Veterans Day falls on Nov. 11, and multiple areas across Pennsylvania are hosting events to honor military service members.
Below is a list of events, organized by date, that detail the numerous ways to celebrate the holiday.
Many of these events are happening on Veterans Day unless otherwise noted. If we missed any, please email kgreene@pennlive.com with the event info, and we can add it.
Nov. 7
Veterans Breakfast
Where: 150 S. 43rd St., Harrisburg
When: 9-11 a.m.
This breakfast aims to honor veterans with a free meal, alongside a conversation with state representatives Justin Flemming, Nate Davidson, David Madsen, and Senator Patty Kim.
Interested attendees can RSVP by calling 717-303-3715 or by emailing RepDavidson@pahouse.net.
Nov. 8
Veterans Day Breakfast Celebration
Where: 480 N. Gulph Road, King of Prussia
When: 8 a.m. to noon
Cost: $10 if bought ahead, $15 at the door
This event is open to the public and will feature Retired Rear Admiral Karen Flaherty-Oxler of the Navy as the keynote speaker. Veterans in attendance will also be able to share their stories before Oxler’s speech.
Registration for this event is required.
2025 Grove City Veterans Day Parade
Where: Parade will start on Broad Street, Grove City
When: noon to 2 p.m.
The parade will feature marching bands, floats, and a special tribute to those who have served.
Veterans Day Ceremony
Where: 4345 Marketplace Way, Enola
When: 2 p.m.
Hosted by the Hampden Township Veterans Recognition Committee, the annual event will feature music, a color guard performance, and guest speakers.
Nov. 9
Veterans Day Remembrance Ceremony
Where: 8 Willow Mill Park Road, Mechanicsburg
When: 1 p.m.
For the 23rd year, the Silver Spring Township will honor Veterans with the help of the Cumberland Valley American Heritage Girls. The students will sing the national anthem, another will play the bugle calls, and five students will read their contest-winning essays.
Shippensburg Veterans Day Parade
Where: Prince Street, Shippensburg
When: Parade will kick off at 2 p.m.
The parade will begin on Prince Street, and will then move down King Street to Morris Street. Anyone looking to participate in the parade can contact Jackie Clever via email at jjclever@comcast.net or call 717-530-0314.
Nov. 11
Gettysburg Foundation Veterans Appreciation Day
Where: 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg
When: The Foundation opens at 8 a.m.
With a valid ID, veterans and active-duty personnel will receive free admission to the Film, Cyclorama, and Museum experience. Guests can view different experiences focused on events such as the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg.
The last showing for the film begins at 4:15 p.m., and guests are encouraged to arrive early if they wish to check out everything being offered.
Veterans Day Weekend at the Museum
Where: 101 S. Third St., Philadelphia
When: The Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
From Nov. 11- 13, the museum will offer different experiences, including performances, a gratitude writing for those who have served, and other interactive activities.
Free admission is offered to all veterans, active military, and Blue Star families with a valid ID.
‘National Reading of the Names’
Where: 1 Lincoln Circle, Harrisburg
When: 11 a.m.
Hosted by the National Civil War Museum, alongside the African-American Civil War Museum and Memorial, will be the reading of the names of soldiers who served in the 8th United States Colored Troops. The original rolls from the USCT will also be on display, alongside opening remarks.
This event is expected to last about an hour.
Veterans Celebration Brunch
Where: 3350 Paxton St., Harrisburg
When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Guests will be treated to brunch, and veterans in attendance will be recognized for their time served.
Annual Veterans Day spaghetti dinner
Where: 29 E. Maple St., Cleona
When: 4:30-7 p.m.
The dinner is free for all active and former military personnel members, and everyone else is by donation. The dinner will include spaghetti, meatballs, garlic, and regular Italian bread, along with drinks and a bake sale to help cover the cost.
Veterans Day Service
Where: 40 E. Orange St., Lancaster
When: Starts at 10 a.m.
This event will include prayers, music, and a reading by 96-year-old Korean War veteran Bill Sloyer. The service will also include Vietnam Veterans Don Markley and Jim Chryst, who will read “American Creed” and “Old Glory,” respectively.
Second Annual Veterans Day Concert
Where: 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland
When: Concert starts at 7 p.m.
Cost: $15 or free for Veterans
The annual concert event will feature popular music loved by soldiers throughout the years, performed by the New Holland Band.
Veterans can claim their free ticket online using the code “THANKS.” Tickets for other family members are $15.
Nov. 13
Hershey History, ‘World War 2 and Hershey’
Where: 40 Northeast Dr., Hershey
When: 6-7 p.m.
This event aims to honor those who served during times of war and also highlight Hershey’s impact. Historian Ted Herman will present “World War II and Hershey: Continued Relevance After 80 Years.”
The event will also highlight the TLC Stars and Stripes Quilt of Valor Program, which will present a Quilt of Valor to Chuck Bechtel, a Vietnam veteran and author of “Sent to War, Returning for Peace: My Reconciliation with the Vietnam War.”
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