Here is where to support, salute and celebrate Veteran’s Day in Philadelphia.
10th Annual Philadelphia Veterans Parade and Festival
On Sunday, Nov. 10, the Philadelphia Veterans Parade and Festival will kick off at noon. The parade will begin at the intersection of 21st Street and the Ben Franklin Parkway, with a route leading past the Philadelphia Art Museum to Eakins Oval. The Festival—which features food, drinks and plenty of family-friendly activities—will be in full swing from noon to 4 p.m., also at Eakins Oval.
The Grand Marshall for the event was recently announced to be Civil Air Patrol Lieutenant Colonel Albert El, a native Philadelphian. As a release notes, Albert El, 82, began his military career at 13 as a member of the Civil Air Patrol. He joined the military at 17 after graduating from Edison High School in West Philadelphia where he served in the Air Force, Army, and Army National Guard. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne as a paratrooper in Special Operations from 1959 to 1964.
Museum of Illusions
The MOI is commemorating the occasion by offering free admission to all veterans and active military personnel from Saturday, Nov. 9 to Monday, Nov. 11. While there, visitors can check out some of the venue’s most popular visual illusions, including the Head on a Plate trick, Ames Room, the Vortex Tunnel, and more.
401 Market St., moiphilly.com
Museum of the American Revolution
To commemorate Veteran’s Day in Philadelphia, the MoAR will be offering free admission to those currently serving in the military, veterans, and Blue Star Families over Occupied Philadelphia Weekend and on Monday, Nov. 11, courtesy of Comcast NBCUniversal.
Occupied is set for Nov. 9 and 10 and will feature guided neighborhood walking tours and family-friendly activities exploring what life was like while British forces controlled – or, for some people, attempted to liberate – Philadelphia.
This living history event will showcase different locations where visitors will interact with soldiers, civilians, Prisoners of War, and spies, while also checking out first-hand talents and trades, such as carpentry, dressmaking, wheelwrighting, leatherwork, and more.
101 S. 3rd St., amrevmuseum.org
Perkins Center for the Arts
Now through Dec. 16, locals can head to Perkins to check out a special showcase, titled the ‘United States Veterans and Active Duty Military Exhibition.’ This new display features art by military members and veterans that range in all mediums. As a release notes, more than 50 students have participated in military-only free classes, taught by artist Art Smith every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to noon. Students range widely in skill and experience, and represent veterans from the Vietnam era to the Iraq war.
“Making art isn’t going to cure a crushed hip or PTSD, but working on art can alleviate mental, physical, and psychological pain,” said Art Smith in a statement. “After the military, some have said they didn’t feel like they had a purpose. Veterans can become isolated. I’ve heard participants say that now they have a purpose, and they can talk with each other, peer to peer.”
Additionally, on Saturday, Nov. 16, locals can head to the art center for an artist’s reception from 2 to 5 p.m. More information can be found online.
395 Kings Highway, Moorestown, New Jersey, perkinsarts.org
Ocean Casino Resort
Veterans in need of some R&R by the beach can head to Ocean Casino Resort—the venue will offer deals and specials to veterans, active-duty service members, and their families this weekend.
First, veterans can join the Armentani Brothers for a celebratory event at HQ2 Nightclub on Nov. 8, with free admission for those with military or first responder IDs. There’s also a special room rate for $79 on Nov. 11 (for veterans, active-duty members, and their spouses), plus a complimentary continental breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. on that same date. Additionally, a Special Prix Fixe Menu will be available at Linguini By The Sea or Villain & Saint.
Lastly, as a release notes, veterans and military members can sign up for the Ocean Rewards Veterans Card, available all year, and receive a commemorative T-shirt. Additional benefits include an automatic preferred card upgrade with preferred tier, complimentary parking, and a free coffee or draft beer voucher at select dining locations.
Those who want to give back to the veteran community can also get involved. Ocean has partnered with Last Salute to sell American Flag Hats, with all proceeds going to AMVETS Post 911 NJ this weekend. More information can be found online.
500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, New Jersey, theoceanac.com
