Veterans Day 2026: How the Historic Triangle is honoring those who have served

HISTORIC TRIANGLE – Veterans Day has arrived. In honor of those who have served in the Armed Forces, ceremonies and commorative events are taking place throughout the Historic Triangle.

Originally known as Armistice Day, Veterans Day was established as a federal holiday in 1938. The holiday historically commemorated World War I, which concluded with an armistice signed on Nov. 11, 1918.

Here’s a list of local events that are bringing the community together to recognize our veterans, followed by a roundup of deals and promotions for current and retired military members.

‘A Veterans Day Salute & Procession’ at Colonial Williamsburg

Veterans Day programming kicks off at Colonial Williamsburg with a Military March featuring the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums and members of local veterans’ groups.

The hour-long program begins at 3:30 p.m. and will conclude with a moving commemoration honoring the men and women who have served our nation. This event is free and open to the public.

Active-duty Military, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans, National Guardsmen (and their dependents) can receive free admission to Colonial Williamsburg all day with proper ID. Guests must visit an on-site ticket sales location to receive their ticket.

The Liberty Lounge, located in the Historic Area behind the Millinery on East Duke of Gloucester Street, will be open for visiting service members and their families. The lounge – which offers complimentary refreshments – has served more than 418,000 service members and their families since it opened in 2016.

Veterans Day Ceremony at Grace Episcopal Church

Join Historic Grace Episcopal Church (ca 1697) in Yorktown for a Veteran’s Day prayer service from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. A brief ceremony will follow in the churchyard to include the playing of “Taps” and a salute to the 113 known veterans buried in the Grace Cemetery.

This event is free and open to all.

Veterans Day Ceremony at York Hall

The public is invited to honor those who have served by attending the York County Historical Committee’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at noon in the York Hall boardroom, 301 Main Street, Yorktown.

Guest speaker Col. David W. Lowe of the U.S. Army Futures and Concepts Command will deliver a Veterans Day message reflecting on the meaning of the observance and its significance to military service.

The program will include the tolling of the bell, presentation of the colors, singing of the national anthem, Pledge of Allegiance and playing of “Taps.”

All veterans in attendance will receive special recognition.

Residents are encouraged to join the Historical Committee in recognizing veterans’ lasting contributions and expressing gratitude for their service.

Virginia War Museum Community Art Project

Throughout the month of November, Virginia War Museum guests will have the opportunity to participate in Remembering Their Service, a Veterans Day community art project.

Visitors will have access to American flags with which they can write down the name of a veteran who has impacted them and write down a memory or story.

The completed flag display will be hung in a prominent space at the museum for the rest of the year. This art project is included with museum admission.

The museum is open Wednesdays through Sundays, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

National Parks Free Admission

The National Park Service is waiving admission fees at national parks throughout the nation, including Yorktown Battlefield, on Veterans Day.

The NPS portion of admission will also be waived at Jamestown Settlement. A separate $15 Preservation Virginia fee will be applied for each adult entering Preservation Virginia historic areas within Historic Jamestowne.

Veterans Day Promotions & Deals

Applebee’s

Veterans and active-duty military who dine in at participating locations will receive a free meal from a special menu on Nov. 11.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Current service members and veterans receive 10 free, boneless wings with fries on Nov. 11. This offer is available for in-restaurant dining or walk-in orders placed at the counter.

Golden Corral

Military Appreciation Night returns to Golden Corral on Nov. 11. Veterans and current military personnel can enjoy a free buffet and beverage from 4 p.m. to close.

Captain George’s Seafood

Captain George’s is honoring those who have served by offering veterans and active-duty military members with an all-you-can-eat buffet for $29.99 on Nov. 11.

Carrabba’s

Veterans and active-duty military personnel receive a free dine-in appetizer or dessert, plus one nonalcoholic beverage with a valid service ID on Nov. 11

Chili’s

Chili’s is providing free meals to veterans and active-duty in participating locations, dine-in only, on Nov. 11.

Chipotle

Active and retired military get free chips with their choice of Queso Blanco, guac or salsa with a $5 purchase, only on Nov. 11.

Denny’s

Veterans can enjoy a free “Build-Your-Own Grand Slam” on Nov. 11 from 5 a.m. to noon.

Dunkin’

Active and retired military receive a free donut on Nov. 11, available in-store only, while supplies last.

Firehouse Subs

Firehouse Subs is offering veterans and active-duty military members a free sub with the purchase of any size sub on Nov. 11.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers

Free Freddy’s Combo meal cards will be given to veterans and active-duty military who visit Freddy’s on Nov. 11, with no purchase necessary. The cards may be redeemed through Nov. 25.

IHOP

Breakfast-loving veterans and active-duty military are invited to get a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo at participating IHOP locations, dine-in only, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Mission BBQ

Veterans receive a free sandwich at Mission BBQ on Nov. 11.

Olive Garden

Olive Garden is offering free entrées from a special menu for veterans and active-duty military on Nov. 11.

Outback Steakhouse

Outback is offering a free Bloomin’ Onion to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Nov. 11, as well as a free Hero’s Meal through Dine Rewards for a future visit.

Starbucks

Starbucks is giving away free, tall (12 oz.) hot or cold brewed coffees on Nov. 11 to veterans, active-duty military and military spouses at participating locations.

Texas Roadhouse

Free meal vouchers will be available for veterans and active-duty personnel from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 11. Vouchers are redeemable through May 31, 2027, for one of ten entrée selections.

Wawa

Wawa is honoring veterans, active duty and their families with free any-size hot coffees all day on Nov. 11. No military ID is required.