National Medal of Honor Museum • Arlington
Free Admission • Veterans Day 2026 Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 • 10 AM – 7:30 PMThe National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington will commemorate Veterans Day on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, with an expansive day-long celebration honoring the courage, sacrifice, and contributions of America’s veterans and service members. Through generous underwriting from the Ben E. Keith Company, visitors can explore the museum’s permanent galleries and special exhibitions with complimentary admission from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no advance registration needed.
The day features an inspiring lineup connecting veterans, military families, and community members: live orchestral and military band performances, fireside discussions with Medal of Honor recipients and national authors, a private veterans luncheon, prime front-lawn viewing for the City of Arlington Veterans Day Parade, and a concluding evening drone light show over Mark Holtz Lake.
A Day of Remembrance, Gratitude, and Connection “Honoring the service, sacrifice, and contributions of America’s veterans.” From historical galleries and fireside reflections to lakeside drone illuminations, Arlington’s newest national landmark invites the entire region to stand together in appreciation.
Complete Veterans Day Schedule of Events (Wednesday, Nov. 11)
Tour the world-class galleries, historical artifacts, and immersive story installations documenting the valor and sacrifice of the nation’s Medal of Honor recipients throughout American history. Admission is completely free during standard operating hours.
Kick off the morning celebration with a live performance of stirring patriotic music and classic American compositions performed by musicians from the Arlington Symphony.
Veterans and active-duty service members are welcomed to a complimentary seated luncheon inside Brady Hall. The event features an intimate fireside discussion with Medal of Honor Recipient Flo Groberg and Assistant Secretary of the Navy Ben Kohlmann. Advance registration is required, and seats are limited.
Fox News anchor and bestselling author Martha MacCallum joins Medal of Honor Recipient Maj. Gen. Patrick Brady for a compelling conversation exploring courage, battlefield heroism, and the formative stories that shape our nation. Each ticket includes a personal copy of MacCallum’s newest title, The Book of Valor.
The 3rd Annual Texas Veterans Day Parade winds straight through the Arlington Entertainment District. Visitors are encouraged to gather along the museum’s expansive lawn and surrounding grounds for prime viewing as military units, marching bands, and veterans organizations process through.
Following the conclusion of the parade, the storied 1st Cavalry Division Band will take the stage outside the museum for an energetic brass, wind, and percussion concert celebrating military service traditions.
The night reaches its visual climax over the waters of Mark Holtz Lake with a high-tech patriotic drone light display presented in proud civic partnership with the City of Arlington.
Ongoing Activities and Amenities Throughout the Day
- I Am America Exhibition: Explore personal narratives and diverse perspectives on duty, service, and civic responsibility.
- Postcard-Writing Station: Write and send heartfelt handwritten messages of appreciation directly to currently deployed service members.
- 1861 Cafe: Enjoy seasonal artisan foods, craft coffees, and grab-and-go refreshments on-site inside the museum.
At-A-Glance: Veterans Day Schedule (Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026)
| Time | Event / Activity | Location | Admission / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Free Museum Admission | Museum Galleries | Free (Ben E. Keith Co.) |
| 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Arlington Symphony Live Performance | Museum Grounds | Free and Open to Public |
| 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Veterans Day Luncheon (Flo Groberg & Ben Kohlmann) | Brady Hall | Free for Veterans (RSVP Required) |
| 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM | The Book of Valor Fireside Chat (Martha MacCallum & Patrick Brady) | Museum Theater | Ticketed (Includes Hardcover Book) |
| 5:30 PM | City of Arlington Veterans Day Parade | Entertainment District / Museum Lawn | Free Public Viewing |
| Approx. 6:30 PM | 1st Cavalry Division Band Performance | Outside Museum Plaza | Free Public Concert |
| Approx. 7:00 PM | Veterans Day Drone Light Show | Over Mark Holtz Lake | Free Community Show |
For the complete master schedule, tickets, and visitor details, visit the National Medal of Honor Museum Veterans Day Hub.
