14 Veterans Day DC Events for 2023 and Northern Virginia

OOPS! Put a wrong link in the Nov. 16 Newsletter. Things to Do with Kids this Weekend is here!

Below is my guide to 15 events in DC for Veterans Day that honor those who have selflessly served our nation. Veterans Day is observed yearly on November 11th and this year, Veterans Day falls on Saturday, November 11, 2023. It is an important day for my family as I am the daughter and granddaughter of veterans. I love that the D.C. and Northern Virginia area is steeped in history and home to countless veterans.

Events in DC (7)
Events in Northern Virginia (8)
Full List

Washington DC Veterans Day Events

Veterans Day Parade - One of the Biggest DC Events

About: The parade will include Veterans Organizations, Floats, Specialty Vehicles, and Marching Bands to celebrate and honor our Nation’s Veteran Community.

Date: Sunday, November 12, 2023

Time: Starts at 12 PM Noon

Location: Constitution Ave. Washington, DC. The parade starts at the National Archives.

Website for more information.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Ceremony

About: The annual Veterans Day at The Wall ceremony we will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the commemoration of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial.

Date: November 11, 2023

Time: 6 PM EST and you can stream live here.

Location: Memorial Park at 5 Henry Bacon Dr NW, Washington, DC 20002, United States.

More info on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial with Kids.

Veterans Day Observance at the World War II Memorial

About: As part of the commemoration, WWII veterans will place wreaths at the Memorial's Freedom Wall to remember their fallen brothers and sisters. To attend in-person, please register below. If you are unable to attend in-person, you may watch the ceremony Live on Friends' Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WWIIMemorialFriends

Date: Saturday, November 11, 2023.

Time: 9 a.m. ET.

Location: More info about World War II Memorial here and more details here.

Veterans Day Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Navy Memorial

About: Each year, the Navy Memorial hosts a Wreath-Laying Ceremony on Veterans Day to honor our nation's Sailors and show appreciation for their service and sacrifice.

Date: Saturday, November 11, 2023.

Time: 1:00 PM

Location: Navy Memorial Plaza (Outdoors) 701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004

More info about the Navy Memorial and the event here.

U.S. Navy Band Veterans Day Concert at the MLK Jr. Library

About: "In association with the D.C. mayor’s office and D.C. Public Library, the National Museum of the United States Navy invites you to enjoy a free day of music featuring the United States Navy Band’s dynamic popular music group, Cruisers, and the Concert Band’s 12-member brass ensemble."

Date: Friday, November 10, 2023

Time: 1 - 4 PM

Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

More info about the concert here.

Smithsonian’s American Indian Museum Honoring Native Veterans

About: "Recognize and honor the military service of Native Americans on Veterans Day 2023. Events include family activities; a presentation about the National Native American Veterans Memorial by the memorial designer, Harvey Pratt (Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma), and curator Rebecca Trautmann; special hospitality for veterans; and a wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial, preceded by the presentation of colors by the Kiowa Black Leggings Warrior Society."

Date: Saturday, November 11, 2023

Time: 10 AM – 5:30 PM EST

Location: American Indian Museum DC, Level 1: Potomac Atrium, Rasmuson Theater; Level 2; Outdoors.

More info about the museum here and the event here.

Northern Virginia Veterans Day Events

Arlington National Cemetery Veterans Day Observance

Date: Saturday, November 11, 2023

Time: 11 AM

Location: The wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns and continues inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by Veterans’ organizations and remarks from dignitaries.

More info about the Cemetery here and the event here.

Mount Vernon Free Admission

About: "In honor of our nation's veterans, Mount Vernon admits FREE all active duty, former, or retired military personnel on Veterans Day.

Military service members may pick up their free tickets upon arrival. Free tickets do not extend to service members' family members or guests."

Date: Saturday, November 11, 2023

Time: All day

Location: More info about Mount Vernon here and the event here.

Women’s Memorial Veterans Day Observance

Date: Saturday, November 11, 2023

Time: 3 - 5 PM

Location: Military Women’s Memorial Memorial Ave & Schley Dr,
Arlington, VA 22202

Manassas Veterans Day Parade

Date: November 4, 2023

Time: 11 AM

Location: Downtown Manassas

Website event.

U.S. Army Museum Observance

About:

Date: November 10 - 12, 2023

Schedule:

Family Craft Activity: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m: Create your own greeting card and write a special message to a veteran.
Tiny Troops Storytime: 10 – 10:30 a.m: Share in a read-aloud storytime about military veterans in your communities, followed by a special activity. Best for children 3-6 years old.
Hands-on History: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 – 3 p.m: Join a Museum educator to learn more about a Soldier’s life on and off the battlefield by exploring the food, clothing and equipment that made up a Soldier’s load.
Living History: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.*: Historical interpreters share Soldier stories and invite visitors to take a closer look at uniforms, equipment and weapons from the American Revolution through World War II.
Veterans Resources: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. **: Representatives share information about resources available to support veterans and their families.
Volunteer Showcase: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. **: Museum volunteers share personal artifacts and stories from their military service.
Documentary Screening – “American Veteran”: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. **: This PBS documentary illuminates the veteran experience “with a stunning range of voices from today and across the arc of American history.” The four-part series will run continuously, and visitors are invited to drop in at their leisure. Watch a trailer here.
History Hunt: All Day: Have fun exploring the Museum through a new digital scavenger hunt. Prefer “old-school” pencil and paper? We have that too! Finish the hunt and receive a completion award.
Path of Remembrance Flag Display: All Day: Follow a special outdoor flag display along the Path of Remembrance and Warriors’ Plaza.
Shop & Support Veterans Discount: All Day: Veterans enjoy a special discount in the Museum Store. Shop for U.S. Army and Museum gear for yourself or start your holiday shopping early.
* November 11
** November 10 & 11