2020 Veterans Day Statewide Events

See what's happening virtually around the state this Veterans Day.

Every year, ODVA assembles a list of events around the state which is shared widely on this blog, social media, and through our email newsletters. Share an event | E-Subscribe

Veterans Day Information

History of Veterans Day

Veterans Day is observed on November 11 of each year to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice.

President Wilson proclaimed November 11, 1919, as the first “Armistice Day,” commemorating the armistice between the Allied nations and Germany which took effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918, ending the Great War. For the next several decades, Armistice Day primarily honored veterans of World War I.

In 1954, to reflect the involvement of American veterans in World War II and Korea, the name was changed to Veterans Day. President Eisenhower appointed a Veterans Day National Committee “to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary.”

For a brief time, the observance of Veterans Day moved from year to year to ensure three-day weekends akin to Memorial Day in an attempt to encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities. By 1978 the date of observance was restored to November 11, preserving the historical significance of that date in accordance with the desires of major veterans organizations and the American people.

Info from: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

FAQs About Veterans Day

How do you properly spell Veterans Day? Who determines business and school closures? Why are red poppies worn on Veterans Day? Find out the answers to these and more below:

Flying the Flag on Veterans Day

Veterans Day is one of the national holidays on which the flag should be displayed.

Veterans Day Events

Don’t see your community’s event on this list? Submit the details here.

Join the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs as we honor, remember and celebrate all veterans in our first-ever Virtual Statewide Veterans’ Day Celebration. Streaming on the ODVA Facebook page at 11 a.m. Nov 11. Featuring remarks from Governor Kate Brown, ODVA Director Kelly Fitzpatrick and more.

ODVA Virtual Statewide Veterans’ Day Celebration

Other Virtual Events

Other virtual events to commemorate this year’s Veterans Day include:

Veterans Day 2020 Virtual Events

Several national level organizations are hosting 2020 Veterans Day virtual events due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

View Events

Dedication of the National Native American Veterans Memorial

Click below on November 11, 2020, to view a virtual program honoring the service and sacrifice of Native veterans and see a virtual tour of the memorial.

Watch Dedication