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Philadelphia will mark Veterans Day with a week of ceremonies, celebrations and educational programs honoring the men and women who have served in the U.S. military.
Veterans Day falls on Wednesday, Nov. 11, but events will begin earlier, including the city’s 12th annual Veterans Day Parade on Sunday and a celebration of the Marine Corps’ 251st birthday on Tuesday.
Originally known as Armistice Day, the holiday commemorated the end of fighting in World War I, which ceased on Nov. 11, 1918. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation changing the holiday’s name to Veterans Day to recognize Americans who served in all wars.
This year’s commemorations also take place during the nation’s 250th anniversary, with several Philadelphia museums highlighting the service of Revolutionary War veterans alongside those who have served in more recent conflicts.
Here are some Veterans Day events happening in and around Philadelphia this year.
Sunday, Nov. 8
12th Annual Philadelphia Veterans Day Parade and Festival (noon-3:30 p.m.)
Cost: Free
Philadelphia’s annual Veterans Day Parade returns to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, commonly featuring more than 4,000 participants representing over 100 organizations, including marching bands, military groups, emergency responders and veterans organizations.
The parade begins at 21st Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway at noon and ends near the Philadelphia Museum of Art at Eakins Oval.
A Veterans Festival follows at Eakins Oval from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., featuring live entertainment, food trucks, family-friendly activities and information about veterans’ health care, education, employment and financial resources.
Gunnery Sgt. Roosevelt Farrow, one of the original Montford Point Marines who helped integrate the Marine Corps during World War II, will serve as grand marshal.
The event is free, requires no registration and will take place rain or shine. The parade will also be broadcast on 6abc.
Tuesday, Nov. 10
Marine Corps 251st Birthday Block Party (10 a.m.-6 p.m.)
Cost: Free
The Tun Legacy Foundation will celebrate the Marine Corps’ 251st birthday with a block party near the site of the historic Tun Tavern, where the first Marines were recruited in 1775.
The free celebration will take place at Second and Chestnut streets, featuring military ceremonies, live music, historical reenactors, food trucks and community organizations.
A ceremonial birthday cake cutting is scheduled for noon, followed by an enlistment ceremony for future Marines at 2 p.m.
Among the scheduled guests are Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz, World War II veteran Stephen Anderson and Navy Cross recipient Aubrey McDade.
Wednesday, Nov. 11
National Constitution Center Veterans Day Programs (10 a.m.-3:45 p.m.)
Cost: Free for veterans and active-duty or retired military personnel; $19.95 for general adult admission online or $24.95 at the door.
The National Constitution Center, at 525 Arch St., will host a series of Veterans Day activities, beginning with an 11 a.m. wreath-laying ceremony on its front lawn overlooking Independence Mall.
The ceremony will include a flag raising, national anthem and tribute to military veterans.
Inside, visitors can hear veterans share their experiences, learn about women in military history and explore the stories of Black soldiers who served during the Civil War.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., guests can also decorate bags for the Veterans Multi-Service Center and write messages of appreciation for military members.
Youth ages 6 to 18, college students and seniors can purchase discounted tickets for $14.95 online or $19.95 at the door. Children 5 and younger are admitted free.
General admission tickets include access to the museum’s exhibits and educational programming.
Veterans Day at the Museum of the American Revolution (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Cost: Free for veterans, active-duty military members and Blue Star Families Nov. 8-11; $25 for general adult admission online or $27 at the door.
The Museum of the American Revolution, at 101 S. Third St., will honor veterans with performances, presentations and exhibits highlighting military service from the Revolutionary War to the present.
At 12:30 p.m., visitors can learn about Akiatonharónkwen, also known as Louis Cook, one of the highest-ranking Native American officers in the Continental Army.
At 1:15 and 3:15 p.m., actor Matt Morris will portray Revolutionary War soldier Joseph Plumb Martin in a 30-minute theatrical performance.
The museum will also offer activities exploring the experiences of Revolutionary War veterans and how modern military service members relate to those who fought for American independence.
Discounted admission is available for seniors and students at $21, while tickets for children ages 6 to 17 cost $14. Children 5 and younger are admitted free.
Those eligible for the Veterans Day complimentary admission offer must redeem it in person at the museum.
Community College of Philadelphia Veterans Day Ceremony (11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.)
Cost: No admission fee listed.
Community College of Philadelphia will honor veterans with a ceremony in the Bonnell Building lobby at its main campus, 1700 Spring Garden St.
The event will feature a color guard presentation and remarks from Gregory Wright, Philadelphia’s director of Veterans Affairs, who served 15 years in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, including deployments to the Middle East and Africa.
The college will also recognize veterans from its campus community. Light refreshments will be available.
Penn Veterans Day Flag Raising (9-9:30 a.m.)
Cost: No admission fee listed; open to the Penn community.
The University of Pennsylvania will hold its annual Veterans Day flag-raising ceremony at the flagpole on College Green.
The ceremony honors military veterans and their service to the country. The event is open to members of the Penn community.
In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will move to the Student Service Center at 3451 Walnut St.
Temple University Veterans Day Ceremony (11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.)
Cost: No admission fee listed; open to Temple students, faculty, staff and their guests.
Temple University’s Military and Veteran Services Center will host a ceremony honoring veterans within its university community.
The event will take place at the Feinstone Lounge in Sullivan Hall, 1330 W. Polett Walk, followed by a light lunch.
Temple says its community includes more than 1,500 military-connected students, faculty and staff, including more than 600 veterans.
Nov. 11–17
Free admission for veterans at the Museum of Illusions
Cost: Free for veterans and active-duty military personnel Nov. 11-17; regular adult admission listed at $28 for other visitors.
The Museum of Illusions, at 401 Market St., will offer free admission to veterans and active-duty military personnel throughout Veterans Day week.
Visitors must present military identification or proof of service to receive complimentary admission.
Regular admission prices listed by the Philadelphia Visitor Center are $28 for adults, $26 for seniors and $23 for children ages 5 to 12. Children 4 and younger are free. Prices may vary by booking date.
The museum will also offer a limited number of family ticket packages through the Veteran Tickets Foundation, while supplies last.
