Every year on November 11, the United States comes together to recognize and honor the men and women who have served in its armed forces. While Veterans Day is a federal holiday, it is observed not with a single national event, but with a tapestry of celebrations spread across cities, towns, and states. These commemorations, though unified in purpose, are diverse in form—ranging from grand parades in major cities to intimate ceremonies in rural communities.
The way each state or city chooses to observe Veterans Day reflects not only its military history but also its community values, civic pride, and cultural character. This article explores how different parts of the country uniquely honor veterans, highlighting both large-scale and local efforts that together create a powerful, united tribute.
Table of Contents
Why Local Veterans Day Celebrations Matter
A Personalized Approach to National Gratitude
Veterans Day is more than a day off from school or work. It’s a symbolic occasion for reflection, education, and community unity. While national memorials like Arlington National Cemetery and federal buildings host official tributes, it is in schools, town halls, and neighborhood streets where the heart of Veterans Day truly beats.
These community-based events allow people to:
- Personally connect with local veterans
- Pass on the values of service and sacrifice to younger generations
- Celebrate military heritage rooted in their own towns and families
By giving every city and state the freedom to honor veterans in their own way, the U.S. preserves the individual stories within a broader national narrative.
New York City: The Nation’s Largest Veterans Day Parade
America’s Parade
The New York City Veterans Day Parade, also called “America’s Parade”, is the largest Veterans Day celebration in the country. First held in 1919, this parade travels up Fifth Avenue and features:
- Over 20,000 participants annually
- Military bands, active-duty troops, and veterans from all conflicts
- Floats, marching bands, JROTC units, and school groups
- A wreath-laying ceremony at Madison Square Park
The parade is also broadcast live on television and online, reaching millions of viewers nationwide and symbolizing the country’s enduring commitment to those who served.
Washington D.C.: National Ceremonies with Lasting Significance
Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
In the nation’s capital, Veterans Day is observed with solemnity and tradition. The National Veterans Day Ceremony is held at Arlington National Cemetery, where:
- The President or Vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- A moment of silence is observed at 11:00 a.m.
- Ceremonies are attended by military leaders, veterans’ families, and the public
In addition to Arlington, events are held at:
- The Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- The World War II Memorial
- The Korean War Veterans Memorial
Each site honors specific eras of service and invites quiet contemplation and public education.
Alabama: Birthplace of the National Veterans Day Observance
Birmingham’s Proud Legacy
Not many know that the city of Birmingham, Alabama, is officially recognized as the birthplace of the national Veterans Day celebration. In 1947, WWII veteran Raymond Weeks organized a celebration here that expanded Armistice Day’s scope to include all veterans—well before the official renaming of the holiday in 1954.
Birmingham’s Veterans Day events now include:
- The National Veterans Day Parade, the oldest continuous Veterans Day parade in the U.S.
- The Veterans Awards Banquet, honoring outstanding service
- School activities and civic tributes
- Veteran memorial walks and church services
This makes Alabama a historic cornerstone in America’s Veterans Day legacy.
California: Military Tributes Across a Diverse State
San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco
California, home to numerous military bases and veteran communities, holds multiple high-profile events:
- San Diego, often called a “Navy Town,” hosts celebrations near USS Midway Museum, with a parade along Harbor Drive, flyovers, and veteran resource fairs.
- Los Angeles holds an annual Veterans Day LA event at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, complete with live music, guest speakers, and fireworks.
- San Francisco celebrates with a march down Market Street, reflecting its strong historic ties to both World Wars and the Pacific Fleet.
These events highlight California’s role as a strategic military hub and a culturally diverse center of veteran support.
Texas: Patriotic Pride in the Lone Star State
Houston, Austin, and Dallas
Texas—known for its deep military tradition—hosts dozens of Veterans Day events across its cities:
- Houston organizes one of the largest parades in the South, with over 100 units participating, including historical reenactment groups.
- Austin hosts a Veterans Day ceremony at the Texas State Capitol, followed by a parade and live performances at the South Capitol steps.
- Dallas holds ceremonies at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, often attended by thousands of families and veterans.
The state’s vast geography and military presence—from Fort Hood to Lackland Air Force Base—fuel Texas’s year-round commitment to veteran honor.
Midwest Tributes: Honoring Heritage and Heartland Service
Chicago and Indianapolis
In the Midwest, Veterans Day is celebrated with deep community involvement:
- Chicago hosts its parade on State Street, and holds a Wreath Laying Ceremony at Soldier Field, named in memory of World War I servicemen.
- Indianapolis features the Veterans Day Service at the Indiana War Memorial, attended by state leaders and military families.
These events focus on connecting Midwestern values of service, sacrifice, and civic duty with historic remembrance.
Small Towns, Big Heart: Rural America’s Dedication
Across rural towns in states like Iowa, Montana, Arkansas, and West Virginia, Veterans Day is observed through:
- Flag-raising ceremonies at courthouses
- Veterans breakfast events at community centers or churches
- Student-led school assemblies where children sing patriotic songs and interview local veterans
- Grave decoration ceremonies at small cemeteries with color guards and taps
These intimate gatherings foster deep intergenerational respect and preserve the personal side of veterans’ stories.
Schools and Universities: Teaching the Next Generation
Many schools across all 50 states observe Veterans Day with:
- Morning assemblies featuring veterans as guest speakers
- Essay and art contests about patriotism and sacrifice
- Wall of Honor displays showcasing community service members
- Letters and care packages sent to troops and veterans
Universities with strong ROTC programs, like Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, and The Citadel, hold formal reviews, ceremonies, and campus-wide tributes.
These events serve to educate young Americans and instill values of honor and remembrance.
Tributes at State and Tribal Level
Some states go beyond traditional ceremonies:
- Hawaii combines its rich military history with Polynesian traditions during events at Pearl Harbor and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
- Alaska holds unique veterans ceremonies at bases near the Arctic Circle, combining indigenous customs with military protocols.
- Native American tribes across the U.S. honor Native veterans with dances, prayers, and historical storytelling, acknowledging their disproportionately high rates of service.
These culturally distinct celebrations enrich the national picture of Veterans Day.
United by Service, Celebrated in Diversity
From bustling cities like New York and Los Angeles to quiet rural towns in Kansas and Maine, the spirit of Veterans Day unites Americans in a shared purpose: to honor those who have served with courage, discipline, and devotion.
Though the observances differ in size and form, each is rooted in gratitude and community pride. Whether it’s a wreath at a grave or a massive parade through downtown streets, every act of remembrance contributes to a national voice that says, clearly and without exception: “Thank you, Veterans.”
