Veterans Day is just around the corner. The federal holiday, a recognition of those who have served in the United States Armed Forces, will take place on Nov. 11. From participating in a Veterans Day Parade to taking in artistic works from the Joe Bonham Project, read on for your guide to honoring our troops in Philadelphia.
Hahnemann Library at Drexel University will be showcasing illustrations from the Joe Bonham Project through Nov. 12. The project consists of multiple portraits created at military hospitals around the country depicting wounded American servicepeople. The artwork has been brought to Drexel as part of the “Media: Past, Present and Future” Symposium, and “represents efforts of wartime illustrators to document the struggles of U.S. service personnel undergoing rehabilitation after traumatic front–line injuries.”
Veterans Day at The National Constitution Center
On Nov. 11, head to the National Constitution Center to participate in a plethora of Veterans Day activities. At the Center there will be letter writing stations, a flag–folding challenge, and demonstrations of a Continental Army soldier’s life. Visitors will also have the opportunity to chat with community partners and veterans and to hear their stories. You can purchase tickets here.
The fifth Annual Philadelphia Veterans Parade is set to take place on Sunday, Nov. 3, at 12 p.m. The parade will span from Juniper and Market Street to North 5th Street, and will also include a Veterans Festival. During the event, a wreath–laying ceremony will take place to honor veterans. Parade–goers will also have the opportunity to send and create letters and flags to send to active–duty service members. While there you can expect to enjoy live music from Minutes to Midnight, Lucky Leo, and Dan Stonerook, and grab a bite from one of the many food trucks that will be in attendance.
Panel on Veterans and Healthcare
The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and members of the Military Medicine Student Interest Group at Drexel University have organized a Veterans Day Panel centering around veteran needs. The goal of the discussion is to introduce attendees to the unique needs of military people. According to organizers, “this workshop will require you to critically think about what it means to care for a veteran or military–affiliated patient.” The panel will take place on Monday, Nov. 11, from 12 p.m.–1 p.m.
Veterans Day at the Museum of the American Revolution
The Museum of the American Revolution organized special programming in honor of Veterans Day Weekend. On Friday, Nov. 10 visitors will have the opportunity to visit Tun Tavern, the site at which the Marine Corps was formed, which is down the street from the museum. On Saturday, Nov. 11, Philip Mead, Director of Curatorial Affairs and Chief Historian, will present on veteran and memoirist Joseph Plumb Martin at the museum. Martin wrote an account of his trying experience as a revolutionary soldier in 1830, providing fascinating insights into a soldier’s experience.
