Every November 11, Americans recognize the courage and sacrifices of the men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans Day falls on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Across Westmoreland County—from Greensburg, Latrobe and Ligonier to Scottdale, Mount Pleasant, Irwin, New Kensington, Monessen and rural communities—families can honor veterans and preserve their stories. As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, the observance is an opportunity to reflect on generations of service.

The History and Meaning of Veterans Day

The holiday traces its origins to the armistice ending World War I fighting on November 11, 1918—the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. President Woodrow Wilson first observed Armistice Day in 1919; Congress established a federal holiday in 1938. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation renaming it Veterans Day to honor veterans of all conflicts. November 11 again became the permanent observance date in 1978. Veterans Day recognizes everyone who served in the military, in war or peace. Memorial Day specifically honors those who died while serving. It is also a day to thank military families for the sacrifices that accompany service.

Westmoreland County's Proud Military Heritage

Westmoreland County has a deep military heritage. The 14th Quartermaster Detachment Memorial in Greensburg remembers members of the local Army Reserve unit killed in a Scud missile attack in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, in February 1991. Twenty-five members of the unit died. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Twin Lakes Park honors county service members lost during the Vietnam War. Veterans Memorial Plaza in Latrobe, Veterans Park in Mount Pleasant and Memorial Park in New Kensington offer additional places to reflect. Behind each name is a hometown, a family and a story worth preserving.

Verified Veterans Day Events and Activities in 2026

Latrobe Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony — Wednesday, November 11, 10 a.m. American Legion Post 515 is listed as the organizer. The parade begins at St. Clair and Ligonier streets, proceeds through downtown, and is followed by a ceremony at Memorial Plaza. Veterans are invited to the American Legion at 1811 Ligonier Street afterward. If severe weather occurs, the ceremony moves indoors to the post. Event listing: Latrobe parade details.

Scottdale Veterans Day Program — Wednesday, November 11, 11 a.m.–noon. Veterans Memorial Park, Pittsburgh Street, Scottdale. Main Street Scottdale lists this public ceremony to honor veterans. Official calendar: Main Street Scottdale.

Greensburg Veterans Appreciation — Wednesday, November 11, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, 221 North Main Street, invites veterans for free coffee and donuts and complimentary admission to ticketed exhibitions, including Ansel Adams: Majestic Lands and Victoria Sambunaris: Altered Lands. No registration is needed. Official event: The Westmoreland Museum.

Ligonier Heroes Never Alone Veterans Day Dinner — Wednesday, November 11, 5:30–8:30 p.m. The Barn at Ligonier Valley hosts a dinner honoring veterans with former Army prisoner of war Jessica Lynch as featured speaker. Check registration and attendance details with Heroes Never Alone. Important address discrepancy: the organizer's 2026 event page lists both 1 Springer Road and 20 Springer Road, Ligonier. Attendees should confirm the exact entrance and address with the organizer before traveling. Official organizer: Heroes Never Alone events.

Norwin Elks Pre-Veterans Day Appreciation Dinner — Thursday, November 5, 4–6 p.m. In the Irwin/North Huntingdon area, the Norwin Elks offer a complimentary spaghetti dinner to veterans and active-duty personnel; family and other guests pay separately. Preregistration was requested by October 29. Call (724) 590-1617 to ask about remaining space. Official announcement: Westmoreland County Veterans Affairs news.

Free Dental Care for Veterans — Saturday, November 7. Aspen Dental's nationwide Day of Service offers free dental care to veterans at participating offices. This is a national program, not a confirmed appointment at any particular Westmoreland County office; veterans should check local participation and register in advance. County announcement: Westmoreland County Veterans Affairs news.

Honoring Veterans in Every Corner of the County

Communities throughout Westmoreland County—including Murrysville, Delmont, Export, Jeannette, Derry, Monessen, West Newton, Belle Vernon, Arnold and Lower Burrell—share a proud tradition of military service. A Mount Pleasant Veterans Day parade is mentioned on a borough calendar, but its 2026 date and time could not be verified, so it is not presented here as a scheduled event. Separate November 11 public ceremonies in several other communities were not verified at the time of writing. Residents can contact borough offices, American Legion and VFW posts for late announcements. Those unable to attend an event can visit a memorial, support a veteran-owned business, share family service stories, or volunteer with veterans organizations.

Year-Round Support for Local Veterans

Westmoreland County Veterans Affairs offers benefits and claims assistance. Representatives are available at the Greensburg VA Outpatient Clinic on Mondays, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.; appointments are encouraged at (724) 830-3530. Benefits assistance is also offered at Roadman-White American Legion Post 941, 3812 Route 31 in Donegal, on the last Tuesday of each month, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. These are recurring services, not Veterans Day ceremonies. Details: County Veterans Affairs announcements.

A Countywide Thank-You

Veterans continue serving Westmoreland County as educators, first responders, business owners, neighbors and volunteers. A handwritten thank-you, a thoughtful conversation or a visit to a local memorial can make Veterans Day meaningful. To every veteran throughout Westmoreland County and across the nation: thank you for your service. Your sacrifices and commitment will not be forgotten.