting for Democracy: Who is the “We” in “We the People”?, will feature a variety of interactive, military-themed activities for both veterans and visitors of all ages.  Admission on Veterans Day is FREE for all veterans and active military personnel.

All Veterans Day visitors will have access to Fighting for Democracy: Who is the “We” in “We the People?”  Paying homage to ordinary Americans with extraordinary legacies, Fighting for Democracy immerses visitors in the real-life experiences of a diverse group of seven Americans who bravely fought for equality, freedom and justice overseas and at home during the World War II era.  To bring these compelling stories to life, the Center has paired a must-see, multimedia exhibition from the Japanese American National Museum with an original, world premiere theatrical production.  This innovative exhibit-theater hybrid connects powerfully to current debates about immigration, citizenship and civil rights in America.  Fighting for Democracy: Who is the “We” in “We the People”? runs from October 14, 2011 – January 16, 2012.

The Center’s Veterans Day celebration will begin at 9:15 a.m. with a flag raising ceremony on the front lawn.  At 11:00 a.m., visitors can participate in a moment of silence and wreath laying ceremony to honor our nation’s servicemen and women.  The poignant ceremony will feature the Drexel University Color Guard and a performance of “Taps” on the Grand Hall Overlook.  A giant flag folding demonstration will take place on the Center’s front lawn at 12:30 p.m.

Throughout the day, visitors can experience the Center’s unique, interactive programming.  In connection with the Fighting for Democracy exhibition, guests can join in the “Their Right to Fight” program, which highlights the incredible stories of individuals who served in segregated branches of the military during World War II, including Navajo Code Talkers, Tuskegee Airmen, Women Air Force Service Pilots, and the 442 Infantry Division, a unit comprised entirely of Japanese American soldiers. 

In addition, the Center will showcase theatrical performances from its popular Gallery Theater Series.  “She Went to War,” a piece that accompanied the Center’s 2009 exhibition, America I AM: The African American Imprint, tells the story of an African American woman who served in World War II.  “Through Their Eyes,” which accompanied the 2010 exhibition, Art of the American Soldier, is told from the point of view of a combat artist from the Vietnam War. 

Visitors also will have the unique opportunity to speak with local members of the U.S. Armed Forces to hear firsthand accounts of their service.  At activity stations in the Grand Hall Lobby, guests can write letters to soldiers and visit information tables from veterans’ service organizations from across the country.  Additionally, children and their families can make patriotic crafts, including American flags and star wreaths.  The Center’s Veterans Day celebration will conclude with a flag lowering ceremony on the Center’s front lawn at 4:00 p.m.

Admission to Fighting for Democracy is FREE with regular museum admission of $12 for adults, $11 for seniors ages 65 and over, and $8 for children ages 4-12.  Children ages 3 and under are free.  Group rates also are available, and groups can book the Fighting for Democracy theater experience in advance.  For ticket information, call 215.409.6700 or visit http://www.constitutioncenter.org/. 

Located on Independence Mall in Historic Philadelphia, the National Constitution Center is America’s first and only nonprofit, nonpartisan institution devoted to the U.S. Constitution.  As a cutting-edge museum, national town hall and educational facility, the Center illuminates constitutional ideals and inspires acts of citizenship through must-see multimedia exhibitions, live performances, timely public programs and dynamic educational resources.  The museum dramatically tells the story of “We the People” through more than 100 interactive exhibits, films, photographs and rare artifacts; the stirring theatrical performance Freedom Rising; and the iconic attraction Signers’ Hall, featuring 42 life-sized bronze statues of the Founding Fathers.  As America’s town hall for constitutional dialogue, the Center regularly engages political leaders, scholars, pundits and journalists of diverse viewpoints.  The Center also houses the Annenberg Center for Education and Outreach, which serves as the hub for national constitutional education and provides exceptional civic learning resources both onsite and online.  For more information, call 215.409.6700 or visit http://www.constitutioncenter.org/. 

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Thank you!

Lauren A. Saul

Public Relations Manager

National Constitution Center
525 Arch Street, Independence Mall
Philadelphia, PA 19106
T (215) 409-6895
F (215) 409-6650

Don’t miss Fighting for Democracy: Who is the "We" in "We the People”?  Paying homage to ordinary citizens with extraordinary legacies, this groundbreaking experience combines a must-see, multimedia exhibition with a stirring, original theatrical production to tell the stories of a diverse group of seven Americans who bravely fought for equality, freedom and justice during the World War II era. Now through January 16.

Tickets and info: www.constitutioncenter.org.