Veterans Affairs Secretary speaks today ahead of Veterans Day; Club plans to be open on holiday Friday
The National Press Club will be open on Friday, which is a federal holiday, Veterans Day, but closed the Friday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 24, in addition to Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23. Here is a snapshot of events at the Club that highlight the contributions of those who have served in the U.S. military, our veterans.
Monday, Nov. 6:
12:30 p.m. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough is speaking at a National Press Club in-person Headliners Luncheon in the Holeman Lounge. He will discuss the impact of the implementation of the PACT Act, a bill signed a year ago in August by President Joe Biden that expands medical benefits to veterans exposed to toxins from burn pits on military bases, and deliver an update on the state of America’s veterans. With ticket purchase deadline passed as of the publication time of The Wire, Club members can still watch the speech on a livestream available on the webpage here.
Wednesday, Nov. 8:
6-8 p.m. A mixer for reporters who cover military and defense sector issues will be held at the Club. This offers a casual setting for talking shop and getting to know fellow journalists in this field. Make a reservation here.
Veterans Day (federal holiday observed), Friday, Nov. 10:
6 p.m. cash bar reception, followed by 3-course dinner Judy Woodruff and Al Hunt -- veteran Washington journalists -- headline the fall Silver Owls Hoot Friday, Nov. 10, in the National Press Club Ballroom. Enjoy a three-course dinner and entertainment by a New Orleans-style jazz band during the main event which features the power couple reviewing their careers in the media.
Veterans Day (traditional observance), Saturday, Nov. 11
Wednesday, Nov. 15:
noon The Club's American Legion Post 20 meets in the McClendon Room. All Club members are invited to the program portion of the meeting, which will feature Rear Admiral Ryan Perry, chief of information for the U.S. Navy, as guest speaker. The meeting will be hybrid, so those unable to attend in person can join by Zoom.
Saturday, Nov. 18
All day Second annual Run for Austin Virtual 5K to raise awareness and public support for military veteran and journalist Austin Tice, who has been unjustly detained in Syria since 2012. Runners, walkers, hikers and press freedom supporters can register here. Focus also will be on the unjust detention in Russia of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, held since March.
Speaking of observing holidays, Club members will have a chance to give a little something to National Press Club staff they wish to thank, with a small donation to the Employee Holiday Fund. A gift of any amount is appreciated. Click here to donate.
December
A donation box will be available in the Club lobby for the Club's annual Holiday Toy Drive. Toys and other items will be donated to Children's National Hospital, given to patients and family members during their hospital visit to provide comfort, offer distractions and to normalize the hospital setting. Check out their Wish List for gift ideas.