{"id":5732,"date":"2019-11-11T09:20:16","date_gmt":"2019-11-11T14:20:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cabinsforyou.com\/blog\/?p=5732"},"modified":"2026-06-25T14:45:31","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T14:45:31","slug":"veterans-day-smokies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cabinsforyou.com\/blog\/attractions\/veterans-day-smokies.htm","title":{"rendered":"Veterans Day \u2014 in the Great Smoky Mountains!"},"content":{"rendered":"

A day to remember our fallen heroes, honor those who sacrificed, and show gratitude towards our honorably discharged military, Veterans Day is a special American holiday celebrated across the nation on November 11. While you could stay home with a TV program or attend the same local event as last year, why not take this time to travel and celebrate with fellow Americans in a new way? It\u2019s a great opportunity to see how other citizens observe the holiday and maybe take a few ideas home for next year. Spend this Veterans Day celebrating in the Great Smoky Mountains<\/a> \u2014 with the Gatlinburg Veterans Day Celebration, a picnic at Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge, a visit to the Tennessee Museum of Aviation in Sevierville, and a cookout at your American-themed cabin!<\/p>\n

Veterans Day Celebration<\/strong>
\nFREE to the public and recognized as an official regional site for the Observance of Veterans Day by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and the Veterans Day National Committee, attend the Gatlinburg Veterans Day Celebration with family and friends. This respected event is held annually on November 11, boasts live performances, and even features an aircraft flyover \u2014 last year (2018) was a UH 60 Black Hawk helicopter!<\/p>\n

\u201cWe use this commemorative day as a moment to step back and recognize the heroism of our military and honor the sacrifices they have made to protect our rights as citizens of the United States of America. We are proud to celebrate\u2026this special ceremony in Gatlinburg.\u201d \u2014 Mark Adams, President of the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau<\/em><\/p>\n

Flags cover the streets, including a massive flag backdrop at the center of the celebration in the plaza of Ripley\u2019s Aquarium of the Smokies. Touching speeches are presented, and our military branches are honored with their respective songs, asking all veterans to stand in recognition of their dedicated service. There will be a school band, possible bag pipe performer, Boy and Girl Scout presentations, and (our personal favorite) a Wings to Soar demonstration with a real American bald eagle!<\/p>\n

When<\/em><\/strong>
\nThe Gatlinburg Veterans Day Celebration begins at 11AM, so be sure to get there early (about an hour) for a good parking spot and choice seat!<\/em><\/p>\n

Where<\/em><\/strong>
\nRipley\u2019s Aquarium of the Smokies<\/a> (plaza)<\/em>
\n88 River Road<\/em>
\nGatlinburg, TN 37738<\/em><\/p>\n

Patriot Park Picnic<\/strong>
\nAfter attending the Veterans Day event in Gatlinburg, wander over to Pigeon Forge and enjoy a picnic at Patriot Park. Nestled alongside the Little Pigeon River, this is a beautiful spot to reflect on the protection and freedom provided by our beloved veterans. As the name suggests, there are memorials throughout the park in honor of locals who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.<\/p>\n

After lounging and snacking together, stretch your legs around the \u00bd-mile walking trail. While strolling, you\u2019ll find flags of every state along with the veteran memorials. This park is also pet friendly, so Fido can come along to celebrate, too!<\/p>\n

When<\/em><\/strong>
\nPatriot Park is open year-round, 24\/7 \u2014 go when you please!<\/em><\/p>\n

Where<\/em><\/strong>
\nPatriot Park<\/em>
\n186 Old Mill Avenue<\/em>
\nPigeon Forge, TN 37863<\/em><\/p>\n

Tennessee Museum of Aviation<\/strong>
\nAny warbird fans in the cabin? Well, another fine way to celebrate this Veterans Day holiday is visiting the Tennessee Museum of Aviation in nearby Sevierville. Featuring a stunning collection of airworthy warbirds plus helicopters, amphibious aircraft, jets, military vehicles, aircraft engines, trainers, fighters, and more, this museum will be a highlight of your time in the Smokies.<\/p>\n

The best part? You just might witness an unscheduled flight demonstration, which occurs more than often than not! If you\u2019re celebrating with a large group, you can even book their 35,000-square-foot hanger for an event of your own. While children 6 and under can enter for FREE, admission is $12.75 for adults, $9.75 for seniors, $6.75 for kiddos 6-12 years of age, and there\u2019s even a military offer (ID required) at $8.75.<\/p>\n

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