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Veteran’s Day Events Near Charlotte

It’s that time of year again when we honor our men and women in uniform who serve our country. Many of us have Veterans Day off this year and we…

A silhouette soldier saluting in front of an American flag.
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It’s that time of year again when we honor our men and women in uniform who serve our country. Many of us have Veterans Day off this year and we should spend the day doing just that: honoring our veterans.

History of Veteran's Day

Veterans Day (originally known as Armistice Day) is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, to honor military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. It began and now coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, which are commemorated in other countries, marking the anniversary of the end of World War I.

Major hostilities of World War I formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. At the urging of major U.S. veteran organizations, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.

Different From Memorial Day

Note: Veterans Day is distinct from Memorial Day, a U.S. public holiday in May: Veterans Day commemorates the service of all U.S. veterans, while Memorial Day specifically honors those who have died while in military service.

We looked around and found events happening this weekend and on Veterans Day that will help us honor and celebrate our men and women in the service right here in Charlotte.

Salute to Veterans Parade

The Carolinas Freedom Foundation 2024 Salute to Veterans Parade kicks off a week of celebrations and honor events when it Steps On Tryon Street on Saturday, November 9th.

More than 2,000 participants will gather to honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The Parade starts onSaturday, November 9 at 11 am. The Parade route: Uptown Charlotte from North Tryon at Montford Point St to South Tryon at Brooklyn Village Ave.

Veteran’s Day Pen Turning Special - Greeneville, SC (two-hour drive)

The Veteran's Day Event and Turn a Pen for $15. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to a Veterans Charity Organization.

In this class, you'll learn the basics of wood-turning and wooden pen-turning kits. Finishing and pen assembly will also be covered.

Each attendee will get to make and take home their own custom-made pen! $15 Fee includes all materials, hardware, & supplies.

No experience is required and beginners are welcome! Ages 14+ are welcome to turn a pen and attendees under 18 years of age require the supervision of a parent or legal guardian.

The event takes place Saturday (11/9) at 1:30 PM at Rockler Woodworking and Hardware in Greenville.

Operation Green Light

To demonstrate its support on Veterans Day, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community is invited to shine a green light at home to recognize the service and sacrifice of our veterans.

It’s Operation Green Light, a national initiative to support military veterans and raise awareness of their unique challenges. It also highlights services available from Mecklenburg County Veterans Services and other local, state, and national partners.

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