Tuesday is Veterans Day, a day that honors both former and current service members. On Nov. 11, Veterans Day celebrations will span Central New York.
Onondaga County events
Free Dental Care for All Who Served: This year marks the 14th annual Veterans Day free dental care event. Eastwood Dental Office’s Dr. Joan Laura is providing free dental services for all veterans. Veterans can receive a cleaning, filling or an extraction at no cost. Location is 2326 James St. from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Walk-ins only. First come, first served. Proof of service required. For questions, call (315) 438-3333.
Wreaths for Veteran Graves
On Dec 13. At 9 a.m. there will be a Remembrance Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery. To sponsor a wreath for a veteran or for more in information on volunteer work, follow this link.
Syracuse University events
Syracuse University is hosting veteran and military-connected events on Nov. 11. Go to https://veterans.syracuse.edu/events/ for more information.
2025 Veterans Day 5k Fun Run and Walk
Runners complete three full laps while walkers will complete the same route in one lap. It is recommended to get to the event early to receive the event T-shirt and meet fellow runners. T-Shirts will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Time is 6:30 a.m. at the Quad, in front of Hendricks Chapel.
Veterans Day 2025 Celebration
The program will feature keynote remarks, music and a celebration honoring those who have served the nation. General Lester L. Lyles, U.S. Air Force (Ret.) will be this year’s keynote speaker. A catered lunch reception will follow in the Bisignano Grand Hall from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Utica events
The Frankfort American Legion will serve free breakfast for all veterans and first responders. Breakfast will be served from 7 a.m. -11 a.m. at 128 S Litchfield St, Frankfort, NY 13340.
Veterans Day food drive
The Utica Center for Development will be at the Adirondack Bank Center hosting a Veterans Day food drive from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. at 400 Oriskany Street, Utica, NY 13502.
Utica Comets
The Utica Comets are giving away free hats to veterans who attend the Veterans Day game. Complimentary tickets for all veterans and active-duty military members can also be claimed through their website at 5 p.m. A pregame ceremony will be at 3 p.m. on the Veterans plaza. There will be a food and textile drive at the game for the Veteran’s Outreach Center, as well as a jersey raffle and auction at the game, with all proceeds going toward local veteran organizations through the Save of the Day Foundation. Online auction will be available at www.uticacomets.com.
Utica Broadway
Broadway Utica’s production of ”A Christmas Story, The Musical” runs Tuesday and Wednesday at The Stanley Theatre. Partnering with the Utica Center for Development, those who attend are encouraged to bring donations for local veterans. Ticket information: broadwayutica.org
Watertown events
A community Veterans Day program will be held at the Watertown Civic Arena at 10 a.m. The event is open to the public.
Binghamton/ Broome County
Binghamton will honor veterans with its annual Veterans Day parade. The parade will begin at American Legion Post 80 on Main Street and end at the courthouse. Participants will begin to line up at around 12:30 p.m.
In Endicott, there will be a memorial held from 11 a.m. to noon at 1009 Main St. in Endicott.
In Endicott, there will be a parade with tributes and marching at 7 p.m. on Washington Avenue.
The Discovery Center
On Veterans Day, the Discovery Center offers free admission to active-duty military personnel, veterans and their family members from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m at 60 Morgan Rd, Binghamton, NY. Valid military ID required.
Free meals and items for Veterans
Denny’s: Free Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Applebee’s: Free meal from a select menu (dine-in only).
Chili’s: Free meal from a select menu (in-restaurant only).
Little Caesars: Free lunch combo from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Dunkin’: Free donut at participating locations.