Veterans Day 2026: Ceremonies across Central Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - Communities across Central Virginia are preparing to honor military veterans with ceremonies and celebrations this Veterans Day.

Here’s a look at Veterans Day ceremonies in the area:

RICHMOND

The Virginia War Memorial is hosting its 70th annual Commonwealth’s Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11.

The event will be held outdoors at the E. Bruce Heilman Amphitheater.

There will be guest speakers and recognition of the winners of the Virginia War Memorial’s Veterans Day Student Essay Contest.

Patriotic music performances will be provided by the Mt. Gilead Methodist Church Choir preceding the ceremony, starting at 10:30 a.m.

CHESTERFIELD

Chesterfield County and Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia are also hosting their annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11

The event begins at 2 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, 10300 Courthouse Road.

Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors Chair Dr. Mark Miller will lead off the ceremony, followed by a keynote address from Army veteran and mental health advocate Marian Mills.

There will also be patriotic musical performances by the Thomas Dale High School Band.

HANOVER

Hanover County is also having their own Veterans Day Ceremony at 2 p.m., Nov. 11.

This observance will be at Hanover Wayside Park, at the Hanover Veterans Memorial, and will feature guest speakers and patriotic music.

In the event of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the Hanover County Administration Building.

Also in Hanover, Heritage Green Assisted Living and Memory Care is hosting a special ceremony honoring veterans.

Starting at 11 a.m., the event will be led by American Legion Post 175 and feature a flag-folding ceremony, the playing of “Taps”, a presentation of certificates and a pinning ceremony.

PETERSBURG

The city of Petersburg is inviting the public to attend a Veterans Day Observance at the Rotary Memorial Peace Park.

The event will take place at 10 a.m. on Veterans Day at 10 North Jefferson Street, and will include a dedication of the Rotary Memorial Peace Park.

To see the new park dedication, just show up to the park at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11.

Beyond Veterans Day, there is a special celebration also in Petersburg over the weekend.

On Saturday, The Petersburg National Battlefield will honor military veterans with the Annual Luminary Program at the Poplar Grove National Cemetery.

Along with the 6,000 illuminated gravesites, there will be Park Rangers throughout the cemetery waiting to share the stories of those laid to rest there.

The program will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, and it is free to the public.

There will be no parking available at the Poplar Grove National Cemetery. Instead, there will be a free shuttle running to and from Richard Bland College, 11301 Johnson Road, Petersburg.