Veterans Day (Nov. 11) is right around the corner, and Philadelphia and its surrounding communities are gearing up to honor those who have served.
The Old City museum will mark the holiday with a full schedule of activities honoring both Revolutionary War soldiers and today's veterans. First, active-duty military members, veterans and Blue Star Families can enjoy free museum admission to the MoAR from Nov. 8 to 11, courtesy of Comcast NBCUniversal.
Then on Veterans Day itself, the first 25 visitors who take advantage of that offer will also receive a commemorative challenge coin. Another highlight for that day includes a closer look at Akiatonharónkwen, also known as Louis Cook, a Native American officer who rose through the ranks of the Continental forces, during a 10-minute lunchtime talk. Visitors can also explore the stories of Revolutionary War veterans or catch a first-person theatrical performance featuring teenage Continental Army soldier Joseph Plumb Martin.
Throughout the day, guests can additionally peruse the museum's ongoing ‘The Declaration's Journey’ exhibit, head to a hands-on activity at the Revolution Place, or take part in an ‘Unpack a Sea Chest’ event to get a first-hand look at life aboard Revolutionary-era ships. A full schedule can be found online.
101 S 3rd St., amrevmuseum.org
To commemorate the U.S. Marine Corps’ 251st birthday, the Tun Tavern Legacy Foundation will host a free birthday block party on Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The festivities will take place at the future site of Tun Tavern (located on 2nd Street between Market and Chestnut streets), the very spot where the Marine Corps was founded in 1775.
The day will bring together military musicians and veteran performers, including the Marine Forces Reserve Band, plus a local Chris Cornell tribute act led by Marine veteran Sgt. Jason Reed, and an acoustic duo made up of Marine veterans.
For a Veterans Day experience that takes a more artistic approach to honor those who served, Opera Philadelphia is giving audiences a chance to experience the film ‘Soldier Songs’ from home. Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 11, the company will make its adaptation of the opera available to stream for free on YouTube, marking both Veterans Day and the 20th anniversary of the work's debut.
Directed by and starring baritone Johnathan McCullough, the 2021 production takes viewers inside the “complex psychological landscape of war, memory and trauma, offering an intimate portrait of the lasting toll of military service.” Inspired by interviews with veterans of World War II, Vietnam, the Gulf Wars and Afghanistan, the performance follows one soldier through three stages of life (childhood, military service and old age) by blending opera, theater and rock-infused music.
Eastern State Penitentiary is taking a look at “the intersection of military service and the criminal justice system” with a series of special Veterans Day events, running now through Nov. 11.
As a release notes, through exhibits, pop-up talks and more, visitors can explore the experiences of veterans within the justice system, from wartime history at the historic prison to the challenges and connections facing veterans today. All programming is included with regular museum admission and a full schedule can be found online.
2027 Fairmount Ave, easternstate.org
On Nov. 11, Friends of Washington Crossing Park will host the premiere of the site's brand-new Visitor Center orientation film. From 6 to 8 p.m., the event will offer an exclusive first look at the production, behind-the-scenes footage and a moderated conversation with the filmmakers and park staff. The film brings George Washington's famous Delaware River crossing and the days that followed to life through reenactments and immersive storytelling.
Following the screening, guests can also hear from the creative team during a panel discussion and audience Q&A. For those who can’t make it on the 11th, the film will additionally become a daily feature in the Visitor Center theater. Tickets are $35, and reservations are available online.
1112 River Rd, Washington Crossing, washingtoncrossingpark.org
According to a release, to celebrate the occasion, Rush Rewards members at Rivers Casino who are active military or veterans are eligible to receive a choice between a $15 Free Slot Play or a $25 Direct Bet on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Guests who receive a mail offer or show proper military identification may participate as well.
1001 N Delaware Ave., riverscasino.com/philadelphia
Six Flags is offering two days of festivities and perks for those who serve. During its Veterans Day Military Appreciation Weekend (Nov. 14–15), active-duty and retired U.S. military members and veterans can score one complimentary single-day admission ticket for either date by presenting a valid military ID or proof of veteran status at the park's front gate. The weekend will also feature tributes to veteran park employees, a letter-writing station where visitors can send messages of appreciation to service members, and a color guard flag presentation featuring Looney Tunes characters.
Eligible military members, veterans, reservists and National Guard members can also take advantage of year-round admission discounts through ID.me, with reduced-price tickets also available for up to six friends or family members when purchased online in advance.
1 Six Flags Blvd, Jackson Township, sixflags.com
Ocean Casino Resort is showing its appreciation for military members and veterans with a $79 room rate for stays on Tuesday, Nov. 10, or Wednesday, Nov. 11. The offer is available to active-duty service members, veterans, members of the National Guard and military reserves across all branches, plus their spouses.
500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, theoceanac.com
On Tuesday, Nov. 10, ArtsQuest will host its annual Veterans Day Q&A Panel at 6 p.m. Moderated by Chris Yarnell, executive director of Battle Borne, the discussion will bring veterans together to reflect on their military service and the experiences that shaped their lives during and after their time in uniform.
After the discussion, guests are invited to stay for a free screening of ‘Flags of Our Fathers’, a 2006 film that chronicles the six servicemen who raised the American flag on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. Admission to both the panel and film is free for guests ages 13 and up (with a parent or guardian); advance ticket reservations are required. If you can’t make it in person, the panel will also stream live on ArtsQuest's Facebook and YouTube channels, with a recording available on YouTube afterward.
101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, .artsquest.org
On Nov. 11, Friendly’s is inviting all active and retired military service members to enjoy a free burger with cheese, fries and a beverage from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at all 87 locations, a release notes. The offer is dine-in only with a valid military ID or honorable discharge card.
Multiple locations, friendlysrestaurants.com
On Wednesday, Nov. 11, current U.S. service members, retired military personnel and veterans can enjoy a complimentary “Thank You” buffet and beverage at participating Golden Corral locations nationwide from 4 p.m. until closing. No military ID is required, but note, the dine-in offer is limited to eligible service members and veterans and does not extend to spouses or other family members.
The celebration also gives diners a chance to pay it forward over the course of this month. In partnership with Disabled American Veterans, Golden Corral will collect donations to support local DAV chapters. Guests can round up their checks at the register or donate directly, with this year's fundraising campaign running through Nov. 29.
Multiple locations, goldencorral.com
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