Montgomery County residents can honor US military veterans in multiple ways throughout the day on Wednesday, and on through the weekend, with community tributes, a flag-raising ceremony, memorial illuminations and a restaurant salute.
Several outdoor observances are planned, with an additional library program scheduled for Saturday featuring a retired American hero who served during the Vietnam War. Below are more details on how to honor, observe and recognize the sacrifices of American military veterans in Montgomery County this week.
Bethesda’s 65th Annual Veterans Day observance
Time & Date: 11/11; from 10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Veterans Park, 7898 Woodmont Ave.
The observance offers residents an opportunity to gather and honor military veterans. Musical performances are set to feature the Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School Brass Ensemble and its Chamber Singers. Commissioner Wayne Miller of the Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs will serve as a guest speaker. The event is hosted by Montgomery County Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Center, Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce, Bethesda Urban Partnership, Kiwanis Club of Bethesda and Daughters of the American Revolution. For more information, contact brandan.stuckey@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Darnestown Civic Association flag raising and breakfast
Time & Date: 11/11; 9 a.m.to 11 a.m.
Location: 15120 Turkey Foot Rd. in Darnestown
Darnestown Presbyterian Church will host a Veterans Day flag-raising ceremony and breakfast for community members. The flag raising is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. and breakfast is planned to be served at 9:30 a.m.
Montgomery County’s Ride On bus service honors U.S. Veterans with a special Operation Green Light wrapping for 2026. The service will operate on a holiday schedule for Veterans Day (Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026).
Gaithersburg Annual Veterans Day Observance
Time & Date: 11/11 at 11 a.m.
Location: Concert Pavilion, 31 South Summit Ave., Gaithersburg, Md. 20877
Members of the public are invited to join the City of Gaithersburg for its annual Veterans Day Observance. The event will focus on honoring and recognizing US military personnel who play an important role in safeguarding our nation and our future.
The observance takes place at the City Hall Concert Pavilion. The patriotic ceremony will include words and music to commemorate the occasion, followed by a solemn wreath-laying ceremony. City officials and members of local veterans’ groups will be on hand to honor those who have served in all branches of the military. For more information, contact 301-258-6350 or send a message parksrec@gaithersburgmd.gov.
Mission BBQ Veterans Day salute with free food for Veterans
Time & Date: 11/11; All day Wednesday during business hours with a 12 noon live musical salute scheduled a various locations
Location: Please check the Mission BBQ website for details
Mission BBQ will offer veterans and active-duty military members a free sandwich Wednesday as part of its Veterans Day salute on Nov. 11, 2026. Each year, the BBQ restaurant chain pledges to honor the brave men and women in service, remember their history, and thank them for their continued duty, honor and commitment they’ve made to keep our country free. A rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner will be played live at various locations Wednesday at 12 noon.
Olney Library Vietnam War nurse lecture
Then & Now: U.S. Army Capt. Elizabeth Jane McCarthy (retired)
Time & Date: Saturday, Nov. 14 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: 3500 Olney-Laytonsville Road Olney, Md., 20832
Olney Library is the setting for a special Veterans Day lecture featuring retired US Army Capt. Elizabeth Jane McCarthy, who served in 1971 as a Vietnam War nurse. The lecture will explore her experiences during the Vietnam War with a question-and-answer program to follow. Light refreshments will be served. No registration is required but seating is limited. View more information here.
Rockville Annual Veterans Day Ceremony
Time & Date: 11/11 at 11 a.m.
Location: Veterans Park, at the intersection of MD 28 and Rockville Pike.
The public is invited to join the City Rockville’s Mayor Monique Ashton and members of the city council at this annual ceremony in honor of the men and women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. American Legion Post 86 will lead the wreath-laying ceremony, and their honor guard will present a 21-gun salute.
For more information, contact 240-314-8620 or send a message to: specialevents@rockvillemd.gov.
Veterans Day Ceremony – VFW Post 2562, American Legion Post 268 and DAV Post #4
Time & Date: 11/11 at 11 a.m.
Location: Wheaton Veterans Park, 11200 Amherst Avenue, Wheaton, Md. 20902
Veterans from all eras will be honored. Light refreshments will be served after the ceremony at the VFW Post 2562 at
11316 Fern Street, Wheaton. For more information, visit vfw2562.org
For additional information about Montgomery County Veterans Day events, residents can consult the county’s 2026 Veterans Day event listing.
Montgomery County Closures
While county-supported events will occur throughout the Veterans Day holiday, on Wednesday, Nov. 11 government offices, MC311, libraries and senior centers will be closed.
Ride On will operate on a holiday schedule, and county public parking will be free.
County-provided trash and recycling collections will slide one day beginning Wednesday, with final pickups on Saturday, Nov. 14.
