Communities across Franklin County will recognize Veterans Day with parades, memorial services, historical exhibits and special events honoring the men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
Activities are scheduled throughout the county beginning Nov. 7 and continuing through the holiday on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Additional exhibits and commemorative displays will remain open later in the month.
According to the Franklin County Visitors Bureau, approximately 10,250 veterans live in Franklin County, representing about 9% of the county’s adult population. Nationally, an estimated 17.2 million veterans account for approximately 6.5% of the adult population.
The county’s veterans include men and women who served during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Gulf wars.
Veterans Day events scheduled across Franklin County
Several communities and organizations have planned events to recognize veterans and their service.
Chambersburg Rotary Flags for Heroes Display
The Chambersburg Rotary Flags for Heroes Display will be open Nov. 7-16 at Sellers Funeral Home.
The display will be available for walkthroughs from dawn until dusk, giving residents an opportunity to honor local veterans and other community heroes.
Shippensburg Veterans Day Parade
Shippensburg will hold its Veterans Day parade Sunday, Nov. 8, beginning at 2 p.m.
The parade will travel along King Street, from Prince Street to Spring Street, bringing the community together to recognize military service members.
Mercersburg Veterans Day Banquet
Harry Lackhove American Legion Post 517 will host a Veterans Day banquet Sunday, Nov. 8, at 5 p.m.
The banquet is free to residents of Mercersburg and surrounding communities. Advance registration is required.
The Wayne Band Veterans Tribute Concert
The Wayne Band will present a free Veterans Tribute Concert Monday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. in the Hess Room at Quincy Village.
The concert is open to the public and will honor military veterans through a musical performance.
Chambersburg Veterans Day Parade
Chambersburg’s traditional Veterans Day parade will take place Wednesday, Nov. 11, beginning at 10:15 a.m.
The parade will step off at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Lincoln Way East, with participants gathering to recognize those who have served in the military.
Veterans Day Memorial Service at Green Hill Cemetery
A Veterans Day memorial service will be held Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. at Green Hill Cemetery, 953 S. Potomac St. in Waynesboro.
Army Maj. Peter Walters is scheduled to serve as the featured speaker.
Rough Edges Steal the Pint Night
Rough Edges Brewing, 91 W. Main St. in Waynesboro, will host a Veterans Day Steal the Pint Night on Wednesday, Nov. 11, beginning at 4 p.m. and continuing until closing.
The brewery will bring back Devil Bees beer for a limited-edition glass release. One dollar from each pint sold will benefit Victory House by I’m OK Vets Inc.
Veterans and active-duty military personnel will also receive 10% off their tabs.
Living & Remembered Veterans Exhibit
The Franklin County Visitors Bureau will launch its Living & Remembered Veterans Exhibit on Nov. 11.
The multiweek display will honor local service members and remain available through the Festival of Trees, which concludes Dec. 5.
Civilian Conservation Corps Veterans Day Presentation
Cowans Gap State Park will host a Veterans Day presentation Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 2 to 4 p.m.
The program will explore the history of Civilian Conservation Corps projects and the special units established for World War I veterans.
Free Veterans Day movies at Waynesboro Theatre
Waynesboro Theatre will offer free admission to veterans for three scheduled film screenings.
The screenings include:
- Nov. 11 at 7 p.m.: Drummer Boy
- Nov. 13 at 7 p.m.: Jimmy
- Nov. 14 at 4 p.m.: Dunkirk
Field of Remembrance
The America250PA Field of Remembrance will be displayed at the Gettysburg Eternal Light Peace Memorial from Nov. 12-23.
The memorial will feature more than 51,000 flags honoring casualties of the Battle of Gettysburg.
The display will be open daily.
Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day
Veterans Day was originally observed as Armistice Day, marking the end of fighting in World War I on Nov. 11, 1918.
The armistice took effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, ending hostilities on the Western Front.
The observance initially honored World War I veterans and reflected hopes for lasting peace. Those hopes were challenged when World War II began in Europe on Sept. 1, 1939.
Following World War II and the Korean War, the federal government expanded the holiday to recognize veterans of all American wars.
In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation officially changing the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day.
The holiday now recognizes all Americans who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
Restaurants and businesses offer Veterans Day discounts
Several national and regional businesses are offering complimentary meals, discounts and other promotions to veterans and active-duty service members Wednesday, Nov. 11.
Among the advertised offers are:
- Applebee’s: A free meal from a limited menu for dine-in customers, along with a $5 bounce-back card for a future visit.
- Sheetz: A free half turkey sub, including add-ons, a regular fountain drink and a free car wash.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Ten free boneless wings and fries with a valid military ID or WeSalute+ card.
- Red Robin: A complimentary Red’s Big Tavern Burger with bottomless steak fries for dine-in customers.
- Hoss’s: A free soup, salad, bread, nacho and dessert bar with iced tea for dine-in customers, along with a $10 off $40 voucher.
- Texas Roadhouse: Free meal vouchers distributed from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., redeemable for a choice of 10 entrees through May 31, 2027.
- Chipotle: Free chips and a choice of classic or chili lime dip with a minimum $5 purchase.
- Starbucks: A free tall, 12-ounce hot or cold brewed coffee for veterans, service members and military spouses.
- Sonic Drive-In: Half-priced shakes in any size and flavor.
Most offers require proof of military service, such as a military identification card, Department of Veterans Affairs card or discharge paperwork.
Complimentary meals are generally available only for dine-in customers at participating locations. Veterans are encouraged to check with individual businesses for specific eligibility requirements and restrictions.
Military history trail highlights Franklin County’s past
In addition to Veterans Day observances, the Franklin County Visitors Bureau is encouraging residents and visitors to explore the region’s military heritage through the Franklin County Military Trail of History.
The self-guided trail features monuments, memorials, cemeteries, forts, historic houses and parks connected to America’s military history.
Printed guides are available at the Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center on the square in Chambersburg.
The visitors bureau also offers historical publications, including the Letterkenny Italian POW Connection brochure, which documents the area’s ties to World War II.
Additional information and copies of the Military Trail of History guide are available by calling 717-552-2977 or visiting ExploreFranklinCountyPA.com/publications.
