As November unfolds across Maryland, our state comes alive with opportunities to honor military veterans who have served our nation. The veteran affairs offices coordinate Veterans Day ceremonies and festive Thanksgiving parades. This month offers countless ways for our veteran community to be recognized, celebrated, and supported. Are you a military veteran, active-duty service member, supporter of veteran owned businesses, or simply looking to show your gratitude through veterans supporting veterans initiatives? Than Maryland has something special in store. The Maryland Veterans Chamber of Commerce is proud to highlight these events that bring together supportive services for veteran families and our entire military community.
Veterans Day Celebrations Across Maryland
Southern Maryland Veterans Events
Southern Maryland hosts some of the most heartfelt Veterans Day gatherings in the state, bringing together military veterans, veteran affairs organizations, and supportive services for veteran families:
Veterans Day Parade in Leonardtown – November 11, 2025 (10 a.m.) Beginning at St. Mary's Ryken High School and proceeding through Town Square, this parade concludes with a wreath-laying ceremony honoring all who have served.
Veterans Day Feature at Calvert Marine Museum – November 11, 2025 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) This history event features stories from veterans and community members, along with artifacts from the museum's military collection. Visitors can write letters of thanks to veterans, which will be delivered to Charlotte Hall Veterans Home.
"Bells of Peace" Tolling Ceremony – November 11, 2025 (11 a.m.) At both St. Clement's Island Museum in Colton's Point and Piney Point Lighthouse Museum, bells will toll in remembrance of the World War I armistice, honoring the 116,516 Americans who died in the Great War.
Montgomery County Maryland Veterans Celebrations
Montgomery County offers multiple opportunities for military veterans and chamber of commerce members to honor those who served:
Veterans Park Bethesda Observance – November 11, 2025 (10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.) Located at the corner of Woodmont Avenue and Norfolk Avenue, this ceremony features Vice Admiral Jeff Trussler, USN (retired) as guest speaker, with musical performances by the B-CC High School Brass Ensemble and Chamber Singers. Dogs from Warrior-Canine Connection will also be in attendance.
Rockville Veterans Day Ceremony – November 11, 2025 (11 a.m.) Join Rockville's Mayor and Council at Veterans Park, located at the intersection of MD 28 and Rockville Pike, for this annual ceremony honoring the men and women who served in the armed forces.
Gaithersburg Veterans Day Observance – November 11, 2025 (11 a.m.) The City of Gaithersburg invites the entire community to honor and recognize all U.S. military personnel who play an important role in safeguarding our nation.
Thanksgiving Celebrations for Maryland Veterans
Maryland offers special Thanksgiving events where military veterans, veteran owned businesses, and veteran families can celebrate together:
Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade – November 22, 2025 (10 a.m. to noon)
Military veterans and their families are invited to participate in or enjoy the Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade, starting at 1 Veterans Place in Silver Spring. From glittering floats and marching bands to 12-foot inflatable turkeys and Santa Claus himself, this annual tradition promises a vibrant celebration for the whole family. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. from Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street, traveling south on Georgia Avenue and ending at Silver Spring Avenue. Rain or shine, it's the perfect way to usher in the holiday season!
Farm-to-Table Thanksgiving Opportunities in Maryland
Mary's Land Farm Friendsgiving Dinner – November 22, 2025 Located in Howard County, Maryland, this farm-to-table feast features locally raised meats, seasonal produce, and artisan flavors, all enjoyed in the warm glow of a countryside evening.
Alexandra's American Fusion Restaurant Thanksgiving Buffet – November 27, 2025 (12 p.m. to 5 p.m.) Gather with family and friends in Howard County, Maryland for a delicious Thanksgiving buffet celebrating the holiday season with fellow veterans and chamber of commerce members.
Free Meals and Special Offers for Maryland Veterans Throughout November
Maryland veterans and military veterans have access to numerous dining opportunities this month. On Veterans Day (November 11, 2025), dozens of restaurants across Maryland are offering free meals and special discounts. These offers represent the business community and chamber of commerce partners supporting veterans:
National Chains with Maryland Locations:
Applebee's: Free full-size entrée plus a $5 Bounce Back Card for future visits
Bob Evans: Free farm-fresh meal from a special 10-item menu (dine-in only)
IHOP: Free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Chili's Grill & Bar: Free meal from select menu items
Denny's: Free Original Grand Slam breakfast (5 a.m. to noon)
Buffalo Wild Wings: 10 free boneless wings and fries
California Pizza Kitchen: Free meal from special Veterans Day menu
Golden Corral: Free dinner buffet and beverage (4 p.m. to close)
Red Robin: Free Red's Big Tavern Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries
Olive Garden: Free entrée from special menu
Local Maryland Favorites:
Hard Rock Cafe (Inner Harbor): Complimentary classic smash burgers all day
Mission BBQ: Free sandwiches for veterans
Sheetz: Free half turkey sub and regular fountain drink
Another Broken Egg (Elkridge): Free Patriot French Toast and coffee
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse: Free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie
Cracker Barrel: Free Sunrise Pancake Special
Important Notes:
Most offers require proof of military service (military ID, VA card, or discharge papers)
Many deals are for dine-in only
Check with your local restaurant to confirm participation
Free Transportation for Maryland Veterans
The Maryland Transit Administration is offering free rides on all travel modes on Veterans Day (November 11, 2025) for military veterans and active-duty service members, including:
Commuter Bus
Light Rail
MARC Train
Local Bus
Metro Subway
Mobility services
This makes it easier than ever for Maryland veterans to attend ceremonies, meet with fellow military veterans, or take advantage of restaurant offers across Maryland through veterans supporting veterans connections.
Maryland Museums and Cultural Sites Honoring Veterans
Several Maryland museums are offering special programming and free admission for military veterans throughout November:
Patuxent River Naval Air Museum – November 8-9 and 11, 2025 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Reduced admission of $5 for veterans and $7 for family members. Exhibits and special programs highlight the history and service of America's armed forces. Children under 4 are free.
National Park Service Sites in Maryland On Veterans Day, National Park Service sites in Maryland and nationwide that normally charge admission will offer free entry to all visitors.
Looking Ahead
As we move through November, let's remember that supporting our military veterans extends beyond a single day or month. The Maryland Veterans Chamber of Commerce encourages all Marylanders to:
Support veteran owned businesses year-round
Volunteer with veteran service organizations providing supportive services for veteran families
Advocate for veteran employment and housing initiatives through veteran affairs channels
Stay connected with local veteran communities and chamber of commerce networks
Participate in veterans supporting veterans programs and mentorship opportunities
Connect military veterans with resources and business development support
This Thanksgiving season, we have much to be grateful for, among our blessings are the brave military veterans who have defended our freedom. Maryland offers countless opportunities this November to honor, celebrate, and support our heroes through veterans supporting veterans initiatives.
Connect with Maryland's Veteran Community
The Maryland Veterans Chamber of Commerce serves as a vital connection point for military veterans, veteran owned businesses, veteran affairs organizations, and supportive services for veteran families across Maryland. Our chamber of commerce brings together veterans supporting veterans through business networking, advocacy, and community engagement. From Baltimore to Southern Maryland, from Montgomery County to the Eastern Shore, we're building a stronger Maryland through veteran entrepreneurship and military veteran support.
Thank you for your service. Happy Veterans Day and Happy Thanksgiving!
