Veterans Day 2025 in Honolulu: Events and Ways to Honor

On this Veterans Day, Honolulu gathers in gratitude for the service and sacrifice of our veterans. While some official ceremonies were scaled back due to the federal government shutdown, the spirit of honor remains strong across Oʻahu.

Key takeaways: Wahiawa’s parade and local ceremonies are still happening today; Sullivan Hall hosts a heartfelt community tribute in Foster Village; the USS Missouri offers a free sunset ceremony starting at 4:30 p.m.; despite some cancellations, Honolulu finds ways to honor service members; it’s a time for both public tribute and personal reflection.

Wahiawa Lions Veterans Day Parade: The parade began at 10 a.m. with marching bands, community groups, and veterans — one of the few full parades proceeding this year and a vibrant expression of appreciation for the military community.

Foster Village Ceremony at Sullivan Hall: Local organizers stepped up to host a community-led event filled with gratitude and heartfelt tribute, reminding us that local spirit can carry national importance.

USS Missouri Sunset Ceremony: At 4:30 p.m., the Battleship Missouri Memorial will hold a moving sunset ceremony at Pearl Harbor, honoring all who have served with formal tributes, music, and aloha.

Ways to observe: Attend a public ceremony or parade; thank a veteran or active-duty service member; visit the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific or a local landmark; share gratitude on social media; spend a moment in quiet reflection.

“Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of a readiness to die.” – G.K. Chesterton

Mahalo nui loa to all who have served — today and every day.