Veteran's Day in Philadelphia

The National Constitution Center at Independence Mall, 525 Arch Street

The National Constitution Center will honor our nation’s servicemen and women – including individuals highlighted in the Fighting for Democracy exhibition – during a moving Veteran’s Day celebration. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of interactive programs and activities while learning more about this important holiday. Activities will take place on Friday, November 11, 2011 from 10:00am to 3:00pm. The wide variety of happenings at the Constitution Center are listed in detail below, and can also be found on their website http://constitutioncenter.org/ncc_calen_Landing.aspx?code=4121.

Flag Ceremonies: The National Constitution Center’s Veteran’s Day celebration begins at 9:15 am on the Center’s front lawn with a traditional flag raising ceremony. At 12:30 pm there will be a giant flag folding demonstration in the Center’s Grand Hall Lobby. The day concludes with a flag lowering ceremony at 4pm. Throughout the day, visitors also can participate in hands-on flag etiquette workshops, where visitors will discover the history and symbolism behind the U.S. flag, along with proper flag etiquette.

Wreath Laying Ceremony: In homage to our nation’s servicemen and women, the Center will hold a moment of silence and a wreath laying ceremony at 11 am on the Grand Hall Overlook, featuring the Drexel University Color Guard and a performance of “Taps.”

Soldier Talks: Soldier talks will take place throughout the day featuring veterans from multiple conflicts, including John Campbell, Vietnam veteran and author of They Were Ours: Gloucester County’s Loss in Vietnam.

Call to Action Tables:Visitors will have the opportunity to visit information tables from veteran’s service organizations throughout the country.

Dramatic Performance: For this Veteran’s Day weekend, the Center is bringing back two installments from its popular Gallery Theater Series. “She Went to War,” a piece that accompanied the Center’s 2009 exhibition, America I AM: The African American Imprint, tells the story of an African American woman who served in World War II. “Through Their Eyes,” which accompanied the 2010 exhibition, Art of the American Soldier, is told from the point of view of a combat artist from the Vietnam War.

Commissioning Ceremony: New and returning soldiers will be commissioned at the Center during a special Veteran’s Day ceremony.

Their Right to Fight Program: Throughout the day, visitors can join in the interactive program, “Their Right to Fight.” In connection with the Fighting for Democracy exhibition, participants will learn about the experiences of those serving in minority branches of the Armed Service during World War II, including Navajo Code Talkers, Tuskegee Airmen, and Women Airforce Service Pilots.

Patriotic Crafts and Activities: Children and their families can make their own American flags and star wreaths. They also will have the opportunity to write letters to service men and women currently serving in active duty.

Veterans Day Celebration Presented by National Liberty Museum at National Liberty Museum on November 11, 2011: Known as ‘America’s Home of Heroes,’ the National Liberty Museum is celebrating Veterans Day by welcoming veterans and their families to visit free of charge on Veterans Day 2011.

Thank you to all our past and present military personnel. We Salute you!

Many local business and restuarants are also offering terrific Veteran’s Day specials in recognition of our active military, veterans and all other past and present military personnel. Below is a list of a few great area offers:

Famous Dave’s would like to thank all former and current military personnel for their dedication and commitment to our country. FREE Two Meat Salute – choose two different meats served with corn bread muffin, corn-on-the-cob and your choice of one side.

AppleBee’s is offering a FREE signature Entrée to all Veteran’s and active duty military. Military ID or proof of service required.

Texas Roadhouse – is offering a free lunch, Friday, Nov. 11 (11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.). Offer good for All veterans – including all active, retired or former U.S. military. ID Required

Home Depot Military Discount: The Home Depot(R) is offering all active duty personnel, reservists, retired military, veterans and their families a 10% discount. The offer is valid on purchases of up to $2,000 for a maximum discount of $200 and is available at The Home Depot stores, The Home Depot Design Center locations, Yardbirds and EXPO Design Center(R) locations. The 10% military discount is available everyday for active duty and retirees, but not all veterans. Home Depot makes this offer available to all veterans on most military holidays

Lowe’s Military Discount- Lowe’s Companies, Inc. will offer all active, reserve, honorably discharged, retired military personnel and their immediate family members a 10% discount on in-store U.S. purchases. The discount is available Nov. 7 – Nov. 11. A valid military ID or other proof of service. Please visit your Lowes store for details and exclusions.

7–11 – Is offering a FREE small Slurpee on Friday, Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Offer good to all current and former military members. ID or proof of service required.