Veterans Day 2026 Ceremonies, Events In Howard County

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.

Below is a list of Veterans Day events across Howard County:

Veterans Day Brunch — Columbia

• When: Tuesday, Nov. 10, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Where: East Columbia 50+ Center, 6610 Cradlerock Way, Columbia.
• Details: Howard County's Department of Aging and Independence will host a Veterans Day brunch honoring local veterans. The event includes a musical presentation by historian Dr. Hugo Keesing. Donations are encouraged.
• Information: Howard County Veterans Day Brunch

Veterans Day Celebration — Thunder Hill Elementary School, Columbia

• When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, during the school day.
• Where: Thunder Hill Elementary School, 9357 Mellenbrook Road, Columbia.
• Details: Students and staff will recognize veterans and military families through a special slideshow and classroom visits. Veterans and military family members associated with the school are invited to participate.
• Information: Thunder Hill Elementary PTA Veterans Day Celebration

Veterans Day Luncheon — Triadelphia Ridge Elementary School, Ellicott City

• When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, during school lunch periods.
• Where: Triadelphia Ridge Elementary School, 13400 Triadelphia Road, Ellicott City.
• Details: The school will welcome veterans who have family members attending Triadelphia Ridge to lunch with their students. Special tables will be reserved for veterans and their families. Students also will share information about veterans in their families through classroom presentations and displays. Advance registration closed Oct. 30.
• Information: Triadelphia Ridge Elementary Veterans Day Celebration

U.S. Army Field Band Veterans Day Concert — Columbia

• When: Wednesday, Nov. 18, 6 to 7 p.m.
• Where: Bain 50+ Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia.
• Details: The United States Army Field Band Saxophone Quartet will perform a special evening concert honoring veterans. Light refreshments will be served. Registration is available through Howard County.
• Information: Howard County Veterans Day Army Field Band Concert