Veterans Day on November 11 isn’t just a date to remember—it’s a meaningful opportunity to travel to places that honor the contributions of U.S. service members.
This Veterans Day, I’m sharing some powerful places to visit where you can explore history, pay your respects, and even immerse yourself in the experiences of those who served. Here’s how I’d spend Veterans Day, traveling with purpose.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Hugo Magalhaes
1. Walk the Grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia
At Arlington National Cemetery, I find myself surrounded by history and sacrifice. The Veterans Day ceremony here includes a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier—an incredibly moving tribute to those who served anonymously yet selflessly. Walking through the rows of headstones, I take a moment to pause, reflect, and pay my respects to the heroes resting here.
Pro Tip: Arrive early to give yourself time to explore the Memorial Amphitheater, the eternal flame at JFK’s gravesite, and the Women in Military Service Memorial.
2. Explore the National WWII Museum in New Orleans
The National WWII Museum in New Orleans brings the history of WWII to life with immersive exhibits, historic planes, and personal stories of soldiers. Every time I visit, I come away with a deeper appreciation for the men and women of the Greatest Generation. Veterans Day here often includes special events, like guided tours and talks, adding a layer of richness to the experience.
Pro Tip: Take advantage of the headset tour, where veterans narrate parts of the museum, giving a personal perspective on key exhibits.
3. Step Aboard the USS Midway Museum in San Diego
Walking the decks of the USS Midway in San Diego, I imagine what it must have been like for sailors during their long deployments. This aircraft carrier-turned-museum lets me explore everything from the engine room to the flight deck. I can even talk with veteran docents who share their own stories, adding a personal layer to the exhibits.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the self-guided audio tour, narrated by former crew members. Their firsthand accounts give each part of the ship a deeper meaning.
4. Hike Through Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania
I feel the weight of history when I walk through Gettysburg National Military Park. Veterans Day in Gettysburg, with fewer crowds and a brisk November air, is the perfect time to explore the battlefields where American history changed course. I like taking the auto tour route to cover more ground and joining a ranger-led tour for insights I might miss on my own.
Pro Tip: Stop at Soldiers’ National Cemetery to see where Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address—it’s a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made.
5. Reflect at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Standing before the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in D.C., I find myself drawn to the names etched into the polished granite wall. Each name represents a story and a sacrifice, and it’s a somber experience I feel honored to witness. On Veterans Day, ceremonies here include moments of silence and remembrance, with families and friends leaving flowers and mementos.
Pro Tip: Take your time to walk along the nearby Korean War Veterans Memorial and Lincoln Memorial for a fuller historical experience.
6. Experience Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, Hawaii
If I’m in Hawaii, visiting the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites is a priority. Here, I can tour the USS Arizona Memorial, the Battleship Missouri, and the Pacific Aviation Museum. Standing on the Missouri’s deck, I think of the historical moments that unfolded here and feel grateful to honor them in person.
Pro Tip: Book tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial in advance, as the site draws many visitors, especially on Veterans Day.
7. Trace Revolutionary History on Boston’s Freedom Trail
In Boston, the Freedom Trail takes me back to the birth of American independence. I can walk through 16 historic sites, from Paul Revere’s House to the Old North Church, where the American Revolution took root. Veterans Day reminds me that honoring service members also means recognizing those who fought for the freedoms we have today.
Pro Tip: Pick up a trail map at the Boston National Historical Park Visitor Center to get the most out of each landmark.
8. Tour the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Dayton, Ohio
At the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, I marvel at the evolution of air combat and the bravery it required. This museum houses everything from early aircraft to modern-day fighters, and I can even see the planes used by U.S. presidents. Veterans Day events often include guided tours led by veterans themselves, bringing a personal connection to the displays.
Pro Tip: Plan to spend a few hours here to cover the museum’s extensive collection and check out any special events for Veterans Day.
How to Show Respect on Veterans Day
When I visit these places, I make it a point to show respect:
- Keep voices low and phones away during ceremonies or in quiet areas.
- Stand during moments of silence and listen attentively to veterans who are sharing their stories.
- Thank veterans I encounter or listen to their stories with gratitude and interest.
Final Thoughts
This Veterans Day, I’m choosing to travel with purpose and honor the legacies of those who served. Whether it’s visiting a museum, walking a battlefield, or reflecting at a memorial, these destinations offer a powerful reminder of what Veterans Day represents. Taking the time to observe and understand these sites adds depth to my journey and pays tribute to those who have sacrificed for our freedom.
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Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Hugo Magalhaes.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
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