Veterans Day is a day of nationwide tribute to honor those who have served. Communities come together with parades, ceremonies, and festivals to express gratitude for Veterans and their sacrifices. Here is Berry Law‘s guide to some of the most significant Veterans Day events across the United States, where you can join in recognizing America’s heroes.
This is the primary national Veterans Day event, with dignitaries, a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and a powerful parade of colors. It’s a deeply moving experience and an essential part of honoring Veterans in America.
As the nation’s largest Veterans Day parade, this event hosts more than 20,000 participants marching along Fifth Avenue. From Veterans to marching bands, it draws thousands of spectators and showcases New York’s grand approach to honoring service members.
Beyond Arlington, D.C. hosts ceremonies at the World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and Korean War Veterans Memorial. Museums like the National Museum of the United States Army also host special programs for Veterans and their families.
Honolulu’s Veterans Day ceremony at Pearl Harbor includes wreath-laying, ship tours, and tributes to those who sacrificed their lives in the attack. It’s a moving way to remember the importance of military service in preserving freedom.
This event features a ceremony on the historic USS Midway, with aircraft flyovers and speeches from Veterans. Located on an active aircraft carrier, it’s a unique and impactful tribute to military history and service.
Chicago’s Veterans Day Parade honors service members with a downtown procession of Veterans organizations, floats, and bands. Chicago’s strong tradition of celebrating Veterans makes this parade a prominent Midwest event.
Boston hosts a Veterans Day parade and events throughout its historic city. With a rich military history, Boston’s observance includes ceremonies at famous landmarks, making it a blend of American history and respect for Veterans.
Colonial Williamsburg offers military re-enactments, ceremonies, and programs honoring Veterans. It’s a chance to experience early American military history while paying tribute to modern-day service members.
Local Veterans Day parades and ceremonies bring communities together, offering a meaningful way for Veterans and their families to find support close to home.
On Veterans Day, many national parks offer free admission to Veterans and host special programs. It’s a wonderful way to blend outdoor appreciation with a tribute to service, providing a serene setting for reflection and celebration.
In addition to the top parades and ceremonies, here are notable regional events that provide communities with a chance to recognize Veterans:
Birmingham National Veterans Day Parade – Celebrating over 75 years, this is one of the oldest Veterans Day parades in the country, honoring Veterans with a rich history of service.
Anchorage Veterans Day Ceremony – Held at the Delaney Park Strip, this event includes a wreath-laying ceremony and gathers the community in honor of Alaska’s Veterans.
Phoenix Veterans Day Parade – Known for featuring military and veteran organizations, bands, and floats, this parade draws thousands to downtown Phoenix.
Little Rock Veterans Day Parade – Veterans are honored with a vibrant parade that moves through the heart of downtown Little Rock.
San Diego Veterans Day Parade – Downtown San Diego hosts one of the largest parades in the state, honoring Veterans with a grand display.
Denver Veterans Day Parade and Festival – This parade and festival include veteran groups, activities, and vendors, creating a full day of celebration in downtown Denver.
Hartford Veterans Day Parade – Connecticut’s capital honors Veterans with a parade through downtown Hartford, drawing community members together.
Wilmington Veterans Day Ceremony – Wilmington Memorial Park hosts a solemn ceremony to honor Delaware’s Veterans.
Miami Veterans Day Parade – Featuring military units, veteran organizations, and colorful floats, Miami’s parade celebrates Florida’s Veterans in a festive atmosphere.
Atlanta Veterans Day Parade – A proud tradition in downtown Atlanta, honoring Veterans with a display of patriotism and community support.
Pearl Harbor Commemoration, Honolulu – This poignant event includes ceremonies, wreath-laying, and often ship tours to honor those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor.
Boise Veterans Day Parade – Boise’s community gathers downtown to honor Idaho’s Veterans with a patriotic parade.
Chicago Veterans Day Ceremony – A heartfelt ceremony and parade honoring Illinois Veterans in downtown Chicago.
Indianapolis Veterans Day Parade – The city’s downtown parade pays tribute to Indiana’s Veterans with a grand celebration.
Des Moines Veterans Day Parade – A festive display featuring military units and veteran organizations, honoring Iowa’s Veterans.
Leavenworth Veterans Day Parade – One of the oldest Veterans Day parades in the country, held annually to celebrate Kansas’s Veterans.
Louisville Veterans Day Parade – Louisville’s downtown parade honors Kentucky’s Veterans with a rich display of community pride.
New Orleans Veterans Day Parade – Held in the historic French Quarter, this parade celebrates Louisiana’s Veterans.
Portland Veterans Day Parade – The city of Portland honors Maine’s Veterans with a march dedicated to their service.
Brunswick Veterans Day Parade – Known for its historical significance, this parade in Brunswick includes keynote speakers and veteran units.
Boston Veterans Day Parade – The city’s historic backdrop makes this parade a unique celebration for Massachusetts Veterans.
Detroit Veterans Day Parade – Featuring military units and veteran organizations, Detroit’s event pays tribute to Michigan’s Veterans.
Minneapolis Veterans Day Ceremony – A solemn event held in downtown Minneapolis, honoring Minnesota’s Veterans with reverence.
Jackson Veterans Day Parade – Downtown Jackson hosts a parade dedicated to celebrating Mississippi’s Veterans.
St. Louis Veterans Day Parade – Missouri’s Veterans are honored with a grand parade through downtown St. Louis.
Helena Veterans Day Ceremony – Montana’s capital city honors Veterans with a solemn ceremony, bringing together the Helena community.
Nebraska’s Official Veterans Day Parade – Celebrating the service of Nebraska’s Veterans with a patriotic parade through Old Town Bellevue.
Las Vegas Veterans Day Parade – One of the largest Veterans Day parades in the western U.S., held in downtown Las Vegas.
Manchester Veterans Day Ceremony – Veterans Memorial Park in Manchester hosts a community ceremony honoring New Hampshire’s Veterans.
Trenton Veterans Day Parade – New Jersey’s capital city holds an annual parade dedicated to honoring the state’s Veterans.
Albuquerque Veterans Day Ceremony – Held at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial, this ceremony is a tribute to New Mexico’s Veterans.
New York City Veterans Day Parade – The nation’s largest Veterans Day parade, with over 20,000 participants marching up Fifth Avenue.
Fayetteville Veterans Day Parade – Known for its strong military ties, Fayetteville celebrates North Carolina’s Veterans with pride.
Bismarck Veterans Day Ceremony – A ceremony held at the North Dakota State Capitol to honor Veterans from across the state.
Cincinnati Veterans Day Parade – Downtown Cincinnati’s parade celebrates Ohio’s Veterans with military units, bands, and more.
Oklahoma City Veterans Day Parade – Featuring floats, military units, and veteran organizations, honoring Oklahoma’s Veterans.
Portland Veterans Day Parade – A downtown celebration paying tribute to Oregon’s Veterans.
Philadelphia Veterans Day Parade – Known for its patriotic atmosphere, Philadelphia honors Pennsylvania’s Veterans with a grand parade.
Providence Veterans Day Parade – Rhode Island’s capital city hosts an annual parade celebrating the contributions of local Veterans.
Columbia Veterans Day Parade – South Carolina’s capital city honors Veterans with a patriotic display of community pride.
Sioux Falls Veterans Day Ceremony – A ceremony that brings the community together to honor South Dakota’s Veterans.
Nashville Veterans Day Parade – Music City honors Tennessee’s Veterans with a patriotic parade.
Houston Veterans Day Celebration – Parade and ceremony celebrating Texas’s Veterans with festivities in downtown Houston.
Salt Lake City Veterans Day Parade – Salt Lake City’s downtown parade honors the state’s Veterans with a community celebration.
Burlington Veterans Day Ceremony – Vermont’s Veterans are honored with a solemn ceremony in Burlington.
Arlington National Veterans Day Observance – A ceremony at Arlington Cemetery, including a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Seattle Veterans Day Parade – A grand parade through Seattle, celebrating Washington’s Veterans.
Charleston Veterans Day Parade – West Virginia’s capital honors Veterans with a parade showcasing military units and local pride.
Milwaukee Veterans Day Parade – Held downtown, this event celebrates Wisconsin’s Veterans with a patriotic procession.
Cheyenne Veterans Day Parade – Wyoming’s capital hosts a parade honoring Veterans from across the state.
Here are some Veterans Day events taking place in the Midwest:
From the largest city parades to the smallest town ceremonies, Veterans Day events across the country offer unique opportunities to show gratitude and support to America’s Veterans. These gatherings provide a chance to honor the service and sacrifices of Veterans nationwide.
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