The Holiday Spirit Is Here!

December 3 Tree Lighting Ceremony Kicks Off a Season of Joy and Purpose

Dodona Manor’s signature holiday event kicks off this Saturday, December 3, at 4:30 p.m. with our third annual outdoor tree lighting ceremony. Bundle up and join us for hot apple cider and s’mores before sunset! 

Explore and enjoy our 17 beautifully decorated trees, each representing a European nation that benefited from the Marshall Plan. This year is extra special since we are celebrating the plan’s 75^th anniversary.

Our immersive tree walk experience will be on full display through January 6. No entry fee required.

Brighten Your Tree!

Add the 2022 Marshall Center ornament to your collection! This year, in honor of the 75^th Anniversary celebration of the Marshall Plan, the focus of the ornament is the green Willys Jeep Station Wagon General Marshall owned.

Fun fact: During his time as Chief of Staff of the Army, General Marshall greenlit the production of the jeep as a military vehicle – one that continues to epitomize America. The commemorative ornament is crafted of acrylic by local artisan Rugged and Rustic Creations. Order yours now!

A Day To Remember

Veterans Day 2022 Celebration at Dodona

On November 11, a crowd of 175 supporters braved rainy conditions to celebrate Veterans Day with us. Those present enjoyed the much-anticipated return of Briar Woods High School Band, which impressed with their superb performance despite inclement conditions.

Juliana Walker MacDowell and Michael Gauvreau brought tears to many an eye with their performances of patriotic songs.

Guests visited with representatives from American Legion Post 34, the Virginia Dept. of Veterans Services and the Loudoun County Public Library. Special thanks to David Galen for the splendid photography.

Watch our special video highlights now.

A big thank you to our generous sponsors who made this amazing event possible!

December 7 Book Club: The Peacemakers

Join us on Wednesday, December 7 from Noon to 1 p.m. ET for a Zoom discussion of The Peacemakers by Bruce W. Jentleson.

In the 20th century, great leaders played vital roles in making the world a fairer and more peaceful place. How did they do it? What lessons can be drawn for the twenty-first-century global agenda? Those questions are at the heart of The Peacemakers, a book that recalls John F. Kennedy’s Profiles in Courage.

Writing at a time when peace seems elusive, climate change is moving from future to present tense and transformational statesmanship is so needed, Jentleson shows how a range of 20th-century leaders rewrote the zero-sum scripts they were handed and successfully made breakthroughs on issues long thought intractable.

December 15 Foreign Policy Forum

National Security From a Submariner's Perspective

Join us on Thursday, December 15 from Noon to 1:30 p.m. ET for a Zoom discussion with William Castan, Captain (U.S. Navy, Retired).

Castan will provide a brief history of the use of submersible vessels dating back to Alexander the Great and offer insights into the unique mindset of a submariner. Independent operators who are usually disconnected from other naval units, the submariners main line of defense is to remain undetected while maintaining the element of surprise.

He served 28 years on active duty in the U.S. Navy, serving in attack and missile submarines in every combatant command. Following his military service, Castan completed a 21-year career in the defense support industry. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from Ursinus College, is a graduate of the Naval Nuclear Power School and studied National Security Strategy at the National War College. 

Feb 10-11: Winter Ethical Leadership Conference for High School Students

We look forward to hosting our next edition of Five-Star Character: The George C. Marshall Ethical Leadership Conference for high school juniors and seniors on February 10 and 11, 2023 in Leesburg.

The conference leverages lessons from the life and example of George C. Marshall, whose career as a soldier and statesman serves as a positive and timeless model of effective ethical leadership and “five-star character.” Using examples from Marshall’s long career of service, participants learn and apply these enduring lessons in a modern context.

Please share this info with your networks and use this link to Apply Now!

Scouts Step Up For Their Community

The Marshall Center is proud to serve as the chartering organization for Boy Scout Pack 1154. This November, Pack 1154 participated in “Scouting for Food,” an annual food-collection drive for families in need.

We salute you, scouts!