ST. LOUIS – In honor of Veterans Day, various events will take place in St. Louis on November 11 to pay tribute to our veterans.
What is Veterans Day?
The United States observes Veterans Day annually on November 11th as a federal holiday. It is dedicated to honoring and expressing gratitude to all military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The nation recognizes and pays tribute to the men and women who have served in the military, including those currently serving and those who have passed away.
The date of November 11th was chosen for Veterans Day because it marks the armistice that ended World War I, which took effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.
How is Veterans Day celebrated?
People across the country hold various events and ceremonies on Veterans Day to commemorate veterans and their service. Parades, wreath-laying ceremonies at war memorials, speeches, and other activities recognize and celebrate the dedication and sacrifices of veterans.
Veterans Day events in St. Louis:
8th Annual Veterans Day 5K Run/Walk
Date: Saturday, November 11th, 2023
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Location: Soldier’s Memorial, 1315 Chestnut Street, Downtown St. Louis
St. Charles Salutes Veterans Day
Date: Saturday, November 11th, 2023
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Lewis and Clark Boathouse Parking Lot, 1050 S. Riverside Drive, St. Charles, MO 63301
Activities: Parade, wreath-laying, ceremony, guest speaker, live music, food trucks, vendors, fireworks display
40th Annual Veterans Day Parade
Date: Saturday, November 11th, 2023
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Soldiers Memorial Military Museum, Downtown St. Louis
Activities: Veterans Day 5K, Veterans Day Parade, Missouri National Guard Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, car show
St. Peters Veterans Day Ceremony
Date: Saturday, November 11th, 2023
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Cultural Arts Centre at City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Blvd., St. Peters, MO
Activities: Guest speakers, including Col. Kevin Golinghorst and Capt. Andrew Bender, refreshments
Veterans Day Rededication of University City Heman Park Memorial Fountain
Date: Saturday, November 11th, 2023
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Heman Park Memorial Fountain, 7210 Olive Blvd., University City, MO 63130
Activities: Rededication, ROTC presentation, seating for veterans, commemorative pins, American flags along Olive
Annual O’Fallon Veterans Day Ceremony
Date: Saturday, November 11th, 2023
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: O’Fallon’s Veterans Memorial Walk, 800 Belleau Creek Road, O’Fallon, MO 63366
Activities: Keynote speaker Richard Sienkiewicz, welcoming remarks by Mayor Bill Hennessy
O’Fallon, Illinois Veterans’ Day Parade and Program
Date: Saturday, November 11, 2023
Parade Time: 2 p.m.
Program Time: 11 a.m.
Parade Location: O’Fallon Community Park
Program Location: First Baptist Church, 1111 East Highway 50
Activities: Guest speaker, Colonel Kevin Jacobs, participation from local organizations, introduction of newly inscribed veterans
Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial Veterans Day Ceremony
Date: Saturday, November 11, 2023
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial
Activities: Ceremony, speaker, Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Marvin L. Hill, unveiling of a 1954 Willy’s Jeep, museum opening
Belleville Veterans Day Ceremony
Date: Saturday, November 11, 2023
Time: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Downtown Belleville, Public Square
Address: 30 Public Square, Belleville, IL 62220
Note: In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to Council Chambers at City Hall.