This Veterans Day, check out these Omaha area events and ways to celebrate and support the veterans in your community. Even if you don’t personally have a loved one or friend who served, there are plenty of vets in the community and at area retirement homes that could use a “thank you” and a smile. Whether you actively participate in an event or donate to a great cause, such as the annual Veterans Day Basket Drive, there are a multitude of ways to commemorate the occasion!
Veterans Day Parade
Where? Mission Avenue
When? November 9th
The annual Old Town Bellevue Veterans Day Parade is one that many families mark on their calendars each year! On Saturday, November 9th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, join in on the community festivities by cheering on marchers and thanking veterans for their service. There is no fee to spectate the parade, so grab your American flags to wave and find a good spot to support the participants as they go by. There are a multitude of sponsorship opportunities available for this event, including a $100 Bronze Sponsor Veterans Parade that includes your business listed on a parade banner and two grandstand tickets, and a $1,000 Grand Marshal Sponsor which includes two breakfast tickets, twenty grandstand tickets, one ticket for review stand seating and more! Community sponsors for the parade include the City of Bellevue, Green Beans Coffee, the Metropolitan Community College, Heritage Ridge, and more.
Veterans Day Salute
Where? 15841 Manley Road
When? November 10th
Honor this country’s heroes with a free concert event this Veterans Day! Invite your family and friends to enjoy this patriotic performance by the Southeast Nebraska Community Band as a giant “Thank You” to all who have served. Admission is free and there will be complimentary popcorn for veterans. The event is scheduled to kick off at 2:00 PM and last until 4:00 PM at the Lofte Community Theatre in nearby Manley, Nebraska. The theater offers six core season productions throughout the year, as well as special events featuring visiting artists. There is a week-long children’s theater workshop, high school one-act play competitions in the fall, and of course, the free annual Veterans Day concert. In total, approximately 12,000 visitors will come through the theatre’s doors over the course of a year!
Veteran Panel Discussion & Resource Fair
Where? 2112 North 30th Street
When? November 14th
To celebrate the national veterans small business week from November 11th through the 15th, the Veterans Business Outreach Center is excited to host this panel discussion and resource fair on Thursday, November 14th. The panel discussion is scheduled from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM and attendees can ask questions and gain unique insights from veterans who have successfully built their businesses. The resource fair will be from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and will showcase and celebrate the entrepreneur community. Visitors can discover valuable tools, resources, and support that can help them build and grow their own business endeavors while making integral connections with like minded individuals.
Veterans Day 1 Mile, 5K, 10K, 13.1, 26.2
Where? Virtual
When? November 3rd-November 17th
Join fellow Omahans in recognizing Veterans Day with this virtual race. This is the 4th annual event and participants have a range of options, all the way from the short and sweet 1 mile to the challenging 26.2 miles. Throughout the month of November, complete your chosen distance at your own pace and convenience. Many choose to participate on November 11th for added significance! A minimum of 15% of each registration fee is contributed to the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust. The organization supports physical and psychological rehabilitation programs that provide services to ill, injured, or wounded veterans. Participating in this virtual event helps to make a positive impact in the lives of these veterans. The races are suitable for all ages, so get the kiddos involved or challenge a group of friends to participate this November. Sign up now for $18-$20 to receive a bib and a medal. Whether you walk, run, or jog on the road, trail, or treadmill — there are a multitude of ways that you can choose to participate and they’re all equally welcomed!
Lincoln Veterans Parade
Where? K Street, South 21st to 14th
When? November 10th
At 2:00 PM on Sunday, November 10th — head over to Lincoln for their annual Veterans Parade. All service members, veterans, their families, and their communities are welcome to attend the 6th annual parade. There will be local veteran service organizations, military units, youth organizations, supportive businesses, classic cars, and marching bands at the parade. The route begins on South 21st and K Street before moving westbound to South 14th Street. This year’s winner of the 2024 Parade Artwork Contest is Karen Silverstrand. The theme for this year’s parade is “Gratitude for Their Sacrifices.” There will be free street and lot parking along the route. The opening ceremony will be held at the Capitol Building before the parade and the event will be broadcasted live on local programming and YouTube for those who couldn’t make it out in person but still wish to support!
Veterans Day Weekend
Where? 801 South 10th Street
When? November 9th & 10th
Veterans and their immediate families can enjoy complimentary admission to the Durham Museum in Omaha all weekend long in observance of Veterans Day. Veterans can also enjoy a free hot dog meal at the Soda Fountain on both days. The patriotic celebration will kick off on Saturday with the opening of Beyond Combat: World War I Through the Lens of “Doc” Cook. At 1:00 PM, the Offutt Air Force Base Honor Guard will set the stage for a day of remembrance with a presentation of colors followed by the national anthem and an armed forces salute by the U.S. Air Force Heartland of America Band. From 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturday, check out Celebrate at The Platform at the museum’s interactive play space. There will be a special craft or activity on each day and featured photos from the Photo Archive for a small history lesson while visitors partake in Veterans Day festivities.
American Legion Post No. 1 Ceremony
Where? 6005 Underwood Avenue
When? November 11th
Each year, Omaha’s American Legion Post No. 1 hosts a program in Memorial Park at 11:00 AM to commemorate Veterans Day. The program includes a color guard and placing of wreaths, as well as musical performances and guest speakers. In years past, local and state dignitaries have attended, and afterward, lunch is served at the Omaha Post which is situated at 7811 Davenport Street. The American Legion is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization that’s aimed at advocating for patriotism across the United States through diverse programs. The Legion family includes Auxiliary which are the spouses, grandmothers, mothers, sisters and direct and adopted female descendants of members of The American Legion (some of whom are veterans themselves), Sons of American Legion (SAL) who include males of all ages who’s parents or grandparents served in the US military and were eligible for Legion membership and the American Legion Riders, who have chapters that are well known for their charitable work raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for local children’s hospitals, schools, veterans homes, scholarships and more.
Hy-Vee’s Annual Veterans Day Breakfast
Where? Various Locations
When? November 11th
Hy-Vee is happy to provide a complimentary dine-in meal to veterans and active-duty military members on Veterans Day. You can also snag a discount on your grocery purchase in-store and online. This annual tradition is held each Veterans Day at all Hy-Vee stores, so find your closest Omaha location and swing by for your celebratory meal! In previous years, the breakfast giveaway has been hosted from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM. This event is in support of the Hy-Vee Homefront Initiative, which salutes the service of the country’s veterans via special programs and events. The initiative also supports organizations that serve military members, veterans, and their families.
Veterans Recognition Day at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Where? 3701 South 10th Street
When? November 11th
This Veterans Day, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is excited to celebrate those who proudly serve or have served our nation. The zoo will be offering free gate admission to all active and retired military members, veterans, and their families to mark the occasion. The zoo will be open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Military veterans and active duty members are welcome to bring their kiddos and family members out to show appreciation for their service while enjoying a day spent exploring the zoo and making unforgettable memories. This is a great way to celebrate the day and meet an array of new animal friends and furry ambassadors.
4th Annual Veterans Day Basket Drive
The Omaha Federal Credit Union is gearing up for their 4th Annual Veterans Day Basket Drive this year! This community service campaign has shown to be a resounding success, so it’s coming back in hopes of becoming even bigger and better this year! The credit union needs your help to ensure the success of the basket drive. Donations are greatly appreciated and are used to create fun goodie bags with inexpensive items to brighten a vet’s day and tell them “thank you” for their service to this country. Last year, over 200 vets across 8 retirement home communities in 5 area counties were able to be sponsored. The Fort Calhoun Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts even wrote personalized “thank you for your service” notes to each vet which were placed inside of their bag. This year, the goal is to expand the reach of the campaign into Harrison and/or Pottawattamie counties as well. In total, the group wants to hand out 225 bags to recognize area veterans for their selfless service and the monetary goal is $3,500! If you have the ability to donate to this great cause, it’s a way to give back to those who have already given so much to us.
Thank You, Veterans!
We hope you feel appreciated and celebrate this Veterans Day and all days! The Omaha area has a handful of family-friendly events for veterans to celebrate the day with their loved ones and community members. Enjoy the Lincoln Veterans Parade or the free concert at the Lofte Community Theatre. Keep an eye out for Veterans Day deals, discounts, and free meals around town, as well!