Veterans Day will bring a day of reflection and community ceremonies in Alexandria, as well as some local deals for veterans and their families.
Several city offices will close tomorrow (Tuesday) in observance of the holiday, while veterans and the Alexandria community are welcome to participate in some local ceremonies and events.
Veterans Day ceremony
The Friends of Rocky Versace will host its annual Veterans Day ceremony at 1 p.m. inside the Mount Vernon Recreation Center at 2701 Commonwealth Avenue.
The ceremony will present Vietnam Era Veteran lapel pins to veterans from that era, recognize Gold Star Family members and pay tribute to Medal of Honor recipient Capt. Humbert Roque “Rocky” Versace, as well as Alexandria’s 68 deceased Vietnam War veterans.
The annual event is in partnership with the city’s Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities department.
Deals for veterans in Alexandria
- Chipotle: Entrees are buy one, get one free from 4-8 p.m. for veterans and active duty military with a valid military ID. Multiple locations
- IHOP: Veterans get a free Red, White and Blueberry Pancake Combo. 3425-A Richmond Hwy
- La Madeleine: Veterans who dine in can receive a free entree with a military ID. 500 King Street
- Milk & Honey: Veterans get a 15% discount on Veterans Day — and every day — at Thompson Restaurants brands, including Milk & Honey. 801 King Street
- Mr Wash Car Wash: Veterans, active military members and military spouses can get a free exterior car wash at all locations. 3407 Mt. Vernon Avenue and 420 S. Van Dorn Street
- Panera Bread: Veterans and active military can order a free pastry or bakery item with a cup of coffee, with a valid military ID or proof of service. 3201 Duke Street and 350 Dulany Street
- Starbucks: Veterans, active military and their spouses can order a complimentary 12-ounce coffee, hot or iced. Multiple locations
- Paisano’s Pizza franchise giveaway: The regional pizzeria “is awarding a free franchise to a deserving veteran in 2026, with applications and nominations open until Dec. 31, 2025,” according to a news release.
More information about veteran discounts and deals can be found on the American Legion website.
Some city closures planned
Parking meters and residential permit parking districts will not be enforced for the day, but temporary no-parking signs still apply. Residential trash, recycling and other waste will not be collected today and the week will operate on a one-day delayed schedule.
DASH and the King Street Trolley will operate on regular schedules. All city recreation facilities and nature centers will be closed, with the exception of three locations, which will have hours from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Chinquapin Park Recreation Center & Aquatics Facility, 3210 King Street
- Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe Street
- Patrick Henry Recreation Center, 4653 Taney Avenue
The following city offices and government services will be closed for the day, per the city website.
- Alexandria City Public Schools’ offices
- DASH administrative offices
- City courts and the Clerk of Circuit Court’s office
- Alexandria Library (all locations)
- The Department of Motor Vehicles, 2681 Mill Road
- The Alexandria Health Department, including the Flora Krause Casey Health Center and the Teen Wellness Center
- Historic Alexandria (all museums)
- Impound lot, 5249 Eisenhower Avenue
- Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics Recycling Center, 3224 Colvin Street
