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Veterans Day In Philadelphia November 11

November 3, 2022 By
Vietnam Memorial In Philadelphia

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‘Honoring Those Men & Women Who Have Served In The Armed Forces For Our Freedom’

Veterans Day is an official United States federal holiday that is observed annually on November 11, honoring people who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, also known as veterans.

The History of Veterans Day

U.S. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Armistice Day for November 11, 1919. Armistice Day was created for November 11 to mark the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany at Compiègne, France, and for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front of World War I. The date was declared a national holiday in many allied nations, to commemorate those members of the armed forces who were killed during war.

The United States Congress passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, requesting that President Calvin Coolidge issue another proclamation to observe November 11 with appropriate ceremonies.

In 1945, World War II veteran Raymond Weeks from Birmingham, Alabama, had the idea to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans, not just those who died in World War I. Weeks led the first national celebration in 1947 in Alabama and annually until his death in 1985. 

U.S. Representative Ed Rees from Emporia, Kansas, presented a bill establishing the holiday through Congress. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, also from Kansas, signed the bill into law on May 26, 1954. It had been eight and a half years since Weeks held his first Armistice Day celebration for all veterans.

Congress amended the bill on June 1, 1954, replacing “Armistice” with “Veterans,” and it has been known as Veterans Day since.

(The above information is from wikipedia)

Veterans Day Events & Activities In Philadelphia 2020

  • Veterans Day Parade ~ November 6 ~ Starting around 12:00 pm, the Philadelphia Veterans Day Committee will be holding the 8th Annual Philadelphia Veterans Day Parade. The parade begins at Juniper & Market Streets with a brigade of over 250 motorcyclists and continues heading east on Market Street and concluding at North 5th Street where the Veterans Festival will take place. The Veterans Festival takes place during the parade on Market Street between 3rd and 5th Streets and continues until 3:30 PM. The Veterans Festival is a fun and family-friendly atmosphere where veterans and family members can gain access to resources ranging from job recruitment to healthcare benefits and service providers, to educational opportunities, financial assistance and workshops. The Festival also includes numerous Food Trucks and activities for all to enjoy! ~ ~ Veterans Day Parade in Philadelphia ~ More info on Veterans Day Parade ~ ~ Philadelphia Veterans Day Parade on Facebook ~
  • Celebrating the Marines Birthday at Tankie’s Tavern, formerly Cookie’s Tavern ~ November 10 ~ FREE and open to the public. The event starts at 10 pm. Hang with the men and women who have served or still serving in protecting our Country, no matter what branch of the service, even though this is a Marines Birthday Celebration. The event is held at Tankie’s Tavern, formerly known as Cookie’s Tavern, located in South Philly at 10th and Oregon Sts. Their will be several different types of packages to purchase prior or at the event. The bar will be open inside and outside. They will also be selling t-shirts and sweatshirts. There will be all you can eat & drink (beer), an opening ceremony at 1 pm, live entertainment, and more. ~ Marines Birthday Celebration at Tankie’s Tavern aka  Cookie’s Tavern ~
  • Veterans Day Weekend at The Museum of the American Revolution ~ November 11 – 13 ~ Free Admission for Veterans, Active and Retired Military, and Blue Star Families courtesy of Comcast NBCUniversal. Held at the Museum of the American Revolution in Old City, guests can explore stories at the Museum that will honor America’s first veterans as well as those who have served and continue to serve our nation today, and will explore their stories through onsite and virtual programming. The Philly Pops will performing patriotic songs on November 11th at 11 am! ~ Veterans Day Weekend at The Museum of the American Revolution ~
  • Veterans Day at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier ~ November 11 ~ From 10 am – 11 am (not sure for Nov 11, 2022) at Washington Square (7th & Walnut Streets), the Philadelphia Veterans Advisory Commission will observe Veterans Day with a ceremony where a statue of George Washington stands at the tomb of an unknown soldier who died during the War for Independence. ~ Veterans Day at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier ~
  • Salute to Veterans on the Cruiser Olympia ~ November 11 ~ FREE to attend the ceremony. – Held at the Independence Seaport Museum, gather aboard Cruiser Olympia at 10 am. This event features keynote speaker Captain Jonathan Theel, Captain of the Port of Philadelphia, Commanding Officer, USCG Sector Delaware Bay., will reflect and give thanks to our veterans and those currently serving in our armed forces. ~ Celebration aboard Spanish-American War Cruiser Olympia ~

Free Meals & Discounts For Veterans 2022 (this section will be update at the end of Nov 4th, 2022)

Freebies & Discounted Meals National: Click Here. Such places Philadelphia, Philadelphia Region and New Jersey as: Applebee’s, Bob Evans, Chili’s, Denny’s, Chop House, Dunkin’ Donuts, Miller’s Ale House, Mission BBQ, Red Robin, Starbuck’s, Texas Roadhouse, Wendy’s & White Castle. 

Freebies & Discounted Meals National List #2: Philadelphia & State of Pennsylvania: Click Here: Such places as: Chickie’s & Pete’s, Famous Dave’s. Buffalo Wild Wings. Click here.

More Discounted Meals List #3: Click Here.

More Discounted or Free Food List #4: Click Here. Such places as Burger King, Chick fill A, Hard Rock Café & IHop.

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Photo credited to Jeff Belonger

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