Philadelphia area honors veterans with parades, ceremonial events and discounts
While there can never be enough gratitude shown toward those who served in the United States Armed Forces, many events are being held this Veterans Day to salute the brave men and women to sacrificed to protect our country.
Veterans Day, on Monday, Nov. 11, is a day of celebration in honor of those who served in the Armed Forces. Here's a list of events honoring veterans and their patriotism, plus some freebies and discounts for them this holiday.
Veterans Day discounts and freebies
Several restaurant chains, food establishments, furniture retailers, clothing stores, auto services, and entertainment and recreation destinations are offering a variety of freebies and deals in honor of Veterans Day. You can check out that full list on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.
In Philadelphia, the Museum of the American Revolution is saluting veterans on Monday by offering free admission to those currently serving in the military, veterans and Blue Star Families on Sunday and Monday.
Additionally, all active or retired military personnel can catch a free ride on NJ Transit's rail, bus or light rail services on Monday. Veterans and active members, in or out of uniform, just have to show one of the following valid IDs: a military ID card, Veterans Administration identification, a membership card for any veterans organization, or could just be wearing a U.S. military uniform.
The Elmwood Park Zoo is also offering free admission to veterans with a valid veteran's ID and a photo ID on Sunday ahead of the holiday. Philadelphia's Museum of Illusions will also thank veterans on Sunday and Monday with free admission. Veterans must present a valid ID for the admission deal.
Veterans Day events in Pennsylvania
10th Annual Philadelphia Veterans Parade & Festival
The Philadelphia Veterans Parade kicks off at noon at 21st Street and Ben Franklin Parkway on Sunday, Nov. 10 and will end just past the Philadelphia Museum of Art at Eakins Oval. The festival features several food trucks and will run until 4 p.m.
Independence Seaport Museum's Annual Veterans Day Ceremony
This free Veterans Day Ceremony will be celebrated aboard the Olympia Monday morning starting at 10 a.m. The event is approximately one hour long and will feature keynote speaker, Captain Kate Higgins-Bloom, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay.
The Olympia is docked across from Spruce Street Harbor Park, located next to the Moshulu.
Media Veterans Day Parade
Delaware County will salute its veterans on Monday starting at 11:11 a.m. with a parade. The parade will begin on State Street outside the Media Theatre and end in front of the County Courthouse with a concluding ceremony.
The Media Veterans Day Parade will also highlight its 2024 grand marshall, Master Sgt. Tanya Harris, who also previously worked as a recruiting office supervisor for the Delaware Air National Guard.
Veterans Day events in New Jersey
Sea Isle City's 2024 Veterans Day Ceremony
The community will honor veterans at Sea Isle City's 2024 Veterans Day Ceremony hosted by Mayor Leonard Desiderio on Monday at 11 a.m. at Veterans Park on JFK Boulevard and Landis Avenue.
There's a rain location at Community Lodge at 300 JFK Boulevard.
Officials said the ceremony will feature "patriotic hymns [including Bag Pipe music], the placement of wreaths around the park's fountain, and words of praise for our nation's veterans."
Two veterans will also be presented with "Quilts of Valor," a handmade quilt that officials said was created by volunteers at the Quilts of Valor Foundation.
Veterans Day Ceremony at the Battleship New Jersey
The historic Battleship New Jersey is saluting veterans with a free ceremony on their forward deck Monday morning. Guests can come aboard at 10:45 a.m. and the ceremony will start with the Bells of Peace - when the ship's bell is rung 11 times at 11 a.m. Following this, the battleship will unveil new banners along the promenade featuring local veterans and military supporters. The event will feature remarks by John P. Keegan, the president and chair of the Charles Edison Fund and will be emceed by Capt. Walt Urban USN. The battleship is located at 100 Clinton Street, Camden, New Jersey.
Westmont Fire Company No. 1 hosts Veterans Day Service
The Westmont Fire Company No. 1 is hosting a service and reception to honor those who dedicated their lives to protect and serve our country. The service will begin at 11 a.m. at the fire station located at 120 Haddon Ave, Haddon Township, New Jersey.
Veterans Day events in Delaware
Duty, Honor, and Country: A Veterans Day Tribute
The Rehoboth Concert Band wants to honor veterans with an uplifting, heartfelt and free concert at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center on Sunday at 3 p.m.
Officials said there's no charge to enter but donations will be accepted at the door with all proceeds benefiting Folds of Honor described as "a charity providing life-changing scholarships to the spouses and children of America's fallen or disabled military personnel and first responders."
Delaware Commission of Veteran Affairs Veterans Day Service
This annual service is held at the Veterans Memorial Park located off Cherry Lane in New Castle, Delaware. The event is hosted by the Delaware River and Bay Authority and sponsored by the Delaware Commission of Veteran Affairs.
The Veterans Day Service will start at 10:30 a.m. and run until noon.