The second annual "Navy Day in D.C." celebration on October 11, 2008 included members of the Navy community and civilian friends alike. The fall day was filled with musical performances, including the U.S. Navy Band "Commodores" jazz ensemble (pictured right), as well as interactive displays, activities, and a U.S. Navy birthday cake.
The 2008 Lone Sailor Awards Dinner honorees A.G. Lafley, Arnold Palmer, and Representative Norm Dicks (D-WA) pose with Navy Memorial President Rear Admiral Rick Buchanan at the National Building Museum, where the dinner was held on September 30, 2008.
On September 12, 2008, Navy veteran and Oscar winner Ernest Borgnine autographed copies of his new book "Ernie: The Autobiography" in the Gallery Deck, while the Transition Ceremony for Vice Admiral John Cotton to Vice Admiral Dirk Debbink occured in the Burke Theater. Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Gary Roughead was the guest speaker. Pictured above (L to R): Navy Memorial President Rear Admiral Rick Buchanan, Vice Admiral John Cotton, and Ernest Borgnine.
Washington DC Mayor Adrian Fenty addressed the audience on the Navy Memorial Plaza on Sept. 10, 2008. The Washington DC Bowl Committee held a press conference to announce that DC will host its first NCAA college football post-season bowl game.
The Royal Hospital School Band traveled from England to perform for Navy Memorial audiences on July 10, 2008.
The Rolling Thunder roared into Washington DC over the 2008 Memorial Day weekend to lay a wreath at the Navy Memorial in honor of those who served.
On May 12, 2008, former SEAL Marcus Luttrell signed copies of his bestselling book "Lone Survivor" inside the Navy Memorial's Naval Heritage Center, and discussed his experiences in Afghanistan in the Burke Theater.
A Medal of Honor ceremony was held on the Navy Memorial Plaza in April 2008 to posthumously award SEAL Michael Monsoor one of the highest honors for his bravery in battle.
The inaugural Navy Day in DC celebration on October 13, 2007 included guest speakers, activities, refreshments, and a wreathlaying with U.S. Navy Memorial President and CEO Rear Admiral Rick Buchanan; U.S. Senator Jim Webb (D-Va.); and Chief of Navy Reserve, Commander, Navy Reserve Force Vice Admiral John Cotton.