Veterans Day 2023: Where to celebrate in central Iowa
Across the nation, retired and active military personnel will be honored and celebrated this Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
Formerly known as Armistice Day, the holiday has been around since the end of World War I and in the 1930s it was made into one of the 10 federal holidays currently recognized by the U.S. government in the 1930s.
More: What is Veterans Day? Is it a federal holiday? Here's what you need to know.
Although it was first established after World War I, Veterans Day is meant to honor veterans of all wars.
Here are events you can attend in central Iowa to honor those who have served:
Official state Veterans Day observances
The Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs and Iowa Veterans Home are hosting multiple Veterans Day observances.
In an event at the Iowa Veteran's Cemetary, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds will be the honored guest, and this year’s keynote speaker will be Maj. Sean T. Quinlan. The event is free and open to all.
Where: Iowa Veteran's Cemetery, 34024 Veterans Memorial Drive, Adel
When: 8 a.m., Friday, Nov. 10
A second event will take place at the Iowa Veterans Home featuring Rick Fredericksen, a United States Marine Corps veteran and retired KCCI TV and Iowa Public Radio journalist.
Where: Iowa Veterans Home, 1301 Summit St., Marshalltown
When: 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10
Venues will host traditional in-person, public ceremonies, lasting about 45-60 minutes, as well as virtually, recorded on Facebook at Facebook.com/IowaDepartmentofVeteransAffairs.
More: Here's where you can find free Veterans Day meals and discounts across the metro
Grand View Veterans Day ceremony
Grand View will host a short ceremony at CJ's Place, in the Henning Student Center, to honor all veterans, followed by an opportunity to thank the veterans in your life. Flags will be available to display outside the Henning Student Center in honor of a Veteran. Active service members are encouraged to wear their uniform to classes and the ceremony.
Where: Grand View University, 1200 Grandview Ave, Des Moines
When: Noon, Friday, Nov. 10
Veterans Day mountain bike ride
To honor Veterans Day, Central Iowa Trail Association is hosting a no drop mountain bike ride through the Central Trails at Greenwood Park and Denman's Woods. A helmet is required to ride with the group. After, they will enjoy drinks at food at Big Grove Brewery (555 17th St., Des Moines)
Where: Meet at the parking lot behind the Des Moines Arts Center (4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines), near the Rose Garden
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11
Star-spangled Salute
Watch The Iowa Military Veterans Band perform a traditional Veterans Day concert at the Des Moines Civic Center. This event is free and open to the public, with general admission seating.
Where: Des Moines Civics Center, 221 Walnut St, Des Moines
When: 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 12
Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at vreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Ceremonies and events in central Iowa to celebrate Veterans Day 2023
