The weekend of Armed Forces Day is an appropriate time to say thank you to all the men and women (and their families) who have given so much to the nation’s defense. We are expressing our appreciation by offering special privileges, including a brand new amenity, the Liberty Lounge.
Introducing Liberty Lounge
Liberty Lounge, located just off Duke of Gloucester Street in the heart of the Historic Area, offers a quiet place for active duty military, Reserve, retirees, and their dependents to take a break. The lounge occupies the first floor of the Margaret Hunter Workshop, which is a red building located directly behind the Milliners and accessible through the gate just to the left of that shop. (You can use the key on the Daily Visitors Map to locate it easily.)
You do need to present a Liberty Lounge Pass, which is free and can be acquired at any Colonial Williamsburg ticket location. Just show the ticket agent appropriate proof of military service and present (or purchase) any type of current admission ticket, including a Single-day, Multiday, Annual, Good Neighbor, Collegiate or service-related complimentary pass.
Liberty Lounge is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. When you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by one of our volunteers. Many are themselves retired military.
Feel free to plan your next stop, check your email using the free Wi-Fi, or just take a few minutes to relax or peruse the photographs of service members visiting Colonial Williamsburg from the 1940s to today.
Hot and cold beverages are available. For kids, there are also coloring sheets and crayons, and a large chalkboard on which to doodle.
Special offers on tickets
Members of the military, retirees, veterans, and their dependents will all receive free admission over the Memorial Day weekend, May 27-30. Just head to the Visitor Center, Lumber House ticket office, or the Merchants Square ticket window, show appropriate military identification, and ask for the “Honoring Service to America” ticket. For family members of active duty military, the service member does not need to be present if he or she is currently deployed.
On Memorial Day, May 30, join us for a ceremony honoring the men and women who died serving their country. At 10 a.m. the Fifes and Drums will lead a procession from the Governor’s Palace to Bruton Parish Church, then to the Capitol. Along the way wreaths will be placed, prayers given, and volleys fired to commemorate the sacrifices of soldiers in all American conflicts. The program is free and open to the public.
Beginning June 1, all active-duty military, reserve, and National Guard personnel can receive one free one-day admission tickets for themselves and up to three direct dependents per year.
Also beginning June 1, all military, active or retired military, will receive a 50 percent discount on Single-day tickets and up to five Annual Passes.
Did you know that veterans receive a 10% discount on tickets at our educational Musket Range? You must buy your tickets on site (at any CW ticket location) so that you can show proof of service.
One additional offer for the summer season. The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg is a Blue Star Museum and will admit active military and their immediate dependents for free between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Discounts on Shopping
And when you visit one of Colonial Williamsburg’s shops, don’t forget to present your military ID to receive a 10% discount off your purchase. The discount does not apply to items made by Historic Trades, furniture, creamware, or gift cards.
When we fly the flag in Williamsburg, we’re honoring the accomplishments and sacrifices the Revolutionary generation made in creating a new nation 200-plus years ago. But we also want to acknowledge the dedicated men and women who have contributed to the preservation of our liberty during our own lifetimes. We can’t ever take them for granted.
So to all the men and women of our military, thank you.
Liberty Lounge was made possible by a gift from a generous anonymous donor, and is supported by corporate sponsors Lowe’s, Royal Cup, and The Fresh Market. Free admission through the “Honoring Service to America” ticket on Memorial Day weekend is made possible by a grant from the Home Depot Foundation.
Will the “Honoring Service to America” tickets for Memorial Day Weekend be available again for 2017? Thanks!
Yes, that’s the plan! Look for it when we get closer to Memorial Day.
What about a Veteran family—that the Veteran has died?? I have his discharge papers.
Carla,
Thanks for asking. I inquired about this and was informed that, unfortunately, the benefit is really geared toward service members-active, retired, and veterans. While family members do enjoy some benefits when they are with the service member, that’s the focus. So families of veterans are not included.
Outstanding! Our military both active and retired, full time or part time (weekends) and their families deserve so much for putting their lives on the line for our freedom. THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU!
Another amazing plus to CW. Each year I become more and more proud of living in Williamsburg. We chose to retire here from FL and have not regretted a single day. This is another reminder of the hallowed ground on which we stand. Thank you.
Are the ticket offers available to Disabled Veterans as well? Specifically the 50% off on the Annual Passes:
Yes!
This is great that you are honoring active and retired military. What about Veterans. Not all of us retired but we served our nation. Do you recognize them and do you extend the same offer to them with proper VA ID or DD 214?
I am a veteran of 14 years and have numerous family members who served active and reserve for numerous years but did not retire. So I am curious to learn if all veterans will be recognized and extended the same kindness for their service during their generation.
Yes, all veterans are included in this. Any proof of military service will suffice. We were hesitant to try to make a list because it would be difficult to know if we left something out. This is meant to be inclusive for all the men and women who have served.
We have friends headed your way. He is a veteran. Is there a discount on tickets for him?
Thank you for your help
What a wonderful thing to do! Thank you!
Will the Liberty Lounge be open all year or only on Memoria Day weekend? It’s a fantastic idea!
It’s open all year round, a new permanent addition to the town.
Spellcheck - defense or defence?
If you’re referring to “For the Common Defence,” it’s spelled that way because the 18th-century phrase it’s referencing was spelled that way. We like the occasional period quirk.
How wonderful for CW to honor our Veterans and the men and women who continue to fight for the freedoms we as Americans enjoy.
Your corporate heart is definitely in the right place on this one! EXCELLENT idea, and THANK YOU for honoring those who serve!