Veterans Day became an official federal holiday to honor American veterans of all wars. In 1926, Congress passed a resolution making it an annual observance. However, it goes back to 1918, when it was called Armistice Day.
During world War I, the Allied nations and Germany agreed to an armistice or cease fire on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. Known as the “war to end all wars”, WWI officially ended over seven months later when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919. In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as Armistice Day, observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Listed below are Veterans Day events observed in Hawaiʻi.
Veterans Day parades in Hawaiʻi
Drive-by Lions Veterans Day Tribute in Wahiawa
Hawaiʻi Island Veterans Day Parade in Hilo
Hawaiʻi Island Veterans Day Parade in downtown Hilo is one of the state’s largest Veterans Day parades features dozens of units. The parade starts at 10AM makai of Pauahi Street and circles downtown Hilo from Kilauea Avenue to Waianuenue Avenue and Kamehameha Avenue returning to Pauahi. The official reviewing stand will be along Kamehameha Avenue near the soccer field road entrance. More info: www.hivetparade.org
- In 2021, there will be a Virtual Veterans Day Parade via Hawaiʻi Island
Oʻahu Battleship Missouri Memorial Veterans Day Ceremony
Each year on Veterans Day, a ceremony on the Battleship Missouri honors the brave men and women who have fought and sacrificed for our liberty and freedom.
- In 2021, the public is invited to the Virtual Sunset Battleship Missouri Ceremony to commemorate our veterans. The LIVE sunset Veterans Day Ceremony will take place on the Fantail of the USS Missouri on November 11, at 4:30 PM (HST). This year’s ceremony, aside from paying tribute to all veterans past and present, will mark the 30th anniversary of the end of Operation Desert Storm and honor all Gulf War Veterans. All are invited to take part in this virtual celebration. More info: Veterans Day Virtual Ceremony – USS Missouri Live feed: Battleship Missouri Facebook page and Battleship Missouri YouTube Channel
Oʻahu Wahiawa Lions Veterans Day Parade
The Wahiawa Lions Club hosts its annual Veterans Day Tribute, the oldest and largest parade of its kind in Hawaiʻi. Since 1940, the Wahiawa Lions Club has performed countless community service projects, such as the summer time school supplies drive but it is perhaps best known for its Veterans Day Parade. More info: Wahiawa Lions Club – Lions e-Clubhouse and Wahiawa Lions Club | Facebook
- In 2021, enjoy the Drive-by Lions Veterans Day Tribute in Wahiawa
National Parks free admission day November 11
On Veterans Day, November 11 it is free to visit national parks, including Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and Haleakala National Park on Maui. More info: Free Entrance Days in the National Parks (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Established as a National Park in 1916, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park offers visitors many different landscapes and moʻolelo (stories) that chronicle the history and culture of the first Hawaiians who settled here over five centuries and who lived, worked and worshipped on this sacred ground. Since the 19th century, adventurers, scientists, philanthropists, and every day individuals have also left their mark on the landscape.
Haleakala National Park on Maui. Another important cultural place for Native Hawaiians, sites found within the Summit and Kīpahulu areas of Haleakalā National Park are spoken of in numerous mele (songs or chants) and Hawaiian oral legends. One of the major stewardship efforts of Haleakalā’s is to preserve the Hawaiian Islands’ native ecosystems.
Free meals & food discounts for for Veterans Day
Find free meals & food discounts for Veterans Day.
Listed below are the upcoming Veterans Day events on our calendar.
Image: Depositphotos.com
Calendar of Veterans Day events
Listed below are Veterans Day events on our calendar. Many are held on Veterans Day, which is always November 11. Parades and other festivities may be held the weekend before or after Veterans Day.
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