We are fortunate to live in a country with many holidays. From major holidays like Thanksgiving to lesser-known observances like National Donut Day, there is no shortage of special days on the calendar. While most holidays are meant for us to enjoy and celebrate, others serve as a moment for reflection. Each year, on November 11, we get the opportunity to celebrate Veterans Day. It's a time to recognize a unique group of people who, through their courage, dedication to service, and sacrifices, have helped make our nation what it is today.
At IHG® Army Hotels, we are proud to honor veterans year-round, but especially on Veterans Day. With properties from coast to coast on 40 installations nationwide, our team is dedicated to serving those who serve. It's our privilege to provide comfort in a safe and convenient environment to our guests. Whether you are active duty traveling on orders, vacationing with your family, or relocating, we love having the opportunity to make you feel at home.
There are many locations to visit and events to attend when celebrating Veterans Day. We'll highlight some of the ones we think you'll find the most rewarding, all located near one of our hotels. But, before we get into that, we'd like to share a little about our 2025 Veterans Day Giveaway.
Veterans Day Giveaway
Our Veterans Day giveaway is back! Ten lucky winners will receive 100,000 IHG® One Rewards points. That's enough points for up to a 5-night stay in many of our IHG Hotels & Resorts properties around the world. It's a small way we can give back to those who give so much. Here's how to enter.
- Tag a friend on our Instagram social channel and tell us what you’re doing on Veterans Day to honor those who have served.
- Follow @IHGArmyHotels.
- For an extra entry, repost to your story and be sure to tag @IHGArmyHotels and #giveaway.
That's all you need to do! Good luck!
Ways to Celebrate Veterans Day with IHG Army Hotels
Before exploring a few recommendations for Veterans Day activities near our properties, here are some general ideas on how to make the most of Veterans Day 2025.
- Support Veteran-Owned Businesses: Many veterans move on to become business owners. Everything from restaurants to barber shops and boutiques are owned by veterans. Supporting veteran-owned businesses is another way to show your thanks for their service.
- Local ceremonies and parades: There are numerous ceremonies and parades on installations, as well as in their surrounding towns. Flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies take place in locations of all sizes. Check out your local base's community calendar or the town's visitor center for more information.
- Send a thank-you message: In this fast-paced world, we often forget how meaningful a simple thank-you message can be. Sending a thank you letter to a veteran you know can make their day. You can also tag #ThankAVet and @IHGArmyHotels on Instagram with a personal message of appreciation or a story about a veteran who has inspired you.
- Volunteer: It's an unfortunate truth that many veterans face difficulties. For veterans who have fallen on hard times, numerous charities and organizations are working to support them during their time of need. Some are more than happy to have volunteers help them. Donating a little bit of your time on Veterans Day would mean the world to a veteran in need.
Now, here are a few specific recommendations near our properties you could check out this year.
Notable Salutes To Our Veterans
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii: For many Americans, few sites symbolize the sacrifice of veterans more than Pearl Harbor. Since the attack that took place there in 1941, pulling America into World War II, the site is hallowed ground and the final resting place for hundreds of veterans. Visiting Pearl Harbor is memorable on any day, but Veterans Day adds a little something extra to the powerful emotions felt on site.
This year, there will be a special sunset ceremony aboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial in Pearl Harbor. Guests can take part in this solemn salute to all services and all who have served. The ceremony is free to attend and will take place less than six miles from our IHG Army Hotels Building 719 property.
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas: Of course, one of our favorite ways to celebrate Veterans Day is by attending one of the many parades around the country. The oldest Veterans Day observance in the nation and the largest parade west of the Mississippi is the Leavenworth County Veterans Day Parade. The theme for this year's parade is "Honoring America's Veterans." Could anything else be more fitting? We don't think so.
The parade begins in Downtown Leavenworth on November 11 at 10:30 a.m. The parade route covers 1.5 miles and snakes throughout the downtown area. Getting to the parade is simple when staying at our Holiday Inn Express Hoge Hall property. The hotel is less than three miles from where the parade begins.
Fort Myer, Virginia: Our final recommendation is the National Veterans Day Ceremony held at Arlington National Cemetery. The ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m. on November 11 and follows the same format as it does every year. A wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns will be followed by the presentation of colors by Veterans' organizations, and remarks by dignitaries. Each year, this national ceremony honors veterans from all branches of the military.
Arlington National Cemetery is less than two miles from our IHG Army Hotels Wainwright Hall - Historia Collection. After the ceremony, you may choose to take time to reflect and walk the rolling green hills where so many brave souls now rest.
The entire staff at IHG Army Hotels is grateful to serve those who serve. Each November 11, we get to take a little more time to reflect on the sacrifices made by our veterans. From parades full of fun and patriotism to solemn memorials, we hope you find a meaningful way to celebrate the many people who have answered the call to service for this great nation of ours.
(c) 2025 IHG Hotels & Resorts. All rights reserved. IHG Army Hotels properties are independently owned by Rest Easy LLC, a Centinel Public Partnerships company, and operated by an affiliate of IHG. No DoD, US Army or federal government endorsement implied. For information on Centinel, visit CentinelUS.com.