November 09, 2015
Philadelphia may have held its first annual Veterans Day Parade on Sunday, but the city still has plenty of activities planned for honoring our nation's veterans this week. Ceremonies will be held throughout the city on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, as various locations and local institutions host themed programming in its honor.
Looking for military discounts in the area? The Military Wallet has composed a list of national and regional chain stores and restaurants that will be offering discounts for Veterans Day. Brands like Friendly's, IHOP, Outback Steakhouse, Fox & Hound, MOD Pizza, Red Robin and Sheetz will be participating in various offers.
In a look back through time, costumed rangers at Independence National Historic Park will discuss what it was like for those who supported the American Revolution. The costumed speakers will be available to tell their tales of the "Glorious Cause" throughout the day.
Wednesday, November 11
9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Free admission
New Hall Military Museum
320 Chestnut St.
(215) 965-2305
The museum kicks off its programming with a flag raising on the front lawn at 9:15 a.m. led by the Sons of the American Revolution. A wreath-laying ceremony in the Grand Hall follows at 11 am. Veterans will chat with museum goers about their experiences at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Guests can also take part in flag etiquette workshops at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. or create a thank-a-vet card between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. in the Grand Hall Lobby. Thanks to Macy's, admission will be free for veterans and active military personnel and just $5 for everyone else.
Wednesday, November 11
9:15 a.m.-5 p.m. | Free for vets & active military personnel, $5 for general public
National Constitution Center
525 Arch St.
(215) 409-6600
All active and retired military personnel will receive $10 tickets to Adventure Aquarium, valid for one ticket with military ID. The discount is only available at the box office window, so don't book tickets online. Additionally, other guests accompanying an eligible adult will save $4 on admission.
Wednesday, November 11
10 a.m.-5 p.m. | $10 for military personnel (general public $18.95-25.95)
Adventure Aquarium
1 Riverside Dr., Camden, NJ
(856) 365-3300
The National Park Service will host a traditional commemoration ceremony at 11 a.m. at the National Memorial Arch with local and national military organizations represented. An Oath of Enlistment Ceremony will also take place, inducting a few new recruits into the U.S. Military. From noon to 3 p.m., park staff, volunteers and veterans will present the nation's military history through the perspectives of the Revolutionary, Civil and Vietnam wars. Rangers will also lead 40-minute walking tours to the Muhlenberg Brigade Huts at 12:20 p.m. and 2:20 p.m.
Wednesday, November 11
11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Free admission
Valley Forge National Historic Park
1400 N. Outer Line Dr., King of Prussia, PA
(610) 783-1099
A free ceremony, featuring speakers, live music and a wreath laying, will take place on the ship's forecastle. Tours of the Battleship New Jersey will be free to veterans all day from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wednesday, November 11
11 a.m. | Free admission
Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial
62 Battleship Place, Camden, NJ
(866) 877-6262
Former PA Adjutant and Maj. Gen. Wesley E. Craig will give a keynote speech at the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial at 12:30 p.m. Prior to his speech, the Philly POPS Festival Brass will play patriotic songs and marches beginning at noon. At the end of the traditional ceremony, 50th Anniversary Commemorative pins will be presented to Vietnam Veterans in attendance by local VA officials, thanks to the Memorial Fund Board and Philadelphia Regional Office and Insurance Center.
Wednesday, November 11
Noon | Free admission
Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Columbus Boulevard and Spruce Street
(267) 973-0600
President and CEO of the Independence Seaport Museum John Brady will speak, historian Max Kaiserman will tell the ship's Veterans Day story, and Terry Williamson, Vietnam Veteran and President of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, will give remarks during this ceremony on the Olympia. Then the Living History Crew will join fellow Vietnam veterans for a memorial ceremony and gun salute before a musical performance and tours of the Olympia and Submarine Becuna. Space is limited, and all those who served in the Armed Forces or attended the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund ceremony are welcome to RSVP to seaport@phillyseaport.org or (215) 413-8616.
Wednesday, November 11
2 p.m. | Free admission, RSVP requested
Independence Seaport Museum
211 S. Columbus Blvd.
(215) 413-8655
The National Liberty Museum offers free admission to veterans every day of the year and they have exhibits "Heroes of Liberty" and "Heroes of 9/11" open year-round for guests.
Sunday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
321 Chestnut St.
