Veterans Day started on Nov. 11, 1918, when World War I, “the war to end all wars,” ended.
At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, the Allied powers agreed to a ceasefire with Germany, seven months before the Treaty of Versailles was signed in France, which officially ended the war in 1919.
Then, President Woodrow Wilson codified the moment as Armistice Day, before President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially renamed the holiday Veterans Day on June 1, 1954.
Over the decades, communities across the country have hosted events like flag raisings, parades, concerts, and other memorial celebrations to honor all veterans who have served in America’s military, past or present.
Here is a roundup of the area’s upcoming celebrations:
Saturday, Nov. 1
Hero’s Veterans Day 5k
Time: 7:30 a.m.
Location: Legacy Park (15400 Peggy Rd., Alachua)
This first annual event aims to honor the courage and strength of America’s service men and women. Enjoy a morning of music, local vendors, refreshments and positive energy with all proceeds supporting veteran-owned non-profit Words Off the Paper’s mission to spotlight the stories of veterans through arts, education and performance. In-person registration is $10 per participant and opens at 7 a.m. on Nov. 1.
High Springs Veterans Day Celebration
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Catherine Taylor Park (18100 SE Douglas St., High Springs)
Honor those who fought for freedom with a picnic in the park at 11 a.m. featuring Sweet Meats, Florida Creamery and Marie’s Sweet Treats. A patriotic ceremony at 1 p.m. will include special music before line dancing at 2 p.m. Enjoy vendors, kids’ crafts, a planting workshop with Willow Gardens, and train rides courtesy of the Peanut Patch and Corn Maze.
Saturday, Nov. 8
2025 Bikers on Parade Charity Ride
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: Amvets Post 88 of Florida (10050 FL 24, Archer)
Gather to support the nation’s heroes with police escorted rides that will end at the Suwannee County Fairgrounds in Live Oak. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. The parade is free to watch and $28.52 to $44.52 to ride in. Funds will support American Hometown Veteran Assist, a nonprofit that supports veterans and first responders in Florida through emergency assistance, outreach, scholarships and data-backed decision-making.
City of Gainesville Veterans Day Flag Placing
Time: 9 to 11 a.m.
Location: Evergreen Cemetery (401 SE 21st Ave., Gainesville)
Help place a flag on each of the 1,100 graves of veterans interred at Evergreen Cemetery. Maps to locate each grave and flags will be provided.
UF/IFAS Family Fishing Days Veterans Day Barbecue
Time: 8 a.m. to noon
Location: 7922 NW 71st St., Gainesville
Participants may use on-site fishing gear and bait or bring their own to this free catch-and-release fishing day. Volunteers will be on hand to assist and families with veterans can enjoy a barbecue.
Give Thanks Music Festival
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Homestead Park (1050 NE 6th Blvd., Williston)
The free event will feature guest speakers sharing their stories and tributes, an Americana Classic Car, Truck, Jeep & Bike Show, live music, local food trucks and vendors.
Sunday, Nov. 9th
Gainesville Community Band Veterans Day Concert
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: First Presbyterian Church (300 SW 2nd Ave., Gainesville)
Songs will pay tribute to veterans and James King, a former Gainesville Community Band member and WWII veteran.
Tuesday, Nov. 11th
Veterans Day Celebration at Veterans Memorial Park
Time: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Veterans Memorial Park (7400 SW 41st Pl., Gainesville)
The Veteran Memorial Committee is partnering with Alachua County Veteran Services to put on this free celebratory event.
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Veterans Day Special
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Kanapaha Botanical Gardens (4700 SW 58th Dr., Gainesville)
Active or retired military personnel get into the gardens for free.
High Springs Museum Veterans Day Service
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Farmers Market Pavilion (23517 NW 185 Rd., High Springs)
Enjoy patriotic music from the Sante Fe Brass Quintet, a guest speaker and other events during the service.
Newberry Veterans Day Celebration
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Veterans Memorial Park at Lois Forte Park (120 NW 260th St., Newberry)
The city of Newberry will raise new flags donated by U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack and hear comments from a veteran during this 30-minute ceremony.
Friday, Nov. 14th
City of Alachua Veterans Day Celebration
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Legacy Park Amphitheater (15400 Peggy Rd., Alachua)
The U.S. Air Force Band of the West will deliver a live performance to celebrate all who have served in the military. Animals are not allowed, but attendees can bring blankets, chairs and picnic food.
Saturday, Nov. 15th
1000 Voices of Florida Veterans Day Celebration Luncheon
Time: Noon to 4 p.m.
Location: TB McPherson Center (1717 SE 15th St., Gainesville)
This event will include a luncheon, recognition and gifts for local veterans, and musical performances by local veterans, 1000 Voices of FL and friends. RSVP at 1000voicesofflorida.com.