How to celebrate and commemorate Veterans Day 2026 in Philly

💌 Love Philly? So do we. Let’s be friends. Sign up for the Billy Penn newsletter today. Philadelphia will mark Veterans Day with a week of ceremonies, celebrations and educational programs honoring the men and women who have served in the U.S. military. Veterans Day falls on Wednesday, Nov. 11, but events will begin earlier, including the city’s 12th annual Veterans Day Parade on Sunday and a celebration of the Marine Corps’ 251st birthday on Tuesday. Originally known as Armistice Day, the holiday commemorated the end of fighting in World War I, which ceased on Nov. 11, 1918. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation changing the holiday’s name to Veterans Day to recognize Americans who served in all wars. This year’s commemorations also take place during the nation’s 250th anniversary, with several Philadelphia museums highlighting the service of Revolutionary War veterans alongside those who have served in more recent conflicts. Here are some Vete