Communities across Maryland will honor military veterans with parades, ceremonies, breakfasts, luncheons, concerts and other special events in recognition of Veterans Day on Wednesday.
Veterans Day, observed every Nov. 11, honors everyone who has served in the U.S. armed forces. Originally known as Armistice Day, it commemorated the end of fighting in World War I on Nov. 11, 1918. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation renaming it Veterans Day to recognize veterans of all wars. Unlike Memorial Day, which specifically honors military personnel who died while serving, Veterans Day recognizes all who have served, living or deceased.
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Below is a list of Veterans Day events across Harford County:
Veterans Day Ceremony — Bel Air
- When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m.
- Where: American Legion Post 39, 500 N. Hickory Ave., Bel Air.
- Details: American Legion Post 39 will host a Veterans Day ceremony at 10 a.m. honoring local veterans.
- Information: Harford County Government
Veterans Day Parade — Havre de Grace
- When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m. to noon.
- Where: Downtown Havre de Grace, beginning at Frank J. Hutchins Memorial Park.
- Details: The annual Veterans Day Parade, organized by American Legion Joseph L. Davis Post 47 and community partners, will travel along Congress Avenue, turn onto Washington Street and continue to St. John Street. Marchers should gather by 10:45 a.m. The parade is open to the public.
- Information: Harford's Heart Veterans Day Parade Calendar
Veterans Day Luncheon — Havre de Grace
- When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, immediately following the parade.
- Where: American Legion Post 47, 501 St. John St., Havre de Grace.
- Details: Veterans and their families are invited to lunch following the Veterans Day Parade. VFW Post 8126 also plans a potluck following the parade.
- Information: Havre de Grace Veterans Day Event Details
Veterans Day Ceremony — Aberdeen
- When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m.
- Where: Veterans Park, Aberdeen.
- Details: Aberdeen's American Legion Post 128 and veterans organizations participate in a Veterans Day ceremony honoring local military service members.
- Information: Harford County Government
Military Appreciation Basketball Games — Bel Air
- When: Tuesday, Nov. 10, beginning at 5 p.m.
- Where: APG Federal Credit Union Arena at Harford Community College, 401 Thomas Run Road, Bel Air.
- Details: Harford Community College will host Military Appreciation Night during its basketball games against Mercer County Community College. The women's game begins at 5 p.m., followed by the men's game. Military personnel with identification receive free admission; general admission is $5.
- Information: Harford Community College Athletics
Veterans Day History Presentation — Jarrettsville
- When: Thursday, Nov. 12, 6 to 7 p.m.
- Where: Jarrettsville Library, 3722 Norrisville Road, Jarrettsville.
- Details: Author Ken Sterner will discuss the diaries of Herbert Ray McCommons, a Harford County native and World War I veteran, during a presentation titled "Life and Death Through the Eyes of a Hero." The program will explore McCommons' experiences and provide a look at local military history. Signed copies of Sterner's book will be available.
- Information: Harford County Public Library Events
Veterans Day Poster And Essay Awards — Havre de Grace
- When: Friday, Nov. 13, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
- Where: American Legion Post 47, 501 St. John St., Havre de Grace.
- Details: The Susquehanna chapter of the Military Officers Association of America plans to recognize students who participated in its Veterans Day poster and essay contests. Attendees should confirm the event and RSVP arrangements with organizers.
- Information: Harford County Veterans Day Events Guide
Harford County Veterans And Family Resource Fair — Bel Air
- When: Saturday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Where: Bel Air Armory, 37 N. Main St., Bel Air.
- Details: Veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families can receive information about health care, benefits, employment, housing and other assistance programs during the free resource fair. The event is expected to include representatives from veterans service organizations and government agencies. A complimentary lunch provided by Mission BBQ is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., along with children's activities and prize drawings.
- Information: Harford County Veterans And Family Resource Fair Details
History Untapped: Havre de Grace Answers The Call — Havre de Grace
- When: Saturday, Nov. 21, 3 to 5 p.m.
- Where: American Legion Post 47, 501 St. John St., Havre de Grace.
- Details: This free historical presentation will explore the military contributions of Havre de Grace residents from the American Revolution through the Vietnam War.
- Information: Havre de Grace Veterans Day Events Guide