(Washington, DC) – This month, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs (MOVA) are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs and recognizing 25 years of service to the District’s veterans, service members, and military families. Throughout November, Washingtonians are invited to honor the service and sacrifices of those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

For 25 years, MOVA has worked to ensure District veterans and their families can access the benefits and services they have earned. Through partnerships with community organizations and veteran service providers, MOVA helps veterans navigate available resources and supports their transition to civilian life.

“Veterans and military families are an essential part of the fabric of the District and their service, sacrifice, and resilience deserve our deepest gratitude,” said Lamont Carey, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs. “This November, we reaffirm Mayor Bowser’s commitment to ensuring that those who have served our nation and their loved ones have access to the resources, opportunities, and support they deserve.”

Established in 2001, MOVA serves as a liaison between the District government and the veteran community. Over the past 25 years, the office has helped veterans access housing assistance, employment opportunities, and other essential services. MOVA continues to advocate for the needs of District veterans and ensure their voices are represented in local government.

“For the last two and a half decades, the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs has supported our country’s heroes by assisting them receive the benefits that they earned through their service,” said Julian Purdy, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs. “This anniversary is a chance to recognize how far we have come and honor the veterans who have helped shape our city. As we look ahead, our commitment remains the same: to serve those who have served and ensure that every veteran in the District knows where to turn for support.”

Throughout Veterans Month, MOVA will work with District agencies and community partners to host events honoring local veterans and connecting them with available resources.

Observed each November, Veterans and Military Families Month provides an opportunity to recognize the service and sacrifices of those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. In Washington, DC, veterans remain an important part of our communities and continue to contribute to the District long after their military service ends.

As MOVA marks its 25th anniversary, the office remains focused on meeting the evolving needs of the District’s veteran community and ensuring veterans and their families have access to the support they deserve. Throughout Veterans Month, the Bowser Administration and MOVA will sponsor and support the following events:

Veterans Benefits Training
The Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs, in partnership with AARP and Legal Counsel for the Elderly, will host a Veterans Benefits Training to help District veterans and their families better understand available benefits and resources. Participants will have an opportunity to learn more about benefits eligibility and access information to help navigate available programs and services.

• When: Thursday, November 5 | 10 am – 2 pm
• Where: 899 North Capitol Street NE
• Register with AARP: s.dc.gov/VetsBenefitsTraining

Veterans Career Fair and Networking Event
The Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs, in partnership with the Department of Employment Services, will host a career fair connecting District veterans with employment opportunities and workforce development resources. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with employers, explore career pathways, and learn about employment services available to support their professional goals.

• When: Friday, November 6 | 10 am – 2 pm
• Where: 899 North Capitol Street NE, 1st Floor
• Register: s.dc.gov/VetsCareerFair 

Veterans Day Concert with the US Navy Band
Celebrate Veterans Day with DC Public Library and the US Navy Band for two special performances.

• When: Wednesday, November 11 | 1 pm – 4 pm
• Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G Street NW
• Register for the concert at 1 pm with the Sea Chanters and the concert at 3 pm with the Country Current.

MOVA 25th Anniversary Celebration
Join the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs as it commemorates 25 years of service to District veterans and military families. The anniversary celebration will recognize the office’s history, highlight its continued commitment to connecting veterans with essential resources, and bring together community members and partners who have contributed to MOVA’s impact over the past two and a half decades.

• When: Thursday, November 12 | 5 – 8 pm
• Where: 1 Constitution Avenue NE
• Register: s.dc.gov/celebratemova25 

For more information on Veterans and Military Families Month activities, visit linktr.ee/DCofficeofveteransaffairs or follow the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs on social media at @dc_ova.

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