Recognize the Sacrifice of Service Members This Veterans Day, Attend Events Across the United States

(Washington, D.C.) — Each year on Veterans Day, the nation commemorates the sacrifice demonstrated by all men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. For the American Battlefield Trust, the nation’s premier battlefield land preservation organization, the significant experiences of citizen soldiers are a driving force in its mission of protecting America’s hallowed battlegrounds. Preserved battlefields are living memorials to the soldiers who fought there and can serve as sacred spaces to pass on stories of heroism and sacrifice to the next generation of Americans. For veterans, these hallowed grounds represent a connection to history across generations of shared struggles, adversities, and devotion to the principles of liberty and justice. 

This 69th observance of Veterans Day aligns with the 70-year anniversary of the signing of the armistice at Panmunjom (July 27, 1953), which concluded the Korean War, and the 50-year anniversary of the withdrawal of American combat troops from Vietnam (March 29, 1973). With gratitude to America’s veterans, the Trust recommends these upcoming events and opportunities to gain a greater understanding of what service entails. 

November 10-12: Veterans Day Weekend at the National WWI Museum and Memorial, Kansas City, Mo. 
Veterans Day originally began as a remembrance of loss and service in the First World War. At the National WWI Museum and Memorial, this history is recognized with a weekend of free public exhibits and events. In addition to its Veterans Day Ceremony, activities will include World War I genealogical research stations, poppy construction crafts, screening of a musical film from the band Sabaton, displays about the Vietnam War on combat photography, and a UH-1 “Huey” helicopter. Learn more. 

November 10-11: Veterans Day Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia, Pa. 
At the Museum of the American Revolution, several special programs are slated to connect visitors with the stories of some of America’s first citizen soldiers. In the premiere of the “Pension Project,” contemporary veterans will read the military pensions of Revolutionary troops, while the stories of Black and Native American soldiers will be highlighted in the “Meet Elder James Forten” performance and Akiatonharónkwen discovery cart. Educator-led walking tours to Old Pine Conservancy will offer the chance to learn about Revolutionary soldiers buried there while supporting the site’s preservation. Learn more.  

November 10: “Love, Dolly” Concert on USS Iowa, Los Angeles, Calif. 
Fans of country music, barbeque and naval history will enjoy this tribute concert hosted on the fantail of the battleship USS Iowa featuring the music of Dolly Parton performed by Kim Eberhardt. Drinks and food are available to purchase at the evening event, and all proceeds will go toward supporting veterans programs. Learn more. 

November 11: Mount Vernon Salutes Veterans, Washington, D.C. 
For those in and around our nation’s capital, George Washington’s Mount Vernon is offering free admission to active duty and former military personnel alongside a range of special activities. After a morning ceremony with the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution organizations, the day's events will include patriotic musical performances and historical interpretation of the life and times of the first president. Learn more.  

November 11: Military Appreciation Day at the Alamo, San Antonio, Texas 
Site of the famous 1836 battle in the Texan War for Independence, the Alamo is hosting its 3rd annual Military Appreciation Family Day. In addition to veteran-focused community resources, the event will feature special activities, guest presentations, music, exhibits, and ceremonies that are free and open to the public. Learn more. 

November 11: Living History at Fort Pulaski, Savannah, Ga. 
As a battleground that proved the feasibility of rifled artillery, a terminus in the Underground Railroad, and a holding spot for Confederate prisoners, Fort Pulaski witnessed advancements in military science, the liberation of enslaved peoples in the South, and the experiences of prisoners of war. For Veterans Day, Fort Pulaski National Monument will see the return of its former garrison, the 48th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment, as depicted by reenactors. Learn more. 

November 11: Veterans Day at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Albuquerque, N.M. 
At the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, the service of American Indian and non-Native veterans will be honored at their Veterans Day ceremony. Following several speakers and the national anthem, the event will feature a cultural dance by the Pueblo Dance Group and a market of hand-crafted works created by over 30 Native artists. After the ceremony, the museum’s “Family Story Time” will center around themes of service through a reading by artist and Vietnam veteran Gary Keene of Chester Nez and the Unbreakable Code: A Navajo Code Talker’s Story. Learn more. 

November 11: Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony at the National WWII Museum, New Orleans, La. 
In recognition of Veterans Day, the National WWII Museum will celebrate the opening of the special exhibit Our War Too: Women in Service with a traditional New Orleans second-line parade led by military servicewomen, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and champagne toast. Running until July 2024, the exhibit will feature artifacts and information about the hundreds of thousands of women who served in the female components of the armed services and Nurse Corps during the Second World War. Learn more. 

November 12: Veteran Presentations at Fort Phil Kearny, Banner, Wyo. 
Named after the celebrated Union general killed at the Battle of Chantilly, Fort Phil Kearny was the epicenter of fighting in Red Cloud’s War of 1866-1868. The nearby sites of the Fetterman and Wagon Box Fights offer a view into the violence between Federal forces and Native tribes that took place across the American West. The Sunday after Veterans Day will feature two presentations at the nearby Kearney Community Hall by veterans focusing on prisoners of war, with one discussing the experience of Americans held in North Vietnam and the other examining the Second World War history of the POW camp at Wyoming’s Ryan Park. Learn more.  

November 18: Lee's Headquarters Open House, Gettysburg, Pa. 
In the week following Veterans Day, the anniversary of the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery and delivery of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address carry special significance in Gettysburg. Coinciding with Remembrance Day events that include the annual parade and grave illumination ceremony, the Trust is proud to open the Mary Thompson house which served as Robert E. Lee’s headquarters during the pivotal battle. On-site interpreters will be happy to answer questions and share information regarding this historic property. 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 57,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War across 155 sites in 25 states. Learn more at www.battlefields.org. 

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