Veterans Day

The first Veterans Day observation in the United States occurred in 1919, but at the time, it was called Armistice Day and was a celebration of the first anniversary of the end of World War I. It wasn’t until 1954, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day, that the holiday became more encompassing and included all United States Veterans. This is a time for all people in the U.S. to say, “Thank you, Veterans.”

Military Challenge Coins

There are many ways to thank a Veteran and express appreciation; we’ve found that military challenge coins can be especially meaningful. What is a military challenge coin? Traditionally, challenge coins feature an identifying symbol for a group, and they’re used to help bond and connect the group. Military challenge coin rules vary between branches and customs. Today, you can create custom coins to celebrate Veterans, and we can help!

 PinMart has a wide variety of custom challenge coin options; we even have some pre-made recognition and service coins, military coins, and Veteran challenge coins that don’t require customization. No matter how you want to approach selecting a challenge coin to hand out as a way to say thank you to Veterans, you’re going to be met with equal amounts of gratitude. These treasured tokens immediately have sentimental value and they become hot collectibles. Consider buying one for a special someone or placing a bulk order and handing them out at a Veterans Day event.

Veterans Day Events

Speaking of events to celebrate Veterans on November 11, 2023, they’re happening all over the country. Big events that involve parades and noteworthy speakers, and small community events honoring local members of the military. If you’re interested in going big, the following are a few of the larger celebrations you can attend.

Washington, D.C. Area

It’s no surprise that Washington, D.C., has some key Veterans Day events. The 70^th annual National Veterans Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery will include a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns that is not open to the public. Afterward, a larger observance program in the Memorial Amphitheater will be held with first-come, first-served seating.

At the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, there will also be celebrations on this day

New York

The New York City Veterans Day Parade is the nation’s largest Veterans Day event and will return for its 104^th year. Organizers expect nearly 20,000 participants from around the country to follow the Fifth Avenue route, and it will be livestreamed on Military.com if you cannot attend.

Florida

Another large and noteworthy parade is the Tampa Veterans Day Parade. Orlando will also be hosting a parade with the 2023 Veterans Day Parade that same day.

Texas

Fort Worth will be having a Saluting TCU Warriors celebration with a parade on November 11, 2023. Taylor County will host their 2023 Big Country Veterans Day Parade on the same day.

Tennessee

The American Legion Post 2 will host the 98^th Knoxville’s Veterans Day Parade.

Maryland

The Baltimore City Veterans Day Parade is scheduled for Friday, November 10^th, and starts at the Washington Monument, located at the intersections of Charles Street and Centre Street.

Arkansas

The Fort Smith, Arkansas, 2023 Veterans Day Parade & Celebration will begin at noon and will include a parade, food trucks, a kids’ area, and charity drives.

Arizona

Never Forget. Forever Honor is the theme of the Phoenix, Arizona Veterans Day Parade for 2023.

Alabama

The Veterans Day Parade in Mobile, Alabama, will be held on Friday, November 10, 2023, and it will start at the Mobile Civic Center.

Supporting Veterans

If you’d like to do more to support Veterans, there are a large number of programs that you can contribute to. The following list includes just a few programs that are well-known and popular options.

·         Armed Services YMCA of the USA

·         Gary Sinise Foundation

·         Homes for Our Troops

·         Hope for the Warriors

·         Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund

·         K9s for Warriors

·         National Military Family Association

·         Semper Fi & America’s Fund

·         Wounded Warriors Family Support

In addition to offering financial or even volunteering at the above-listed charitable organizations for Veterans, one of the best things you can do is offer personal support to a military member or their family when they’re in crisis or in need of help. The Veterans Crisis Line can be reached by calling 988 and then pressing the number 1. Many local Veterans Hospitals also offer services for less immediate needs, and Veterans can always connect with the above organizations to find additional help and support or to provide help for others.

If you’re interested in purchasing challenge coins to show your support and offer a personal token of gratitude on this very important day, PinMart is here to help. Contact us by calling 1-877-PINMART (1-877-746-6278) or reach out through our website, and we’ll be happy to get your order started.