Free Admission At National Constitution Center On Veterans Day

PHILADELPHIA – With Veterans Day nearly here, you may be wondering how to spend the somber, reflective day.

One great way to show respect and appreciation for our military veterans is to learn about our nation's history at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, which if offering free admission Saturday, Nov. 11 in honor of Veterans Day

The center will feature many special events for Veterans Day, including a wreath-laying ceremony, discussions with military veterans, thank-a-vet postcard writing, and more.

See the full schedule of Veterans Day activities at the center below:

9:15 a.m. – Flag Raising Ceremony

Join us as we begin the day with a special flag raising ceremony overlooking Independence Mall.

9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Thank-a-Vet Postcards

Take a moment to write letters of thanks to the women and men who have served in the country’s Armed Forces. Postcards can also be accessed online and downloaded by virtual visitors.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Community Partner Tables

Representatives from various community partners, including Thanks-A-Vet,the USO, and the Veterans Multi-Service Center, Inc. will be at the Center to discuss the services they offer veterans and military personnel.

9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Arts and Craft Tables

Make patriotic crafts, including American flags, star wreaths, and poppy pins.

10 a.m. and 2 p.m. – Flag Folding Challenge

Families can participate as members of the museum’s staff fold our 20X30 foot American flag!

10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. – A Soldier's Life

Join a Revolutionary-era soldier as he discusses the daily lifestyle of atypical infantryman in the American Continental Army during the American Revolution. Receive the proper training of the day and try on equipment and gear. Highly energized and interactive, this program is perfect for families.

11 a.m. – Wreath-Laying Ceremony

Join us as we honor those who have served our country in the Armed Services. Veterans on staff at the National Constitution Center will lay a wreath under the Center’s iconic American flag, followed by a moment of silence.

11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. – Military Muster

Do you hear the drum beating? The Continental Army is recruiting a few good kids for drills in the art of marching and musket etiquette.

Noon – USO Concert

Join the USO Show Troupe for a patriotic concert celebrating our nation’s veterans.

1 p.m. – Veteran Chats: They Were Ours

Vietnam veteran and Glassboro, New Jersey native John Campbell will participate in a special Veteran Chat. Campbell is the author of They Were Ours: Gloucester County's Loss in Vietnam, a book that uses wartime letters to tell the story of soldiers from New Jersey.

2 p.m. – Veteran Chat: Veterans Multi-Service Center

Veteran Charlie Forshee will discuss his service, as well as his role as Deputy Executive Director for Services at the Veterans Multi-Service Center.

Free admission is provided by Macy's.

The National Constitution Center is located at 525 Arch St., Philadelphia and open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11.

Visit the center's website to learn more.

Image via Shutterstock