NJ Veterans Day Events 2025 (Nov 11): Where to Go

A Guide to NJ Veterans Day ceremonies

Veterans Day is a solemn thank you to those who served, and New Jersey shows up. On November 11, 2025, communities across the state will honor service members with heartfelt tributes, quiet moments, and public gatherings that bring neighbors together.

This guide spotlights NJ Veterans Day events with a quick look at the biggest ceremonies, plus how to find local ones near you. You will see what to expect at state-hosted observances with wreath-laying, town ceremonies at memorials, and family-friendly services in parks and civic centers. You will also learn how to plan your day so you can attend, participate, and show support with respect.

Plan ahead, since some communities hold events on the weekend before, while many start right at 11 a.m. on the 11th. We will share ways to confirm times, parking, and accessibility, along with simple etiquette tips, like when to stand, what to wear, and how to involve kids.

Whether you live up north, at the Shore, or in South Jersey, there is likely a ceremony close to home. You will find state observances, VFW and American Legion services, and school or township programs that welcome the public.

Top NJ Veterans Day Events to Attend in 2025

Middletown Annual Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony
Sunday, November 2, 2025: @ 1:30 PM
Middletown, NJ
The parade will begin at Bayview Elementary School (300 Leonardville Road), travel down Leonardville Road through historic Campbell's Junction, and end at the Mater Dei Parking Lot, Cherry Tree Farm Rd).
After the parade, there will be a special celebration with food trucks and live music for all ages.

Aberdeen Township " Salute to Our Veterans" Breakfast & Car Show
Saturday, November 8, 2025;
Matawan Regional High School
450 Atlantic Ave, Matawan, NJ
Aberdeen, NJ
Open to public.
The day Vetrerans will be honered for their service with a Veterans Day Car Show. Food trucks and veteran-owned vendors and organization tables will be part of the festivities.

Hopewell Valley Veterans Day Ceremony: A Community Tribute
Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 11 a.m.
Woolsey Park, Titusville
Join the Hopewell Valley community for a heartfelt Veterans Day Ceremony. This family-friendly event honors local veterans with patriotic tributes, guest speakers, and live performances in a scenic outdoor setting. Celebrate service, unity, and remembrance in one of New Jersey’s most cherished community gatherings. Perfect for families, history enthusiasts, and those looking to pay their respects in a meaningful way.

New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial Ceremony and Forum
November 11, 2025, at 11 a.m
The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Holmdel
The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial will host its annual Veterans Day Ceremony—an honored tradition that pays tribute to those who served during the Vietnam War. Organized by the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation in partnership with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, this solemn event features distinguished speakers, a wreath-laying tribute, and reflections on service and sacrifice. Open to the public, the ceremony invites families, veterans, and community members to gather in remembrance and gratitude.

AMVETS Post 911 Veterans Day Service in Somers Point
Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 11 a.m.
AMVETS Post 911, Somers Point
This community-centered event features solemn ceremonies, patriotic reflections, and participation from local veterans and civic leaders. Located at 1st Street and Bethel Road, the service invites families, residents, and visitors to gather in remembrance and gratitude. For those seeking meaningful Veterans Day events in Atlantic County, this Somers Point tradition offers a powerful way to honor service and sacrific

Battleship New Jersey Veterans Day Ceremony
Tuesday, November 11, 2025; @11am
Battleship New Jersey
100 Clinton St.
Camden, NJ
Free Admission
Veterans will be honored with a ceremony on the forecastle (forward deck) of the Battleship.  In addition to the Bell Ringing Ceremony at 11am, they will hold a Memorial Wreath Presentation, which will feature Battleship volunteer Nan LaCorte performing TAPS on bugle as a wreath is casted upon the Delaware River. At the conclusion of the Veterans Day Ceremony, the Battleship will officially unveil our MARDET exhibit in a ribbon-cutting ceremony below deck in MARDET berthing as another tribute to the Marine Corps' 250th birthday celebration. Some light refreshments as well as the cutting and serving of cake will take place after the ceremony.

North Wildwood Veterans Day Ceremony at the Park
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
VFW Post 5491, Veterans Memorial Park, North Wildwood and VFW Post 5491
This annual tribute honors the brave men and women who served our nation, featuring patriotic music, guest speakers, and a solemn wreath-laying. Held in the heart of North Wildwood, the event invites residents and visitors alike to reflect, remember, and show gratitude. Don’t miss this meaningful community gathering that celebrates American service and sacrifice.

How to Find and Join More NJ Veterans Day Events Near You

You do not need to travel far to honor service. Most towns host ceremonies, and many groups share schedules as November gets closer. Use the sources below to spot nj veterans day events near you, then plan a respectful, meaningful day.

Where to Look

Start local, then broaden your search if you want more options.

  • Town halls and municipal websites: Check your township calendar and parks or cultural pages. Many post Veterans Day plans two to three weeks out.
  • VFW and American Legion posts: Call your nearest post for ceremony times, color guard details, and volunteer needs.
  • Local news and community groups: Search Facebook events, library calendars, and school district notices for parades or assemblies open to the public.

Tip: Call ahead the week before. Locations, parking, and start times can shift as plans firm up.

What You’ll Find

Expect a mix, from quiet tributes to larger public programs.

  • Parades: Short routes with marching bands, Scouts, and veteran units.
  • Wreath-layings: Brief ceremonies at memorials with Taps and a moment of silence.
  • Flag retirements: Respectful programs often hosted by Scouts or veteran posts.
  • Free meals or discounts: Restaurants and civic groups sometimes offer a thank-you to veterans. Ask about ID requirements and guest policies.

Example: Attend a 10 a.m. wreath-laying, then visit a post luncheon or museum program nearby.

Plan Ahead and Participate

Small actions help the day run smoothly and feel personal.

  • What to wear: Dress in layers, choose dark, respectful colors, and bring a small umbrella.
  • What to bring: A small flag, a handwritten thank-you, or a photo of a family member who served.
  • How to help: Offer to carry chairs, hand out programs, or read names if the organizer needs readers.
  • Bring the family: Prep kids on when to stand, remove hats during the anthem, and stay quiet during Taps.
  • Honor personally: Thank a veteran by name after the ceremony. Share a story. Listen more than you talk.

The goal is simple, show up, show respect, and make veterans feel seen.

Key Takeaways: Making the Most of NJ Veterans Day Events

Use these quick takeaways to plan a meaningful, low-stress Veterans Day. A little prep goes a long way. If you only do one thing, show up at a nearby ceremony and say thank you.

What matters most

  • Event variety: From quiet wreath-layings to larger ceremonies, nj veterans day events happen in towns, parks, and memorials across the state. There is something for every schedule.
  • Show up, be present: Attendance matters. A full crowd signals respect to veterans and their families.
  • Timing counts: Many start at 11 a.m. on November 11. Some towns host events the weekend before.
  • Know your sources: Check municipal calendars, local VFW or American Legion posts, and memorial sites for updates.
  • Bring the family: Short, respectful programs work well for kids and grandparents alike.

Day-of etiquette at a glance

  • Stand during the anthem and Taps, remove hats when appropriate.
  • Keep phones silent and photos discreet.
  • Thank veterans in person, use their name when you can.
  • Stay a few minutes after to talk, listen, and offer help if asked.

    Frequently Asked Questions About NJ Veterans Day Events

    Quick answers to help you plan November 11 with confidence. Use this FAQ to find nj veterans day events, arrive on time, and participate with respect.

    What is Veterans Day and when are ceremonies held?

    Veterans Day honors all who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. In New Jersey, most ceremonies start at 11 a.m. on November 11. Some towns also host events the weekend before, so check local calendars.

    Are NJ Veterans Day events free and open to the public?

    Yes. Nearly all nj veterans day events are free, family friendly, and open to everyone. Some memorials or museums may have limited capacity. When in doubt, call ahead to confirm seating or indoor backup plans.

    What time should I arrive and how long do events last?

    Arrive 20 to 30 minutes early. You will have time to park, find a spot, and settle in. Most programs run 30 to 60 minutes. Larger state observances can run a bit longer if there are speakers and wreath-layings.

    What should I wear and bring?

    Dress in layers and choose respectful, muted colors. Bring a small flag, a handwritten note of thanks, or a photo of a family member who served. Pack water, tissues, and a compact umbrella if rain is in the forecast.

    How can I volunteer or participate?

    Call your local VFW or American Legion post to ask about needs. Common ways to help include handing out programs, reading names, placing flags, or assisting with parking. If you play an instrument, some ceremonies welcome volunteer buglers or band members.

    Are kids welcome and what etiquette should we follow?

    Kids are welcome. Before you go, explain the basics: stand during the anthem and Taps, remove hats when asked, and keep voices low. Silence phones. Photos are fine, but avoid flash during moments of silence. After the ceremony, encourage kids to thank a veteran by name.

    Conclusion

    Showing up matters. When you stand at a memorial, listen to Taps, or thank a veteran by name, you help carry New Jersey’s promise to remember. The events above, from township tributes to statewide observances, make it easy to take part with respect and purpose. Together, we fill the quiet with gratitude and keep our history alive for kids who are learning what service means.

    Pick one ceremony from these nj veterans day events and add it to your calendar today. Confirm the time, bring a small flag or a note, and invite a neighbor who might not go alone. Share a photo or a short reflection after you attend, then tag your local post or memorial so others can find their way next year. Keep the support going year-round by volunteering with a VFW or American Legion, donating to a veterans nonprofit, or checking in on a veteran in your life.

    Thank you to every service member and family who has carried the load. Your example sets the tone for our communities. May our presence on November 11, and the choices we make in the weeks that follow, show our sincere respect.