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 defence.”
Museum admission is free for military veterans on Monday, November 11.
10:45 a.m., 2:45 p.m.; Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Exhibit
Get an inside look at the experiences of the soldiers who served in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, one of the nation’s first all-Black regiments. Along the way, you'll hear the stories of people central to the fight for equality and look at special artifacts in the gallery.
11 a.m. ET, Front Lawn
The Center will host its annual Veterans Day wreath laying ceremony outdoors this year on the front lawn, overlooking Independence Mall. Visitors can join us as we raise the American flag, play the national anthem, and watch as veterans from our very own team 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.
11:30 a.m. ET, Kirby Auditorium
Commemorate Veterans Day with a conversation featuring veterans of the U.S. armed forces. Speakers from the Veterans Multi-Service Center in Philadelphia will share their stories of service and answer questions from participants.
12:45 p.m., 3:45 p.m.; Signers' Hall, Second Floor
Join us for an interactive program to learn about the key figures at the Constitutional Convention who fought in the American Revolution. We'll look at the experiences of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Jonathan Dayton, and others who fought to secure independence.
1:45 p.m., The Story of We the People, Second Floor
The path for women in the American military has been paved by the bravery of many. Learn about some notable women veterans and how they helped open doors, from Margaret Corbin in the Revolutionary War to Sheila Widnall, the first female Secretary of the Air Force in 1993.
10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Grand Hall Lobby, First Floor
Challenge yourself to our military matching game to discover the history behind each military branch, decorate a bag for the Veterans Multi-Service Center's outreach program, and send messages expressing thanks to the people who have served in the U.S. armed forces to honor the sacrifice of those who have served and died for our country.
Grand Hall Lobby, First Floor
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 can be dropped off in the lobby.
Send a message of thanks to a U.S. veteran through our partnership with the Thank-A-Vet program. Download one of our postcards or design one of your own. Completed postcards can be mailed to the National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, where they will be distributed to veterans through the Thank-A-Vet program.
MoreOriginally written to complement the National Constitution Center’s Art of the American Soldier exhibit, this lesson uses primary sources in the form of paintings and video interviews to encourage students to deepen their appreciation of war art through watching and listening to veteran war experiences. Students are then asked to point out details in the artwork influenced by the stories.
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