Here are 24+ events taking place to honor and commemorate Veterans Day in Louisville

Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal
·9 min read

This Veterans Day, there are a number of ways you can stop and take time in Louisville to reflect on and honor local military veterans.

Celebrated on Nov. 11, the anniversary of the end of World War I, Veterans Day is a day of celebration set aside to honor America’s veterans and those currently serving in the military for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Here are a few ways you can pay your respects and honor veterans locally:

9th Annual Mayor's Week of Valor

WHAT: A series of events to honor and celebrate the contributions and sacrifices of active-duty military, veterans and their families. The following events are part of the 9th Annual Mayor's Week of Valor:

  • Nov. 1, noon to 2 p.m.: Department of Veteran Affairs Caregiver Support, Caregiver Resource Fair. Veteran’s Club, 4218 Shelbyville Road. Featuring resource booths with information from the VA and other community organizations. If you are unable to attend, there is a virtual option offered on Nov. 14. Free. For more information, Lori Paris, at 502-936-1388 or lori.paris@va.gov. caregiver.va.gov.

  • Nov. 1, 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Team RWB Louisville, Casual Tuesday Ruck. Meet at the base of the flag that is flying near the Indiana end of the Big Four Pedestrian Bridge. Ruck a 5k at a casual pace. Participants are not required to wear a ruck. Free. For more information, Richard Rush, at 812-987-7874 or Richard.rush@teamrwb.org.

  • Nov. 2, 2-3 p.m.: Veterans Administration S.A.V.E Training. Veteran's Club Headquarters, 4218 Shelbyville Road. This is the first of ongoing Veteran Focused Suicide Prevention training offered on the first Wednesday of every month. Part of a partnership between the Veteran’s Club, the RRVAMC Suicide Prevention Program, Community Engagement, and Partnership Programs. For more information, Jonathan (Kelly) Marcum, 502-287-4011, 502-936-0171 (cell) or jonathan.marcum@va.gov.

  • Nov. 5, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Baptist Health LaGrange, Healthy Living/Healthy Giving. 1025 New Moody Lane, LaGrange. Baptist Health LaGrange is sponsoring this community Health Fair that will provide information and highlights for veterans. Free. For more information, Susan Arnold, at 270-317-6566 or sarnold1@bhsi.com.

  • Nov. 5, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Kentucky Veterans Parade and Celebration. Southeast Christian Church, 920 Blankenbaker Parkway. Come out and honor veterans and their families. Units will be on static display and attendees will be allowed to walk through the venue to visit each veteran unit. Col. Bruce Bancroft and his wife Marcy representing the families of the 123rd Kentucky Air National Guard are the grand marshals. Free. For more information, Treva Brockman, at 502-552-1131 or tpbrockman@gmail.com; kyvetparade.com.

  • Nov. 5, 11 a.m.: Flags4Vets, 2022 Veterans Grave Flag Event. Flags4Vets invites the Louisville community to help place flags on 7,500 veteran graves at the Cave Hill Cemetery for Veterans Day. You must park your car and gather at the Breckinridge School, 1351 Payne St. which is within 100 feet of the U.S. Military Section of Cave Hill Cemetery. They will pass out grave flags and enter the cemetery as a group at 11 am. For more information, Fred Moore, at 502-931-0374 or moore@theUSflag.com.

  • Nov. 5, 7:30 p.m.: University of Louisville Football Salute to Service Game. Cardinal Stadium, 2550 S Floyd St. University of Louisville vs James Madison. The University of Louisville Football is honored to invite all those who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces to join them for its annual “Salute to Service” game. For more information, Cardinal Ticket Office, at 502-852-5151 or gocards.com.

The Veterans Day parade in downtown Louisville on Nov. 11, 2019
The Veterans Day parade in downtown Louisville on Nov. 11, 2019

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  • Nov. 6, 1-4 p.m.: Meet the Horses at the Veteran’s Club, Inc. 375 Normandy Heights Road, Taylorsville. Meet the horses of the Veteran’s Club. The Equine Facilitated Mentoring Program uses these horses to help Veterans, first responders, service members, and their families move past trauma. Free. For more information, Corey Bowlin, at 502-487-1464 or cbowlin@veteransclubinc.org.

  • Nov. 6, 4 p.m.: Veterans Day Observance. Veterans Plaza, Veterans Memorial Park, 10707 Taylorsville Road. Host: The American Legion G.I. Joe Post #244 and the City of Jeffersontown. Free. For more information, John Wright, 502-548-3143.

  • Nov. 7, 6-9 p.m.: 5th Annual Be at Ease, Dogs Helping Heroes. Mile Wide Beer Company, 636 Barret Ave. Features food, drinks, a raffle drawing, and a chance to meet Hero Teams. Tickets are $25 to $40. To purchase tickets: bit.ly/BeatEase22. For more information, contact Adressa Flynn at 812- 329-0244; Dogshelpingheroes@gmail.com; Dogshelpingheroes.org.

  • Nov. 9, 6-8:30 p.m.: Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana, 2022 Kentucky Veterans of the Year Awards Dinner. Jeffersonian, 10617 Taylorsville Road. Celebrate and honor the male and female 2022 Kentucky Veteran of the Year. Free, reservations are required. For more information, Donald Bow, 502-909-2023, or dbow@efky.org; saluteyourhealth.org.

  • Nov. 10, 8:30-10 a.m.: Congressman John Yarmuth's 15th Community Dialogue with African American Veterans. Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd. Join Congressman John Yarmuth of Kentucky’s Third Congressional District for his final Community Dialogue with African American Veterans. Breakfast will be served; space is limited. Free, reservations are needed by Nov. 3. 502-582-5129 or YarmuthRSVP@mail.house.gov.

  • Nov. 10, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Retired Senior Volunteer Program and the Office for Veterans, Veterans Health Fair. Edison Center, 701 W. Ormsby Ave., First floor. For the veterans who work for Louisville Metro Government and the RSVP Volunteer Veterans. There will be health screenings and various checks, such as blood pressure and eye and ear exams, snacks, door prizes, and a special gift for Veterans who attend. Free. For more information, William Clark, at 502-574-7305 or William.clark2@louisvilleky.gov.

  • Nov. 10, 5:30-7 p.m.: Kentuckiana Veteran-Community Integration Coalition (KVIC), The War Always Comes Home. Hilary’s, Bellarmine University’s campus, 2001 Newburg Road. KVIC is partnering with Bellarmine University to host a veteran, veteran family, and caregiver showcase. They are looking for veterans, their family members, and caregivers to submit a story of their experience in service (prior to service, during service, and transition out of service). A story you feel would have an impact on our community to understand the sacrifices made for our country. Free. For more information, Lindsay Gargotto, 502-272-7027 or Lori Paris, 502-936-1388, lori.paris@va.gov.

  • Nov. 11, 8:30-10 a.m.: Metropolitan Sewer District Veteran Recognition Celebration. Central Maintenance Facility, 3050 Commerce Center Place. A celebration of the Veterans at MSD. Mask is requested. For more information, Gina Davis, at 502-540-6421 or Gina_Davis@louisvillemsd.org.

  • Nov. 11, noon to 12:30 p.m. Veteran Recognition Program at Mission BBQ. 4607 Shelbyville Road. Mission BBQ will celebrate military veterans and their families. Free to attend. For more information, Adam Lee, 502-206-3331 or mission40207@mission-bbq.com; mission-bbq.com.

  • Nov. 11, 10 a.m.to 2 p.m.: James B. Beam Distillery Company Veterans Day Event. 568 Happy Hollow Road, Clermont. The distillery will celebrate veterans. Kentucky Department of Veteran Affairs, USA Cares and the Volunteers of America will provide information for all veterans. Free. For more information, Connie Wheat, at 502-811-5294, 502- 855-8365 or connie.wheat@beamsuntory.com.

  • Nov. 11-12, 4 p.m.: Bourbon & BBQ Louisville. 1001 River Road. Features 20 plus pitmasters, chefs, and 20 Kentucky distilleries. The event will begin after the military flyover and color guard ceremony. There are several ticket options available. A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the Middletown VFW Post 1170. For more information, Grace Fitzmorris, at 504-390-2259 or grace@bblwaterfront.com. Please visit the website at bblwaterfront.com.

  • Nov. 11, 6-8 p.m.: Kentucky Shakespeare/ Louisville VET Center, Shakespeare with Veterans. Louisville VET Center, 1347 S. 3rd St. Kentucky Shakespeare hosts a free discussion group using Shakespeare's text to inspire conversation around various topics relating to Veterans. Free. For more information, Amy Attaway, 502-435-1344, amy@kshakespeare.com or Debbie Sawyer, Deborah.sawyer@va.gov.

  • Nov. 12, 11 a.m. to noon. National Association for Black Veterans and Rotary Club of Louisville Suburban. Greenwood Cemetery, 40th and Hale Streets. A ceremony honoring over 500 Black veterans interred ranging from the Civil War to Vietnam War. For more information, contact Mike King, 502-548-6821 or mrfking001@gmail.com.

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Celebration of Veterans: 80 Years of Women in the Military

Former Kentucky Senate candidate, Amy McGrath, speaks during an early voting rally at Lynn Family Stadium on Tuesday. Oct. 27, 2020
Former Kentucky Senate candidate, Amy McGrath, speaks during an early voting rally at Lynn Family Stadium on Tuesday. Oct. 27, 2020

WHAT: Features patriotic music, color guard and speakers. The keynote address will be presented by Lt. Colonel Amy McGrath, USMC Ret. McGrath served more than 20 years in the United States Marine Corps., flying more than 89 missions as a pilot in Iraq and Afghanistan. Music by harpist and singer Erin Hill.

WHERE: Veterans Place Memorial located behind Town Hall, Clarksville, Indiana

WHEN: Nov. 6, 2 p.m.

Patriot's Pride: Commonwealth Brass Band

WHAT: Patriot's Pride: A Preview for Veterans Day

WHERE: Stem Concert Hall, Ogle Cultural and Community Center, Indiana University Southeast, 4201 Grantline Road, New Alban, Indiana

WHEN: Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION: $8, $4 for students with ID. oglecenter.com.

YMCA of Greater Louisville free for veterans

WHAT: YMCA of Greater Louisville is offering veterans and current members and their immediate family members free visitation on Veterans Day Weekend.

WHERE: Any YMCA of Greater Louisville location

WHEN: Nov. 10-13

MORE INFORMATION: Must show photo ID at the front desk. Visit ymcalouisville.org for a list of all locations.

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Veteran Day at the Louisville Zoo

Bennett's wallaby mom and her joey peeking out from its pouch
Bennett's wallaby mom and her joey peeking out from its pouch

WHAT: The Louisville Zoo is offering active and retired military and their dependents free general admission on Veterans Day. They will also receive 10% off gift shop purchases and 50% off food and drink concessions.

WHERE: 1100 Trevilian Way

WHEN: Nov. 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION: Must have proof of military service. This offer is available at the Zoo windows only, not valid for online ticket purchases. louisvillezoo.org.

Jeptha Creed Distillery

Jeptha Creed bourbon for sale at the Shelbyville, Kentucky distillery. Aug. 12, 2022
Jeptha Creed bourbon for sale at the Shelbyville, Kentucky distillery. Aug. 12, 2022

WHAT: Release of the anticipated Red, White, Blue Straight Bourbon from barrels signed by our nation's military. Guest speaker: Jeremy Harrell, Founder / CEO - Veteran’s Club Inc. Master Distiller Joyce Nethery will be signing bottles.

WHERE: 500 Gordon Lane, Shelbyville

WHEN: Nov. 11, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION: Free, but there is a charge for tastings. jepthacreed.com/

Reach Features clerk Gege Reed at greed@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Veterans Day: Veteran events happening in Louisville, Kentucky