For the second year, Veterans Day will be extended throughout the entire month of November. The White House has declared November as National Veterans and Military Families Month and to be recognized as such via a presidential proclamation. As a military veteran, find out where and how you can participate in the rest of this year’s celebrations on behalf of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

About National Veterans and Military Families Month

According to the Presidential Proclamation announcing November as National Veterans and Military Families Month (NVMFM), the purpose is to, "Salute the brave and dedicated patriots who have worn the uniform of the United States, and…celebrate the extraordinary military families whose selfless service and sacrifice make our military the finest in the world."

Throughout the month, veterans and their families can look forward to tributes, celebrations, and special events in their honor. The best place to go in your community to find local Veterans and Military Families Month events is your Veterans Health Administration facility. Around the nation, there are:

  • 172 VHA medical centers
  • 1,062 VHA outpatient clinics

A total of 1,243 VHA healthcare facilities provide medical services for veterans and their families. Visit the center near you to find out about:

  • Flag ceremonies in honor of Veterans Day or Veterans Month
  • Religious events in recognition of military families
  • Volunteer opportunities to serve veterans
  • Forums, meetings, discussions, and other community open houses pertaining to the military
  • Programs to support homeless veterans in your community
  • Veterans Day parades
  • Memorial services for military veterans
  • Wreath laying ceremonies on behalf of Wreaths Across America

If you are interested in traveling to one of the major military events for National Veterans and Military Families Month, start your search with the largest national veterans cemeteries in the U.S.:

  • Calverton National Cemetery in Calverton, New York
  • Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois
  • Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California
  • Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia
  • Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan

Notice that Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, the most famous of the military cemeteries is not on this list. Other popular international U.S. military cemeteries to visit for Veterans Month include:

  • Gettysburg National Cemetery in Pennsylvania
  • Andersonville National Cemetery in Georgia
  • West Point Cemetery in New York
  • Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery in Kansas

If you are interested in taking an overseas journey, consider:

  • Oise-Aisne Cemetery and Memorial in Fère-en-Tardenois, Aisne, Picardy, France
  • Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Normandy, France
  • Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial in Margraten, Netherlands
  • Manilla American Cemetery and Memorial in Metro Manila, Philippines

Each of these veterans’ cemeteries will be hosting or has hosted some events for November. Keep in mind this is only the second year that National Veterans and Military Families Month will be recognized by the U.S.

However, at these major military cemeteries around the world, there should be coordinated events throughout the month of November. Check with a particular cemetery for more information before making travel arrangements.

Centennial Anniversary of WWI

Along with being the inaugural year of National Veterans and Military Families Month, 2018 is also 100 years since the end of World War I. A quick glance at the VA Calendar shows some highlights of the month:

  • Day of Prayer and Reflection on November 1
  • Doughboy Rededication by the VHA in Muskogee on Veterans Day on November 11
  • SECVA Clemson Military Appreciation Week from November 11 to 17
  • A rededication ceremony of the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Ceremony of the Pacific on November 19

Each of these solemn yet so very important events are dedicated to honoring the memories of military veterans and what they, and their families, have endured. Honor these individuals in the name of freedom and independence this November.