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Best 2014 Veterans Day Events In Detroit

Veterans Day occurs on November 11th every year, and the city of Detroit and its surrounding areas have many events to commemorate it. Check this list for the best events to attend.
Detroit Zoo
8450 W. 10 Mile Road
Royal Oak, MI 48067
(248) 541-5717
www.detroitzoo.org

Date: Nov. 11, 2014

The Detroit Zoo offers free admission to all veterans as well as "active military personnel" on Veterans Day, and $2 off admission all other days. Check out all of its animals as well as its exhibits. You can also take a ride on the Zoo's carousel or the Tauber Family Railroad. The park is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (November 1 through March 31), so make sure to plan your visit accordingly.

Veterans Day Ceremony
Historic Elmwood Cemetery & Foundation
Civil War Lot
1200 Elmwood Ave.
Detroit, MI 48207
(313) 567-3453
www.elmwoodhistoriccemetery.org

Date: Nov. 11, 2014

On Veterans Day, the Historic Elmwood Ceremony & Foundation will present a ceremony to honor its deceased veterans, sponsored by the Detroit Historic Civil War Society. The office will sell red, white and blue bouquets, and can be bought in person or over the phone for $10. The cemetery is able to place the bouquets on veterans' graves, or you may stop by to pick up the bouquets and place them yourselves. Bouquet quantities are limited.

Troy Veterans Day Ceremony
Veterans Plaza, in front of Troy City Hall
500 W. Big Beaver Road
Troy, MI 48084
(248) 524-1147
www.troymi.gov

Date: Nov. 11, 2014

The annual Troy Veterans Day Ceremony, hosted by the Troy Veterans Memorial Committee, will take place on November 11th in front of Troy's City Hall. The ceremony includes the Raising of Colors and the Laying of the Memorial Wreath on the Veterans Monument by honorary guests. The Heritage Concert Band of Troy will be on hand to provide music. This event is open to the general public, and you are invited to bring flowers, bouquets, small flags and other "mementos" to place on the walk of honor and/or at the front of the Veterans Memorial to honor a lost relative, or all veterans. Commemorative bricks ($60 each) are also available for purchase, and the Memorial Committee dedicates them at future Memorial and Veterans Day ceremonies.

Related: Best Veterans Day Events in Detroit

Hoops for Troops
The Palace of Auburn Hills
6 Championship Drive
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
(248) 375-4065
www.legionpost328.org

Date: Nov. 9, 2014

The Detroit Pistons will have its first Hoops for Troops this year at the Palace, and all veterans will be honored. The night will include an in-arena military recognition, a Veteran of the Year Award, several recruits being sworn into the military and other surprises. Each group that attends will receive a message on Palace 360 as well. Pricing ranges from $20-$35 and tickets can be bought using the PDF form above (mailing in a check) or by calling the Palace.

Salute to Veterans Gala
Suburban Collection Showcase
46100 Grand River Ave.
Novi, MI 48375
(248) 476-9000
www.michiganpva.org

Date: Nov. 14, 2014

The MPVA (Michigan Paralyzed Veterans Association) will host its 11th annual Veterans Gala this year at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. The guest speaker will be Nick Koulchar, an Army veteran and athlete. The MPVA is currently celebrating 52 years of service in Michigan, and is a chapter of the national Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA); it's also a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Its mission is to "enhance the lives of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease as well as all citizens with disabilities, by advocating for civil rights, assuring quality health care, supporting continued research and education and encouraging independence and healthy living through various health, sports and recreational programs."

Related: Best Patriotic Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day

Liz Parker is a freelance writer and a University of Michigan graduate with a degree in Creative Writing and Literature. Her work can be found at Examiner.com and yesnofilms.com.

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