National Veterans Parade kicks off special events ahead of Veterans Day

Veterans Day is a week away, and events around the nation’s capital will begin Sunday with the fourth annual National Veterans Parade. The National Veterans Day Parade is scheduled for Nov. 8, 2026, in the nation’s capital. The parade kicks off at Constitution Avenue NW, near the National Archives. WWII veteran Victor Britt, seated left, was honored at the parade in 2025. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) WASHINGTON — The National Veterans Parade, now in its fourth year, will take place Sunday, in advance of Veterans Day, while other ceremonies in the nation’s capital honoring military service are scheduled on the Nov. 11 federal holiday. Veterans Day events at national war memorials in and around D.C.

will include the Bells of Peace Ceremony at the World War I Memorial, a reading of names at the African American Civil War Memorial Museum, and a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. There is no entry fee to attend any of the national commemorations next Wednesday, but some organizations are asking for advance registration, especially for large groups. Visitors are advised to arrive at least a half-hour early to most of the events. Check out the specific memorial or museum website for further instructions. The National Veterans Parade will begin at 11:30 a.m. Sunday with an opening ceremony