Veterans Day Events in the Twin Cities

Veterans Day is Monday, November 11th. The Twin Cities host a number of events to honor those who have served the country in war and peace.

The day was originally called Armistice Day, marking the end of the First World War. However, after World War II and the Korean War, the day was renamed “Veterans Day” by act of Congress as a way to honor all who served.

Meanwhile, post offices, banks and federal offices are closed in honor of the day. Restaurants and stores are generally open, but consumers should check the operating hours of businesses in their area.

Here is the list of events:

Monday

The official Minnesota Veterans Day program is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Ben Franklin Readiness Center of the Minnesota National Guard, 1536 Ben Franklin Street, in Arden Hills. Veterans, families, elected officials and members of the public are invited to attend. Those in attendance will include Veterans Affairs Commissioner Brad Lindsay, Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard Maj. Gen. Sean Mank; Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director Jeff Olivet, as well as members of the Congressional delegation and state and local officials. Also on hand will be the 34th Infantry Division Red Bull Band and 34th Infantry Division Chaplain Col. Buddy Winn. Breakfast and socializing will begin at 8:30 a.m. prior to the program.

The Veterans Day event will take place at 11 a.m. at North St. Paul Veterans Park, 2480 Margaret Street, North St. Paul. There will be a rifle salute, “Teps” and a flag program. Preparations will begin at 10:45.

American Legion Post 39 in North St. Paul will provide an honor guard at several events in the east metro. They will be at Polar Ridge Care Center in North St. Paul at 10:30 a.m.; at noon at North St. Paul Veterans Memorial Park; at 1 p.m. at Maplewood Rehabilitation Center, located at 1900 Sherran Avenue in Maplewood; and 2 p.m. at Achieve Language Academy, 2169 Stillwater Ave., in St. Paul.

A flag removal ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the Mayfield Senior Living Community, 2850 Market Place Drive, Little Canada. The ceremony will take place in the company of veterans and residents living at the facility. Hosted by Girl Scout Ambassador and Senior Troop 56864 along with Girl Scouts from other River Valley troops in Minnesota and Wisconsin, the event will be a final tribute to the well-worn United States flag that has flown over Mayfield for more than a decade. The ceremony will follow the rules set forth by the Girl Scouts of the USA.

The West Point Glee Club performs a free Veterans Day concert at 4 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Marquette Avenue in Minneapolis. No tickets required.

From Monday to November 30

The Minnesota Zoo is offering special ticket prices Monday through November 30th. Veterans and active military personnel receive free admission and parking on Veterans Day. Their immediate family (up to six people) receive a 50% discount. And from Tuesday to November 30, there is a 50% discount on admission for veterans, active military personnel and their immediate family (up to six people). This does not include parking. Tickets must be purchased online prior to arrival at mnzoo.org/militarypromo/.