HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) — Veterans Day is a national holiday that recognizes the anniversary of the end of World War I and honors all of those who served the country.
While some events will still be held in person on Wednesday, Nov. 11, this year many local ceremonies will be held virtually.
Here is what we know for Hampton Roads.
Chesapeake
The city will be streaming a live ceremony via its Facebook page.
Restaurants
Shoney’s will serve the freshly-prepared breakfast bar on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11 from 6 a.m. until 11 a.m. The Hampton Roads Shoney’s in Chesapeake is located at 721 N. Battlefield Drive.
Hampton
The Hampton VA Medical Center will be hosting a virtual Veterans Day ceremony. The event begins Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. and is expected to run until 12:15 p.m. It will be streamed on the Hampton VA’s Facebook page. For more information, click here.
Norfolk
The city’s annual Veterans Day ceremony will be virtual this year and will feature the Old Dominion University U.S. Army ROTC Color Guard, 29th Division Band, a wreath-laying ceremony, and special messages from Mayor Kenneth Alexander and members of the Norfolk Veterans Commission. The video will also highlight city employees who served in the military and continue to proudly serve Norfolk residents every day.
Watch the Veterans Day video tribute on Norfolk TV48, Facebook, or by clicking the “City Spotlight” link on the city’s website.
Nauticus & Battleship Wisconsin
From Wednesday, Nov. 11 to Saturday, Nov. 14, veterans and active-duty military will receive 50% admission for combo tickets purchased online or at the admissions desk. A military ID or proof of service is needed.
On Nov. 11, the museum will host its Virtual Veterans Day Program from 11 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Then on Nov. 14, educational programming will happen throughout the Nauticus and WW2 reenactors will be on the Battleship Wisconsin. For more information on both events, click here.
Smithfield
The Smithfield VFW chapter is holding its annual Veterans Day ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11. at 11 a.m. The event will take place at the Isle of Wight County War Memorial, located at the intersection of North Church Street and Luter Drive, next to the Smithfield Center.
The annual event will feature guest speaker Colonel Hamilton, as well as student participants from Smithfield High School. In addition to JROTC cadets, an ensemble from the SHS Chorus will be performing the National Anthem a cappella. They will also sing “The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy from Company B” accompanied by trumpeter Raymond Melillo, a jazz band student from Smithfield High.
Virginia Beach
The city and the Hampton Roads Council of Veterans Organizations (HRCVO) announced that it has canceled this year’s Veterans Day parade, ceremony, and luncheon due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Military Aviation Museum
The museum will host a special Veterans Day program with author Eileen Bjorkman as she presents a history of combat search and rescue, beginning with the U.S. reliance on U.K. capabilities in the early days of World War II through the start of the Vietnam War.
The presentation is based on her new book, “Unforgotten in the Gulf of Tonkin: A Story of the U.S. Military’s Commitment to Leave No One Behind.” For more information, click here.
Westminster Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay
On Nov. 11 at 11:11 a.m., the retirement community posted a video showing some of the residents, who are military veterans, saying the pledge of allegiance.
National Live Streaming Specials
In partnership with MGM National Harbor, The United States Air Force Band welcomes country music stars, Chris Janson and Kellie Pickler, for a free, online concert paying tribute to all American veterans. ESPN’s Malika Andrews will host “A Salute to Service: Honoring America’s Heroes.”
The show begins Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on Facebook and YouTube.
“The United States Air Force Band is excited to partner this year with MGM National Harbor to recognize our veterans and their families. In light of 2020’s unique challenges, we also want to pay tribute to our first responders throughout our communities. We hope that you can join us for a celebration of our nation’s heroes.” – Colonel Don Schofield, Commander & Conductor, The United States Air Force Band.
For a list of Veterans Day restaurant and convenience store discounts, click here.
