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Veterans Day

Date
Wednesday, November 11
Time
All Day
Veterans-Saluting-Flag.jpg

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 U.S. military veterans, as well as active duty and retired U.S. military personnel, on Wednesday, November 11.  


 

Programs at the Museum

Wreath Laying Ceremony
Wreath Laying Ceremony

11 a.m., Front Lawn

The Center will host its annual Veterans Day wreath laying ceremony 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.

Veteran Chat
Veteran Chat

11:45 a.m., Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality

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.

Veterans of the Constitutional Convention
Veterans of the Constitutional Convention

12:45 p.m.; Signers' Hall

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.

“It’s Ok to Be a Hero:” American Women in the Military
“It’s Ok to Be a Hero:” American Women in the Military

1:45 p.m., Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall Overlook

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.

Artifact Chat: The 54th Massachusetts Regiment

2:45 p.m.; Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality
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.

Veterans Day Activities

10 a.m.–3 p.m., Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall
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.

Veterans Food Drive

November 11-15, Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall
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 from November 11-15. 

Take $2 off admission when you donate in person.