Freedom Has a Price and a Promise

Juneteenth celebrates Freedom Day: the day the promise of freedom reached those who had been denied it for far too long. Veterans have defended that promise through courage, sacrifice, and service to our nation and our communities.

The First Annual Veterans Day Walk for Education brings these histories together. We will honor those who protected our freedoms, celebrate those who continue serving our community, and invest in young people who will carry freedom’s promise forward.

Every step recognizes the price of freedom. Every contribution helps prepare the next generation to understand, preserve, and expand it.

About the Walk

The morning will begin at 9:00 a.m. with a special program recognizing veterans from the Fauquier County community for their military service, civic leadership, and continuing contributions to others.

Following the recognition program, participants will walk together along the Warrenton Greenway. This is a community walk not a race and is designed to welcome a variety of ages, abilities, accessibility needs, and fitness levels.

Participants may walk at their own pace and complete the distance that is comfortable for them.

Event Schedule

9:00 a.m.	Veterans Recognition Program
Following the Program	Community Walk for Education
Location	Warrenton Greenway, Warrenton, Virginia

Final parking, check-in, route, and accessibility instructions will be provided to participants before the event.

Honoring Our Local Veterans

This event will recognize special veterans from the local community whose service did not end when they returned home.

Our honorees represent the values of duty, sacrifice, leadership, mutual helpfulness, and service to others. Through their military and community contributions, they remind us that protecting freedom is both a national responsibility and a local commitment.

Special honorees will be announced soon.

Walk for Education. Invest in the Future.

Donations from this event will support educational opportunities for local students, including prizes for high school essay contest winners, as well as the charitable and educational work of Fauquier Juneteenth, Inc.

The student essay initiative will encourage young people to explore:

The meaning and responsibilities of freedom
The contributions of American veterans
Service and leadership in the community
The history and continuing significance of Juneteenth
How young people can help build a more informed and united future

By participating, donating, or sponsoring the walk, you are helping local students find their voices, study our shared history, and become thoughtful community leaders.

Participate or Make a Donation

Adult Participation

$50 participation donation

Support the Walk for Education and its student-focused charitable purpose.

Adult Participation

Youth Participation

$25 participation donation

A reduced participation donation is available for youth participants.

Youth Participation

Support From Anywhere

Give any amount

You can honor our veterans and support local students even if you cannot attend the walk.
Please select or enter “Veterans Walk” as the designation for your donation.

Make a Donation

Participation donations are charitable contributions to the extent permitted by law. If a participant receives goods or services in connection with a contribution, the tax-deductible amount may be limited to the portion exceeding their fair-market value. Donors should retain their acknowledgment and consult a tax adviser regarding their individual circumstances.

American Legion Post 360

American Legion Post 360 was established in 1959 in honor of hometown hero Lt. Charles R. Anderson.

Post 360’s mission is to enhance the well-being of American veterans, their families, our military, and our community through devotion to mutual helpfulness.

The Post’s participation in the Veterans Day Walk for Education continues its longstanding commitment to honoring service, strengthening the community, and supporting future generations.

Visit Post 360

Fauquier Juneteenth, Inc.

Fauquier Juneteenth, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating freedom, preserving history, educating the community, and honoring the people whose leadership and service help make us all a little more free.

Through community celebrations, educational programs, student contests, historical preservation, and partnerships with local organizations, Fauquier Juneteenth creates opportunities for every generation to learn, connect, and participate in the continuing story of freedom.

Learn More

Become a Sponsor

Put your brand along the path of impact. Honor local veterans, support educational opportunities for local students, and show the community that your organization stands for service, freedom, and the future.

Freedom Trail Sponsor

$250

Your logo will be:

Featured in the official event program
Displayed on signs along the Warrenton Greenway for the duration of the walk
Seen by participants supporting veterans, education, and community service

Stand for service. Support education. Celebrate freedom.

Become a $250 Sponsor

Legacy Sponsor

$500

Includes all Freedom Trail Sponsor benefits, plus:

A larger, more prominent logo in the official event program
Premium logo placement on Greenway signage
Recognition on the Veterans Walk webpage with a link to your business or organization
Recognition during the Veterans Recognition Program
Inclusion in select event promotions and social media acknowledgments
An opportunity to share a message honoring a veteran or supporting local students

Lead the way. Leave a legacy.

Become a $500 Sponsor

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where will the event take place?

The walk will be held Saturday, November 7, 2026. The recognition program will begin at 9:00 a.m. near the South 5th St. entrance to the Warrenton Greenway in Warrenton, Virginia. Final check-in, parking, and meeting-location instructions will be emailed to participants and posted on this page.

Is this a race?

No. This is an untimed community walk. Participants are encouraged to move at their own pace and enjoy the experience.

How long is the walk?

The final route and distance will be announced after planning and municipal approvals are complete. Participants will not be required to complete the entire route.

Is the walk accessible?

The walk is being planned for a range of accessibility needs and fitness levels. Participants may select a comfortable pace and distance. Contact the organizers in advance if you need a specific accommodation.

How much is the participation donation?

The requested participation donation is $50 for adults and $25 for youth.

Is my participation donation tax-deductible?

Fauquier Juneteenth, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. If goods or services are provided, the deductible portion may be limited to the contribution amount exceeding their fair-market value. Please retain your acknowledgment and consult your tax adviser.

Can I donate without participating?

Yes. Supporters who cannot attend may make a general donation in any amount through this page.

What will the donations support?

Event proceeds will support local educational opportunities, including prizes for high school essay contest winners, and the charitable and educational work of Fauquier Juneteenth, Inc. Final allocations will be made in accordance with the event budget and the organizations’ charitable purposes.

Who can participate?

Community members of all ages are welcome. Youth participants should be accompanied by a responsible adult as required by the final event participation guidelines.

How will veterans be honored?

The opening program will recognize selected local veterans for their military service, community leadership, and continuing service to others. Honoree announcements and biographies will be posted as they are confirmed.

Can I nominate a veteran?

Public nominations will be accepted through October 1, 2026. The organizations will honor at least one youth and one adult Veteran. Email legionamerican360@gmail.com with your nominee and include any relevant information about why this individual should be honored, their service record, and your contact information.

Where should I park?

The planned meeting area is near the South Fifth St. entrance to the Warrenton Greenway. Final parking instructions will be provided after the event plan is approved. Please follow posted signs and volunteer directions on the morning of the walk.

What should I bring?

Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather. Bringing a refillable water bottle is recommended. Additional guidance will be emailed before the event.

Will the event be held if it rains?

The event is expected to proceed in light rain. Plans for severe or unsafe weather will be announced closer to the event. Registered participants will receive updates using the contact information provided during registration.

Are pets permitted?

Pet and service-animal guidance will follow the rules applicable to the Warrenton Greenway and the approved event plan. Trained service animals will be accommodated in accordance with applicable law.

Can an organization participate as a team?

Yes. Businesses, schools, churches, families, civic organizations, and veterans groups are encouraged to walk together.

Can students volunteer?

Student volunteer opportunities may be available. Roles, age and supervision requirements, and service-hour documentation will be announced as planning is finalized.

Is there a participation waiver required?

Yes. All participants will be contacted before the walk to complete the participation waiver electronically. A parent or legal guardian must complete the waiver for each youth participant.

The waiver includes an abbreviated acknowledgment that participants:

Are participating voluntarily and understand the ordinary risks of an outdoor community walk
Are responsible for assessing their ability to participate safely and may stop at any time
Will follow event instructions and remain aware of trail, weather, traffic, and other conditions
Authorize reasonable emergency assistance if they cannot provide direction
Understand that the route, schedule, or event may be changed because of weather, safety concerns, or circumstances beyond the organizers’ control
Accept the assumption-of-risk and release terms to the fullest extent permitted by Virginia law

Who is hosting the event?

The First Annual Veterans Day Walk for Education is jointly hosted by Fauquier Juneteenth, Inc. and American Legion Post 360.

Where can I find event updates?

Updates will be posted at www.fauquierjuneteenth.com/veteranswalk and through the organizations’ social-media channels.