In honor of Veterans Day, the National Constitution Center recognizes the dedication and sacrifices of the brave people who have answered the Constitution’s call to “provide for the common defense.” Special on-site programming includes letter writing stations, a wreath laying ceremony, a veteran chat, canned food drive, and more. Museum admission will be free for military veterans on Friday, November 10, and Saturday, November 11. Admission is always free for active U.S. servicemembers. Full list of programming below.
Veterans Day Programming
Wreath Laying Ceremony
Friday, November 10 | 11 a.m.
The Center hosts its annual Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony overlooking Independence Mall. Join us as we raise the American flag and play the national anthem, and then watch as veterans lay a wreath in recognition of those who have served in the U.S. military. The color guard from the Philadelphia Continental Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution will support the ceremony.
Veteran Chat
Friday, November 10 | 1 p.m.
Commemorate Veterans Day with a conversation featuring veterans of the U.S. armed forces. Speakers will share their stories of service and answer questions from participants.
Veterans Day Food Drive
Friday, November 10, and Saturday, November 11
In the spirit of service, the National Constitution Center is partnering with the Veterans Multi-Service Center to organize the donation of food for veterans in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. Donations of nonperishable dry and canned goods (pull-tab preferred) can be dropped off at the Center lobby. Visitors who donate food at the National Constitution Center on November 10-11 will receive $2 off adult admission.
Artifact Chat: The 54th Massachusetts Regiment
Friday, November 10, and Saturday, November 11
*Check daily program guide upon arrival for showtimes.
Commemorate Veterans Day live from the Center’s compelling exhibit, Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality, for an inside look at the experiences of the soldiers who served in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment. Along the way, you’ll hear the stories of people central to the conflict over slavery. We’ll look at special artifacts, including a ladder badge worn by a volunteer infantryman in the 54th and a notice carried by Frederick Douglass giving him permission to travel freely between the states to recruitment to the newly founded force.
Veterans of the Constitutional Convention
Friday, November 10, and Saturday, November 11
*Check daily program guide upon arrival for showtimes.
Join us in Signers’ Hall to learn about the key figures at the Constitutional Convention who fought in the American Revolution. We’ll take a look at the experiences of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Jonathan Dayton, and others who fought to secure independence.
Military Matching Activity
Friday, November 10, and Saturday, November 11 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Main Lobby
How much do you know about the United States armed forces? Challenge yourself to our military matching game to discover the history behind each military branch. Match the facts of the branch to the respective seal to learn more about each branch.
Letter Writing Stations
Friday, November 10, and Saturday, November 11 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Main Lobby
At letter writing stations, compose messages and draw pictures expressing thanks to the people who have served in the U.S. armed forces. The messages will be distributed to veterans in the community through Thank-A-Vet. Postcards templates can also be accessed online and downloaded by virtual visitors.
Veterans Day Online Programming
Live from the Museum: The 54th Massachusetts Regiment
Friday, November 10 | 9 a.m.
Commemorate Veterans Day live from the Center’s compelling exhibit, Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality, for an inside look at the experiences of the soldiers who served in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment. Along the way, you’ll hear the stories of people central to the conflict over slavery. We’ll look at special artifacts, including a ladder badge worn by a volunteer infantryman in the 54th and a notice carried by Frederick Douglass giving him permission to travel freely between the states to recruitment to the newly founded force.
Civic Stories: Women in the Military
Friday, November 10 | Noon
Commemorate Veterans Day with a conversation featuring women who served in the U.S. armed forces. Speakers will share their stories of service and answer student questions.
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About the National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia brings together people of all ages and perspectives, across America and around the world, to learn about, debate, and celebrate the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the U.S. Constitution. A private, nonprofit organization, the Center serves as America’s leading platform for constitutional education and debate, fulfilling its congressional charter “to disseminate information about the U.S. Constitution on a nonpartisan basis.” As the Museum of We the People, the Center brings the Constitution to life for visitors of all ages through interactive programs and exhibits. As America’s Town Hall, the Center brings the leading conservative and liberal thought leaders together to debate the Constitution on all media platforms. As a Headquarters for Civic Education, the Center delivers the best educational programs and online resources that inspire citizens and engage all Americans in learning about the U.S. Constitution. For more information, call 215-409-6700 or visit constitutioncenter.org.
