Veterans Day Observances 2026 | Savannah Herald

Savannah’s milestone parade leads a week of ceremonies, school programs and community gatherings honoring military veterans.

Savannah’s Veterans Day Parade turns 80 this year, and the community is invited to help honor the men and women who have served. The parade begins Wednesday, November 11, at 10 a.m. at Abercorn and Gwinnett streets.

The Veterans Council of Chatham County expects more than 100 units to take part. At 11:11 a.m., the parade will pause at the reviewing stand for a special observance, giving participants and spectators a moment to reflect on the meaning of the day.

This year, the council is honoring its own history of service. All living past recipients of its Veteran of the Year award will serve as grand marshals. Joe Higgins, this year’s award recipient, will be recognized separately. The council brings together 28 military veteran organizations.

The observances extend well beyond downtown Savannah. Communities across Coastal Georgia and the South Carolina Lowcountry are holding ceremonies, school programs and gatherings throughout the week. If you cannot make the Savannah parade, there may be an opportunity to honor veterans closer to home.

Savannah parade: What to know

The parade starts at Abercorn and Gwinnett and finishes on Broughton Street, with police identifying Habersham Street as the disbanding point. Traffic restrictions also cover nearby staging areas, so some closed blocks will be outside the parade itself.

If you’re heading downtown, give yourself time to park and walk to your viewing spot before 10 a.m. Keep curb ramps and crossings clear, and check with organizers ahead of time if someone in your group needs an accessible viewing location.

Police expect the event to end around 3 p.m., with traffic restrictions in place through that time. How long you see the parade will depend on where you watch.

Savannah street closures and parking restrictions

Downtown drivers will need to plan ahead, even if they are not attending the parade. These streets are scheduled to close from 6 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The Abercorn closure includes the stretch between Duffy and Gwinnett used in the staging area.

Designated no-parking restrictions start at 5 a.m. and remain until after the parade. They include:

• East Bolton, East Waldburg, East Park Avenue and Gwinnett, between Drayton and Lincoln.
• Lincoln, between Duffy and Gwinnett.
• Abercorn, between Duffy and Liberty.
• The north side of Liberty, between Abercorn and Montgomery.
• Montgomery, between Liberty and Broughton.
• Broughton, between Montgomery and East Broad.

Check temporary parking signs before leaving your car, especially if you park downtown Tuesday night. Police say vehicles left in restricted areas after the posted times will be towed at the owner’s expense.

The City of Savannah’s closure notice has the current details.

Veterans Day events across the region

Here are upcoming observances announced as of November 8. All times are Eastern. Before leaving home, check the organizer’s latest information for weather changes, school check-in procedures or meal requirements.

Chatham County: Savannah

Free meal for veterans at VFW Post 660

WTOC reports that VFW Post 660 will provide veterans a free meal after the November 11 Savannah parade at 5115 Ogeechee Road. Confirm serving times and eligibility with the post at 912-346-7872.

Bryan County: Richmond Hill

McAllister Elementary Veterans Day program: Tuesday, November 10, 5 p.m.

McAllister Elementary invites families to bring a veteran to its program in the school cafeteria, 224 Veterans Memorial Parkway. The school lists the date as Tuesday, November 10. For visitor information, call 912-851-4040.

Richmond Hill Veterans Day ceremony: Wednesday, November 11, 11 a.m.

Richmond Hill will gather at the Veterans Monument in J.F. Gregory Park, 521 Cedar Street, for its annual ceremony. Community members are invited to attend and honor those who have served.

Effingham County: Springfield

Veterans Day ceremony: Wednesday, November 11, 11 a.m.

Veterans Park, at First Street and Highway 21, will host the county ceremony. Retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Richard “Rick” Merritt is the announced speaker, according to WTOC.

Bulloch County: Statesboro

American Legion Dexter Allen Post 90 program: Wednesday, November 11, 11 a.m.

Doors open at 10:30 a.m. at the Emma Kelly Theater, Averitt Center for the Arts, 33 East Main Street, according to WTOC.

Beaufort County: Beaufort, South Carolina

Beaufort County Veterans Day Parade: Wednesday, November 11, 10 a.m.

Beaufort County Veterans Affairs says the parade begins in front of Beaufort National Cemetery, travels along Boundary Street and curves onto Bay Street, ending at Boundary and Bladen streets. Participant lineup begins at 8 a.m. on Adventure Street.

Check the weather before making the trip. The county says the parade will be canceled in inclement weather. For updates or questions about participation, call Veterans Affairs at 843-255-6880. The announced application deadline has passed.

Jasper County: Hardeeville and Ridgeland, South Carolina

Hardeeville Veterans Day ceremony: Wednesday, November 11, 8:30–9:30 a.m.

The city will hold its ceremony at Memorial Park, 20 Martin Street. It is free and open to the public, including veterans, their families and other community members.

Veterans Appreciation Day and Low Country Boil: Saturday, November 14, 5–8 p.m.

The Jasper County Veterans Affairs Office will host its third annual appreciation gathering at Jasper County Farmers Market, 9935 South Jacob Smart Boulevard in Ridgeland.

Veterans, their spouses and dependents can attend free. The gathering offers an evening of food and fellowship, and organizers welcome donations and volunteers. For information, call 843-368-5970.

Hampton County: Hampton, South Carolina

American Legion Post 108 observance: Wednesday, November 11, 10:45 a.m.

WTOC lists an observance at 302 Hoover Street South in Hampton. Check with Post 108 for attendance details.

Why November 11 matters

The date has a history of its own. Veterans Day began as Armistice Day, remembering the end of World War I fighting at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918. Congress changed the name in 1954 to honor American veterans of all wars.

For families, the day can also be a chance to learn more about a loved one’s service. If a veteran wants to share, ask what they would like younger generations to understand and give them room to tell the story in their own way.

A meaningful tribute can be simple: attend a ceremony, call someone who served, offer transportation to an older veteran or make time to hear a family member’s story.

Before you go

A little planning can make the day easier. Bring water, wear comfortable shoes and check the forecast. If you’re attending with an older relative or someone who has difficulty walking, consider the distance from parking and where you can take a break. Contact organizers about accessible seating, restrooms and drop-off locations.

For school programs, check visitor rules before arriving. If you’re going for a veterans meal, ask whether you need to bring proof of service.

Frequently asked questions

When is Veterans Day in 2026?

Wednesday, November 11.

What time does Savannah’s Veterans Day Parade start?

The parade begins at 10 a.m. at Abercorn and Gwinnett streets.

When do Savannah parking restrictions begin?

Designated no-parking restrictions begin at 5 a.m. Street closures are scheduled from 6 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Are events scheduled beyond November 11?

Yes. McAllister Elementary’s program is November 10, and Jasper County’s appreciation gathering is November 14.

Can I watch a parade in Beaufort?

Yes. Beaufort County’s announced parade starts at 10 a.m. November 11, subject to weather.

Sources and event information

• Veterans Council of Chatham County parade announcement, published by Savannah CEO
• Savannah Police traffic and parking notice
• City of Savannah event closures
• WTOC regional Veterans Day event listings
• McAllister Elementary program announcement
• Richmond Hill ceremony announcement
• Beaufort County parade announcement
• Hardeeville ceremony announcement
• Jasper County Veterans Appreciation Day announcement
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: History of Veterans Day