Philly's Veterans Day: From Parades to Pretzels (and Maybe a Cheesesteak or Two)
Every November 11th, America suits up to honor its veterans. But in Philadelphia, we take things a step further. We dust off our liberty bells (well, maybe not literally), and throw a star-spangled shindig that's both respectful and, well, cheesesteak-fueled.
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| How Veterans Day Is Typically Celebrated In Philadelphia |
The Main Event: The Parade That's Not Just Marching Orders
The crown jewel of Philly's Veterans Day celebration is the annual parade. Imagine a sea of red, white, and blue stretching down Broad Street, with marching bands that'll have you tapping your toes (or maybe even doing a Rocky impression). Veterans groups, active service members, and even the occasional ROTC squad all come together to show their pride.
But here's the best part: This parade isn't just about military precision. Think of it as a Philly cheesesteak of an event: a little messy, a lot delicious, and bursting with local flavor. You might see a float shaped like a giant cheesesteak (hey, it's a possibility), or a group of veterans doing a Mummers strut (because, you know, Philly).
Pro Tip: Snag a spot along the parade route early. It gets crowded faster than you can say "liberty and justice for all!"
Tip: Pause if your attention drifts.
Beyond the Parade: A Salute to Service in All its Forms
The festivities don't stop with the last drumbeat. There are usually veteran-run booths set up around the parade route, offering everything from military memorabilia (score that vintage bomber jacket!) to delicious food (because let's be honest, a day of celebrating heroes deserves some refuelling).
Many museums and historical sites in Philly also offer special programs or discounts for veterans on Veterans Day. It's a great chance to learn more about the city's rich military history, or just snag a deal on a cool exhibit.
So You Want to Celebrate? Here's the Lowdown:
- When: Veterans Day is always on November 11th. The parade typically happens in the morning, with festivities continuing throughout the day.
- Where: The parade route usually winds its way down Broad Street in Center City. Check the Philadelphia Veterans Day Parade website (https://www.phillyveteransparade.org/festival-information/) for the most up-to-date information.
- What to Wear: Red, white, and blue are always crowd-pleasers. But hey, if you've got a killer Uncle Sam costume or a vintage military jacket, rock it!
Bonus Tip: While cheesesteaks are a Philly staple, consider trying something a little different from the local veteran-owned restaurants. You might just discover your new favorite spot!
Tip: Read the whole thing before forming an opinion.
Frequently Asked Veterans Day in Philly Questions:
How to find the parade route?
Check the Philadelphia Veterans Day Parade website (https://www.phillyveteransparade.org/festival-information/) for the most up-to-date information.
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How to participate in the parade?
QuickTip: The more attention, the more retention.
The parade is typically for veterans groups and active service members. However, you can always contact the parade organizers to see if there are volunteer opportunities.
How to find veteran-owned businesses?
There are a few resources online that can help you find veteran-owned businesses in Philadelphia. A quick web search should do the trick!
Tip: Break it down — section by section.
How to donate to veterans charities?
There are many great veterans charities out there. Consider doing some research to find one that aligns with your interests.
How to say thank you to a veteran?
A simple handshake and a heartfelt "thank you for your service" is always appreciated.
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