Veterans Day in Fort Wayne

By Erin O.

Oct. 20, 2025

This Veterans Day, we join as a country and a community to thank the men and women who have served the United States. In Fort Wayne, Indiana, this day is marked with celebrations, ceremonies, and special offerings from local businesses.

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Here are a few ways to spend Veterans Day in Fort Wayne this year. And if you're looking for additional discounts, check out these ongoing Military discounts offered around Fort Wayne.

Celebrate Veterans Day in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Fort Wayne Visitors Center

In addition to the 20% Military Discount (promo code: SERVICE) that can always be used in the Visitors Center, items in the Veterans Day category will be an additional 10% off in-store on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Shop online or in-store.

Parade through Fort Wayne honoring those who have served our country.

Veteran's Day Parade & Ceremony

Join the community at the annual Veteran's Day Parade and Ceremony on Saturday, November 8, to pay tribute and show gratitude to all who have served our country. The Veteran's Day Parade begins at 11am at the corner of State St. and Parnell Ave. The route continues north on Parnell Ave. and concludes at the Memorial Coliseum, where a special ceremony will take place.

Find full details here.

World War I Memorial Dedication

Veterans National Memorial Shrine & Museum / November 11

Come to the museum for a dedication ceremony of a new World War I Memorial. The memorial pays tribute to all those who served in one of the deadliest wars in history. It depicts scenes from the war with statistics, countries involved, a map, and a bronze plaque of Reverend Stevensen Waters McGill, whose grandson conceived the idea and funded this memorial. The ceremony begins at 11 am in the Memorial Park on O'Day Road, followed by a reception in the Event Center.

Visit the museum anytime to view the 360 ft. Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, an 80% replica of the original Vietnam Wall in Washington, D.C. Visit the wall, now permanently displayed in Fort Wayne, to honor and pay tribute to all those who served and lost their lives in the Vietnam War. Find the names of loved ones etched into the wall.

The Veterans National Memorial Museum, covering 40 acres of memorial grounds and housing more than 2,000 military artifacts, states its commitment through these three objectives:

To provide a forever memorial for veterans of all wars in which the United States has been engaged.
To preserve important items of these wars and give future generations a better understanding of the historical past of the United States.
To provide a National Shrine in northeastern Indiana where “No Veteran will ever be forgotten.”

Find hours and more at honoringforever.org.

Vietnam War Remembrance Program

Mastodon Alumni Center / November 7

Join a special Veterans Day event featuring Hank Barnett, a former U.S. Marine and one of the first combat troops deployed to Vietnam. Hank will share personal reflections on his service and how his early combat experiences shaped his views on the war and life after Vietnam. The presentation will be followed by light hors d'oeuvres and refreshments. Please RSVP by October 24th.

Veterans Tribute Concert

Riverfront Fort Wayne / November 9
The American Legion Band of Fort Wayne and The New Horizons Band are joining together for a FREE special Veterans Tribute Concert! Seating available fire come, first serve.

Veterans Day at The Fairfield

The Fairfield / November 11
Come to The Fairfield for a full day of community, competition, and giving back in support of VETSports Inc. and FW22. You have the choice of participating in the Indoor Golf tournament, the Ruck Run, or just dining and cheering on local participants!

Fort Wayne Museum of Art

All military personnel, veterans, and their families receive free admission to the Fort Wayne Museum of Art! This great offer is available year-round, Tuesday–Sunday. If you can't enjoy the museum over Veterans Day weekend, keep this discount in mind for your next visit.

Explore Your Genealogy

Fort Wayne is home to the nation's largest public genealogy collection at The Genealogy Center. Plan a visit anytime to discover your ancestors who may have served their country and learn more about them.