Commemorate the Service of Our Veterans at These Events and Historic Sites 

(Washington, D.C.) — As we celebrate the 70th observance of Veterans Day in our nation’s history, we commemorate the sacrifices of the men and women who answered the call to fight for our liberties and freedoms. At the American Battlefield Trust, the premier battlefield land preservation organization, we further reflect on the dedication of service members as an inspiration to protect America’s battlefields. The hallowed ground across America serves as a means of connecting today’s veterans with those of the past, sharing the historical call to serve in the name of upholding liberty, justice, but also the shared struggles of military life.   

November 9: Annual Luminary Program at Poplar Grove National Cemetery, Petersburg, Va.  

Petersburg National Battlefield will honor veterans past and present with an evening of illuminating the gravesites of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Over 6,000 graves will be lit up as park rangers share the stories of those laid to rest at Poplar Grove National Cemetery. Visitors are expected to park at Richard Bland College with shuttle services provided to the cemetery between 5 and 8:30 p.m. Learn more.   

November 9: Musket and Artillery Demonstration at Milita Encampment, Greensboro, NC.  

Rangers and volunteers at the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park will demonstrate the use of muskets and a six-pounder cannon used during the battle. Learn about the advantages and drawbacks of these weapons and how they were used in the context of one of the largest and most hotly contested actions of the Southern Theater during the Revolutionary War. Learn more.  

November 9: These Honored Dead: Camp Nelson National Cemetery Civil War Tour, Nicholasville, Ky.  

Learn more about Camp Nelson National Cemetery and those interred there with a guided tour hosted by the National Park Service and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Visitors will learn about the history of the national cemetery system, the origins of Camp Nelson and hear stories about the soldiers and civilians interred at what was once a recruitment and training center for the U.S. Colored Troops, which also served as a refugee camp for their families fleeing from the war or enslavement. Learn more.  

November 9: Veterans & Active-Duty Appreciation Event, Rome, N.Y.  

Fort Stanwix National Monument will be offering all active-duty soldiers and veterans with ID a lifetime entry pass to all National Park Service locations. These passes cover entrance fees and national day use fees at national parks, wildlife refuges, national forests and grasslands. Veterans and active duty can stop at the park visitor center between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. with appropriate ID to gain an amazing opportunity. Learn more.  

November 9: Veterans Cruise to Peddocks Island, Boston, Mass.  

Visit the Boston Islands National Recreation Area for an excursion to Peddocks Island – one of the largest islands in Boston Harbor and the site of Fort Andrews. The ferry to the island departs at 11 a.m. from the Long Warf and returns to the mainland at 3 p.m. There will be guided tours of the historic fort, reflections on service and fun self-guided activities for all ages. Light snacks and beverages are provided. Learn more.  

November 9: Veterans Day Parade, Festival and Annual Run, Denver, Colo.  

The city will be hosting the 16th Annual Veterans Day Run to benefit the Colorado Veterans Project. Participants can choose between the 5k run, 10k run, or the 10k Rippetoe Rucksack Challenge. Immediately after, the Veterans Day parade at 10:30 a.m. will circle Denver City Park and feature local ROTC units, veterans organizations and other organizations that support our veterans. Vendors will be in the park as part of the festival with food, drinks and fun activities. Learn more.  

November 9: Veterans Day West at Battleship Iowa, San Pedro, Ca.  

The Battleship Iowa Memorial and Museum is hosting a free Veterans Day Event on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Live performances from the Geffen Playhouse Veterans Writing and Performance Project, Pamela Clay, Bruce Bermudez, and Lindsay Gillis of the Catahoula Band will be held on the pier with food and drink available for purchase. Veterans visiting will receive a free hot dog and non-alcoholic drink. Learn more.  

November 11: Veterans Day Activities at Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, Appomattox, Va.  

The Appomattox Court House National Historical Park will commemorate Veterans Day with a day of educational programs. At 9:30 a.m., park rangers will lead a lesson about the lives of United States Colored Troops veterans. At 11 a.m., discover ways in which Civil War veterans contributed to preserving the memory of the events at Appomattox in April 1865. At 1 p.m., learn more about the stacking of arms drill by participating in a reenacting of the surrender ceremony. Learn more.  

November 11: National Veterans Day Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va.  

The annual ceremony in Arlington National Cemetery — sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — commences at 11 a.m. with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier followed by a parade at the Memorial Amphitheatre. The parade will involve U.S. active-duty service members, national and local veterans’ organizations and remarks from dignitaries. Other events in the D.C. area include ceremonies at the World War II Memorial at 9 a.m., the Navy Memorial at 12:30 p.m., the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at 1 p.m. and the Korean War Veterans Memorial at 3 p.m. Learn more.  

November 11: New York City Veterans Day Parade, New York. N.Y.  

The famous annual parade hosted by the United War Veterans Council is the largest Veterans Day event in the nation. Over 20,000 participants will be marching up Fifth Ave between 26th and 48th St. in the 105th parade held.  This year’s parade grand marshal is Sgt. Dakota Meyer, the first Medal of Honor recipient for Operation Enduring Freedom. While the parade commemorates all eras of service and the branches, the featured service this year will be the Marine Corps. Later that evening, the Lincoln Center will host the Stand Up for Heroes comedy show featuring Jim Gaffigan, Norah Jones, DJ Questlove, Marc Normand, Jon Stewart, Patti Scialfa, Jerry Seinfeld and Bruce Springsteen. Learn more.  

November 11: Veterans Day Sunset Ceremony at the Battleship Missouri Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii  

The Battleship Missouri Memorial will be hosting a Sunset Ceremony at 4:30 p.m. to reflect on the valor and sacrifice of our nation’s service members. The ceremony will feature remarks from Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan, Adjutant General of the Hawaii Department of Defense, and Capt. Samuel White, Commanding Officer of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The event will also be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. Learn more.  
 

The American Battlefield Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 58,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War across 160 sites in 25 states. Learn more at www.battlefields.org.  

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