Every single Veterans Day celebration across the country is prepped to be the best in recent memory. After widespread cancellations starting in 2020 due to COVID-19, 2022 events are gearing up to be some of the most exciting we’ve seen in a while. Check below for a list of the events we’re the most excited to see.
Suggested read: What Is Veterans Day 2022? Honoring All Who Served
Veterans Day Celebration Events You Have To Check Out
1. National Veterans Day Parade
Where? Downtown Birmingham, Alabama
When? 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. November 11, 2022
Looking to celebrate Veterans Day in the South? “Veterans Day events near me” don’t get much more hometown than Birmingham, AL – the home of the very first Veterans Day! The parade kicks off in the morning at 18th St. and 9th Ave. N, rain or shine.
2. Heroes Gala
Where? Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio
When? 6:00 p.m. November 11, 2022
The Heroes Gala is Ohio’s love letter to Veterans. This year, it’s hosted by pro football hall-of-famer Franco Harris. The roaming cocktail hour starts at 6:00 p.m., and the dinner and program commence at 7:30 p.m. You can join in the festivities by purchasing a single ticket or a VIP ticket.
3. Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Veterans Day Commemoration
Where? Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California
When? 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. November 11, 2022
This annual event hosted by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is chock full of goings-on. You can enjoy live entertainment in the morning, a program around lunch, a book signing at noon, and tons of outdoor activities running the whole time until 3:00 p.m.
This year’s keynote speaker will be U.S. Army Veteran Brad Taylor, and he’ll be talking about his latest book, End of Days.
4. Expressions of America
Where? National WWII Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana
When? Open to close November 11, 2022
On Veterans Day 2022, the National WWII Museum will be unveiling a new experience called Expressions of America. This promises to be a powerful display of the impact of Americans on the world at large. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in songs, letters, personal reflections, and more history and artistry direct from the men and women who served valiantly.
This exhibit, which will feature the latest in museum technology, such as outdoor projection, is presented by the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation. You can find the experience outside on the Col. Battle Barksdale Parade Ground.
5. Houston Veterans Day Celebration
Where? Houston City Hall in Houston, Texas
When? 10:00 a.m. November 11, 2022
They say everything’s bigger in Texas, and their Veterans Day events are no exception! This Veterans Day celebration kicks off at 10:00 a.m. with a keynote speaker and acknowledgments. The American Heroes Parade will start at 11:30 a.m., shortly after the moment of silence at 11:00 to commemorate the signing of the Armistice.
6. Brunswick 90th Annual Veterans’ Day Parade
Where? Square Corner Park in Brunswick, Maryland
When? 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. November 11, 2022
One of the oldest Veterans Day parades in the country, Brunswick’s celebrations always impress. The day will start off with a keynote speaker, and the parade will follow shortly after. The route runs west down Potomac street, so set up your chairs early!
7. Veterans Day Observance at the World War II Memorial
Where? World War II Memorial Washington, D.C.
When? 9:00 a.m. November 11, 2022
2022 Veterans Day isn’t just about having a good time; it’s about paying tribute to the Veterans who sacrificed so much for our freedom. The National Park Service and the Friends of the National World War II Memorial are co-hosting a ceremony to pay tribute to the over 16 million WWII Veterans. Join them and place wreaths to commemorate these brave folks.
8. Denver Veterans Day Parade and Festival
Where? Civic Center Park in Denver, Colorado
When? 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. November 5 and 12, 2022
Hosted by the Colorado Veterans Project, Denver’s Veterans Day Parade and Festival is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday. The parade will be filled with Veteran organizations and their supporters. It’s also broken up into different conflicts in military history, with different segments of the parade representing the Revolutionary War, Civil War, WWI, WWII, and more.
9. Lincoln Veterans Memorial Coalition Veterans Day Ceremony
Where? Sheridan, Manzanita, Lincoln, and Santa Clara Memorial Parks in Sheridan and Lincoln, California
When? 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. November 11, 2022
The American Legion Post 264 and VFW Post 3010 are co-hosting remembrance ceremonies at four different memorial parks in the area. There will be a separate ceremony for each park, with the largest being at Lincoln’s First Street Cemetery, where there’ll be a speaker and choir.
10. Memphis Veterans Day Concert
Where? Germantown Performing Arts Center in Memphis, Tennessee
When? 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. on November 11, 2022
Everyone knows Memphis is home to some of the most iconic southern music – it’s the home of the blues, after all! It only makes sense that the city is prepped to celebrate Veterans Day with a concert.
Though you won’t find any Elvis impersonators at this event, the talented Memphis Wind Symphony will perform new and classic pieces alike. The event is free, and kids are more than welcome to tag along!
Arlington National Cemetery
As they do with Memorial Day, Arlington National Cemetery hosts a beautiful observance on Veterans Day to keep in mind those Veterans who’ve passed. This year, the ceremony will start at 11:00 a.m. on Veterans Day. VP Kamala Harris will lay the inaugural wreath, and the ceremony will be hosted by Maj. Gen. Allan M. Pepin, commanding general of the Joint Task Force for the National Capitol Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington.
This is an incredibly popular event, so space at the venue will be limited. That’s why the cemetery has provided a link to a free livestream of the ceremony that you can watch from the comfort of your home or your own local celebration.
Celebrate Veterans Day Every Day
This year’s Veterans Day events span further than we can mention here, so check out the ole’ Google and search for a “Veterans Day parade near me” if the drive to any of these events is a bit far for you. As this year’s ceremonies wrap up, keep an eye out for Veterans Day 2023 events, too, or start your own event to give back to the Veterans in your community.
These celebrations are an awesome start, but don’t forget the real reason we celebrate Veterans Day. If you really want to take part in a meaningful Veterans Day celebration, make sure you’re showing up for your Vets in your life today and every single day you can.
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