Veterans Day honors men and women from all branches of the military who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Originally called Armistice Day, November 11th marks the the end of World War 1, which occurred on November 11, 1918 at 11:00 a.m. In 1954, the holiday was renamed to Veterans Day to pay tribute to the veterans of all wars. Here is a list of some of the Veterans Day events happening across the United States including ceremonies, parades, and community events to commemorate this special day to honor those brave men and women.
Veterans Day Events
All Veterans Tribute Week – Emporia, KS
The “Founding City” of Veterans Day hosts a multi-day event during November to pay tribute to veterans. The celebration includes veterans artist exhibits, Freedom Fest run, discussions, memorial services, a parade, and more.
New York City Veterans Day Parade – 5th Ave in Manhattan
The November 11, 2020 parade will feature a Veterans Day motorcade, Virtual Line of March, Television Special, Motorcycle Ride, and Wreath Layings. The NYC parade is the largest Veterans Day parade in the nation.
National Veterans Day Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery – Virginia
On November 11, 2020, the ceremony begins at 11:00 a.m. with the laying of the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier followed by an observance ceremony inside the Memorial Amphitheater featuring a prelude by “Pershing’s Own,” the United States Army Band, at 10:30 a.m.
Navy Memorial – Washington DC
The Navy Memorial hosts the Veterans Day Wreath Laying Ceremony at 1:00 pm on November 11th in honor of all Veterans who have served.
New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial – Holmdel, NJ
The annual Veterans Day Ceremony takes place on Nov. 11th. The 2020 event will be virtual and will be broadcast live at 11 am on Facebook and YouTube.
Women in Military Service Memorial – Arlington, VA
The Women in Military Service for America Memorial hosts a special Veterans Day event on November 11th to honor veterans with speakers, a wreath laying ceremony and more.
Veterans Day Celebration – Stanton, CA
Honor all veterans in a special ceremony held at Veterans Memorial Park in Stanton on November 11th.
Veterans Day Ceremony – Brea, CA
The Brea Veterans Day Ceremony takes place at the Brea War Memorial at the Brea Civic and Cultural Center on November 11 from 10 – 10:45 am.
Veterans Day Ceremony – Huntington Beach, CA
The Veterans Day Ceremony and car show takes place at Pier Plaza on Veterans Day. The ceremony begins at 11 am and the car show runs from 9 am to 2 pm.
Veterans Day Observance at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial – Washington, DC
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial observance and ceremony takes place November 11th at 1:00 pm EST. The 2020 event will be virtual only.
Veterans Day Program – Dana Point, CA
VFW Post 9934 hosts a Veterans Day Program at the Dana Point Veterans Memorial at 10:00 am on November 11th. The event includes the unveiling of updated memorial plaques with the names of locals who have passed during the year. Pre-registration is required for 2020.
Veterans Day Program – La Habra, CA
The City of La Habra hosts the annual Veterans Day Program at the La Habra Community Center. The event includes guest speakers and a musical performance. The event begins at 11:00 a.m. on November 11th. The 2020 event will be virtual only.
Veterans Day Tribute – Anaheim, CA
The city of Anaheim honors all veterans at a ceremony held at the city’s Veterans Monument in Downtown Anaheim. The ceremony begins at 11:00 am on Nov. 11.
Veterans Day Tribute – Irvine, CA
The City of Irvine pays tribute to veterans and troops in a special Veterans Day ceremony in the Formal Garden at Bill Barber Park. The 2020 event will be modified and presented online for viewing by the community.
Veterans Day Tribute – Orange, CA
The City of Orange honors all who served in a special Veterans Day Tribute on November 11th at the Veterans Memorial at Depot Park. The event begins at 2:00 pm and includes guest speakers, patriotic music, and more. The 2020 event will be online only.
National Cemetery Administration Veterans Day Events – Multiple cities
National Veterans Day Regional Sites – The Veterans Day National Committee recognizes select Veterans Day observances throughout the country that represent fitting tributes to America’s heroes serve as models for other communities to follow in planning their own observances.
Veterans Day Parades
Austin TX Veterans Day Parade – Downtown Austin Texas
*Cancelled for 2020* Parade begins at 9:30 am and travels from Ann Richards/Congress Avenue Bridge to the Texas State Capitol Building. A post-parade memorial ceremony begins at 11:00 am.
The Dallas Veterans Day Parade – Dallas, TX
The Dallas Veterans Day parade begins with the 11th Hour Ceremony at 11:00 am in front of city hall, followed by the parade. Viewing of military parade vehicles begins at 9:30 am.
Fullerton Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony – Fullerton, CA
Fullerton’s annual Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony is held at the Fullerton College Campus. The parade begins at the Fullerton Downtown Plaza at 10:20 am and ends at the college quad. There will be a placement of wreaths at the Veterans Memorial and the playing of Taps at 11 am.
Houston Veterans Day Parade – Houston, TX
The Veterans Day celebration begins with a ceremony at Houston City Hall, followed by the parade. Ceremonies begin at 10 am followed by the parade at 12:30 pm.
Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade – Palm Springs, CA
The annual parade is cancelled for 2020. In it’s place, there will be a drive-thru appreciation lunch for veterans. The complimentary meal is served from 11 am to 1 pm and requires an RSVP and includes a raffle and music.
Petaluma Veterans Day Parade – Walnut Park – Petaluma, CA – 11/11/20
*Cancelled for 2020* Music in the gazebo at noon, parade begins at 1:00 pm, prayer, pledge, and program at the gazebo at 2:45 pm.
San Diego Veterans Day Parade – Downtown, San Diego
The San Diego Veterans Day Parade travels a one-mile route along N Harbor Drive past The Navy Pier and the USS Midway to Pacific Highway. Parade runs from 11:00 am -1 pm.
San Fernando Valley Veterans Day Parade – Pacoima, CA
*The 2020 Event will be virtual* The San Fernando Valley Veterans Day Parade is the largest Veterans Day event in LA County. The parade begins at 11:11 am. The parade ends at Ritchie Valens Recreation Center where attendees can enjoy a post-parade carnival.
US Military Veterans Parade – San Antonio, TX – Saturday, November 9, 2019
*Cancelled for 2020* The San Antonio event includes an ROTC competition at 8:30 am and a wreath presentation ceremony at Alamo Plaza. The Veterans Parade begins at noon, ending at Milam Park with a celebration to include entertainment, crafts, vendors, and more.
Veterans Day Weekend Celebrations
Colonial Williamsburg – Williamsburg, VA
Free admission from November 11 – 15 for all active duty Military, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans, National Guardsmen and their immediate dependents. Includes Admission to historic trades and sites, Admission to 2 art museums, and complimentary shuttle service. Plus enjoy a Virtual Veterans Day Salute on 11/11 at 11:00 am
High Point University Veterans Day Celebration – North Carolina
No events scheduled for 2020
Orange Field Of Valor – Orange, CA
Orange Field of Valor displays 1,776 American Flags to honor veterans and active duty military personnel. The event begins on November 7th (4 pm – 8 pm) and runs for one week through November 14th (10 am – 2 pm). Daily visitation is open from 10 am to 8 pm.
Veterans Day Celebration – Costa Mesa, CA
No events scheduled for 2020, but tours are available with a reservation.
Veterans Tribute Weekend – Jacksonville, North Carolina
Guided tours of Lejeune Memorial Gardens by reservation, or visit the garden’s Veterans Walk of Honor on November 11.
