Veterans Day is an opportunity to recognize and thank the millions of military veterans who have served our country. Whether your workplace is in person, remote, or hybrid, taking time to honor veterans can foster gratitude, strengthen company culture, and create meaningful opportunities for employees to learn, connect, and give back.
From volunteer projects and recognition ceremonies to educational experiences and team-building activities, there are countless ways organizations can celebrate Veterans Day respectfully and thoughtfully.
In this guide, you’ll discover Veterans Day workplace ideas that help employees engage with the holiday while honoring the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans.
12+ Meaningful Veterans Day Activities for Work
Our Favorite Veterans Day Activities for Work:
- Host a Veterans Day recognition event
- Create a Wall of Honor featuring veterans connected to your organization
- Book a top-rated live virtual Veterans Day experience for your team
- Organize a volunteer project supporting local veterans
- Make thank-you cards for veterans
- Attend a local Veterans Day parade or memorial ceremony
- Share stories of military service from employees and their families
- Launch a mentorship conversation with veteran employees
- Organize a workplace donation drive
- Invite a veteran guest speaker
In This Guide, You’ll Find
- Meaningful Veterans Day activities for workplaces
- Veterans Day ideas for remote, hybrid, and in-person teams
- Volunteer opportunities that support veterans
- Creative employee recognition ideas
- Educational Veterans Day activities
- Team-building experiences inspired by Veterans Day
- Inclusive ways to celebrate Veterans Day at work
What Is Veterans Day?
Veterans Day is a U.S. federal holiday observed each year on November 11 to honor all military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
Unlike Memorial Day, which remembers those who died while serving in the military, Veterans Day recognizes all veterans, living and those who have passed, for their service and sacrifice.
For employers, Veterans Day is an opportunity to celebrate veterans in your organization and community while educating employees about the history and significance of military service.
Why Is Veterans Day Celebrated on November 11?
Veterans Day traces its origins to Armistice Day, which commemorated the end of World War I.
The fighting officially ended during the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” on November 11, 1918. The date became known around the world as Armistice Day and served as a day to reflect on peace and remember those affected by the war.
The National World War I Museum and Memorial notes that in 1954, following World War II and the Korean War, “U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill rededicating Nov. 11 as Veterans Day, encouraging Americans to commit themselves to the cause of peace and to honor America’s veterans for their courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice.”
Today, Veterans Day continues to recognize the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of millions of service members across generations.
Read more about the history of Veterans Day from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Veterans Day vs. Memorial Day
Although the holidays are often confused, Veterans Day and Memorial Day serve different purposes. Veterans Day (November 11) honors everyone who has served in the U.S. Armed Forces, living and deceased, whether they served during wartime or peacetime.
Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday in May, honors people who lost their lives while serving our country.
Understanding the distinction can help your organization recognize each holiday appropriately while showing respect for military service throughout the year.
Why Celebrate Veterans Day at Work?
Recognizing Veterans Day in the workplace goes beyond observing a federal holiday. It creates opportunities to celebrate veterans within your organization, encourage learning, strengthen community connections, and reinforce a culture of gratitude and respect.
Many veterans bring valuable leadership, teamwork, resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills to the workplace. Taking time to recognize their experiences can help veterans feel seen and appreciated while encouraging meaningful conversations among coworkers.
Veterans Day activities can also strengthen your employee engagement by bringing teams together around a shared purpose. Whether your organization hosts a volunteer project, educational event, or employee recognition program, these experiences demonstrate your company’s commitment to supporting those who have served.
For remote and hybrid organizations, Veterans Day can also be an opportunity to connect employees across locations through shared virtual experiences that honor military history and encourage thoughtful discussion.
Veterans Day Activities for Work
Whether your employees work in the office, remotely, or across multiple locations, these Veterans Day activities can help your organization celebrate in meaningful, respectful, and engaging ways.
Take a Live Veterans Day Virtual Tour
For remote, hybrid, or geographically distributed teams, a live virtual Veterans Day experience can be one of the most engaging ways to honor the holiday together.
Rather than watching a prerecorded presentation, employees can explore some of our nation’s most significant memorials with expert guides who bring history to life through storytelling, discussion, and interactive learning.
Unexpected Virtual Tours & Training’s Veterans Day Virtual Team Building Experience takes your team to Washington, D.C.’s National Mall, where you’ll visit landmarks including the World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and DC War Memorial. Along the way, your team will hear inspiring stories of courage, sacrifice, and service while learning about the history behind Veterans Day.
This experience gives employees across multiple offices or time zones the opportunity to participate together, making it the perfect option for remote and hybrid workplaces looking for a meaningful Veterans Day activity. This program is also available throughout the year.
Learn more and book your Veterans Day virtual team building experience.
Host a Veterans Day Recognition Event
One of the most meaningful ways to celebrate Veterans Day at work is by recognizing veterans within your own organization.
A simple recognition ceremony gives employees the opportunity to express appreciation while creating space for veterans who wish to share their experiences. Keep participation voluntary and avoid putting anyone on the spot, as veterans have a wide range of military experiences and comfort levels discussing their service.
Your event might include:
- A welcome from company leadership
- Recognition of veteran employees
- A guest speaker from your community
- A moment of reflection or gratitude
- Light refreshments or a team lunch
- A charitable giving opportunity supporting veterans
Whether your event is brief or a full-day celebration, taking intentional time to recognize military service can leave a lasting impression on your team.
Create a Veterans Day Wall of Honor
A Veterans Day Wall of Honor is a meaningful way to recognize military service while inviting employees to share personal connections.
Ask employees to share photos and stories of veterans in their families, communities, or within your organization. Alongside each photo, encourage employees to include a short note about the individual’s branch of service, years served, and/or what their service has meant to them. Then, pin the photos and stories up on a shared bulletin board in a prominent place for everyone to see.
For remote teams, consider creating a digital Wall of Honor using your company intranet, Microsoft Teams, Slack, or a shared presentation where employees can add photos and messages throughout the week.
By celebrating these personal stories, your organization can create opportunities for employees to form personal connections and stronger bonds while honoring the people behind the uniforms.
Make Thank-You Cards for Veterans
A handwritten note remains one of the simplest yet most meaningful ways to express appreciation.
To organize this project, first identify where you will send the cards. For instance, this might be a local veterans organization, VA hospital, or active-duty military through programs like letter writing with Operation Gratitude. Be sure to check your chosen organization’s guidelines for any special notes or restrictions to keep in mind.
Then, gather your crafts materials like blank cards, pens, markers, and stickers for decoration. Finally, set up a designated time and space where employees can gather to create heartfelt messages for veterans. Provide sample phrases for those who might need some inspiration, and encourage everyone to add their own unique personal touches.
This simple gesture can have a profound emotional impact for both card-writer and recipient. The activity of making a card can spark employees’ creativity and compassion, while receiving a note helps veterans know that their service is appreciated.
Organize a Volunteer Project Supporting Veterans
Giving back is one of the most impactful ways to celebrate Veterans Day. Partner with a local veterans organization, VA hospital, food pantry, housing nonprofit, or community group serving military families to organize a volunteer project. Depending on your location, your employees might:
- Prepare care packages
- Serve meals
- Help organize donated supplies
- Assist with home improvement projects
- Participate in community clean-up efforts
- Support fundraising events
For remote employees, consider virtual volunteer opportunities like assembling care package donations from home or participating in online fundraising campaigns benefiting veteran organizations.
Volunteer projects like these can help build your employees’ collaboration and teamwork skills while also boosting morale and reinforcing your organization’s commitment to community service.
Support Veteran Employees Through Accessibility & Workplace Inclusion
Many veterans return from military service with visible or invisible disabilities, making accessibility and workplace inclusion important year-round. Creating an environment where every employee feels supported benefits veterans while strengthening your workplace for everyone.
One meaningful way to continue these conversations is through educational experiences focused on disability history, accessibility, and inclusive workplace practices.
Unexpected Virtual Tours & Training’s Disability Pride Virtual Tour explores the history of the disability rights movement, the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the ongoing work toward greater accessibility and inclusion. Teams also learn about influential advocates and explore how disability intersects with everyday life and the workplace.
Programs like these encourage thoughtful conversations that extend well beyond Veterans Day and help organizations build more welcoming workplaces for employees with a wide range of experiences.
Learn more about Disability Pride with the video below. You can also explore more activities for disability awareness with our blog post on the topic of celebrating disability months.
Host Veterans Day Team Building Activities
Veterans Day team building activities can encourage employees to work together while reflecting on the values of service, leadership, perseverance, and collaboration.
Rather than focusing solely on competition, choose activities that combine teamwork with learning and meaningful conversation. For example, you might organize:
- A military history trivia challenge
- Collaborative escape rooms or problem-solving games
- Small-group discussions about leadership and resilience
- Indoors or outdoors teamwork obstacle course
For remote and hybrid teams, consider virtual trivia, online scavenger hunts, or interactive experiences that allow employees to connect across locations while learning about the significance of Veterans Day.
One of our favorite options is Unexpected Virtual Tours & Training’s Veterans Day Virtual Team Building Experience, where teams virtually explore Washington, D.C.’s iconic military memorials alongside expert guides. You’ll visit sites including the World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and DC War Memorial while learning the stories behind these landmarks and reflecting on the courage and sacrifice of those who served.
By pairing fun with learning, your organization can create a meaningful Veterans Day experience that brings employees together while honoring those who have served.
Organize a Flag Ceremony
To conduct a flag ceremony, begin by selecting a time and place, such as outside your company’s office, where employees can gather. Arrange for a veteran or active service member to raise the flag, accompanied by the national anthem or a moment of silence.
Ensure the flag is handled with respect, following U.S. Flag Code. As part of the ceremony, consider including a brief speech explaining the significance of sacrifices veterans have made for their country.
This ceremony can be a powerful way to show respect for veterans as well as active duty service members, creating a moment of reflection and unity while recognizing the honor and duty represented by the flag.
Invite a Veteran Guest Speaker
One of the most memorable Veterans Day activities is hearing directly from someone who has served. Invite a veteran from your organization or local community to share their experiences, lessons learned, and perspectives on leadership, teamwork, and resilience.
These conversations can inspire meaningful discussions that help employees better understand military service while recognizing the diverse experiences of veterans.
If hosting a live speaker isn’t possible, consider partnering with a veterans organization or sharing recorded oral histories from reputable institutions, such as the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress or the nonprofit Witness to War Foundation.
When planning your event, remember that participation should always be voluntary, and speakers should feel comfortable deciding what aspects of their service they’d like to discuss.
Organize a Workplace Donation Drive
Organizing a project to give back is one of our favorite things to do on Veterans Day! To plan a donation drive for veterans’ organizations, first partner with a reputable group such as your local U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hospital or veterans’ shelter to determine their needs. Commonly requested items to donate include clothing, hygiene products, non-perishable food, blankets, and gift cards.
Once you’ve identified which items to collect and donate, set up clearly labeled collection bins in high-traffic areas of your workplace. Then, promote the drive through internal communications like emails, posters, and team meetings. Create a sense of urgency by setting a deadline and offering incentives, such as a team recognition or matching donation. For remote employees, provide options to contribute online or purchase needed items through an approved wish list.
By giving back, employees can show gratitude and support for those who served, helping to meet veterans’ practical needs while fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. Help employees understand their impact by sharing and celebrating the total amount of items donated by your team!
Remember & Share Stories of Service
Every veteran has a unique story, and Veterans Day provides an opportunity to preserve and celebrate those experiences. Invite veteran employees, or those with military family members, to voluntarily share stories, photographs, or memories that have shaped their lives. These stories might be featured in:
- Your company newsletter
- Internal communications
- A lunchtime storytelling session
- Digital employee spotlights
- A Wall of Honor display
Additionally, you can invite employees to participate in storytelling workshops to share personal and family experiences of service. These personal stories help employees move beyond historical facts and develop a deeper appreciation for the people behind the uniform.
Create a Veterans Day Leadership Conversation Series
Many veterans develop leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills that continue long after military service ends.
Instead of launching a formal mentorship program solely around Veterans Day, consider organizing an optional leadership conversation series where veteran employees can share professional insights with coworkers.
Small-group discussions might explore topics such as:
- Building resilient teams
- Leading through change
- Effective decision-making under pressure
- Career transitions
- Lessons learned from military service
If your organization already has a mentorship program, Veterans Day can also be a great time to highlight veteran mentors or invite them to participate in leadership development initiatives throughout the year.
Attend a Local Veterans Day Event Together
Sometimes the most meaningful way to honor Veterans Day is by participating in your local community.
Encourage employees to attend a Veterans Day parade, memorial ceremony, museum program, or community event together. If your organization has multiple offices, invite each location to participate in an event near them and share photos afterward through your internal communications channels.
More Ways to Honor Veterans Day at Work
Many communities also host:
- Veterans Day breakfasts
- Historical presentations
- Memorial services
- Charity walks and runs
- Community volunteer opportunities
Participating as a team strengthens your organization’s connection to the local community while demonstrating your company’s appreciation for veterans beyond the workplace.
These events also provide opportunities for employees to learn more about military history, hear firsthand stories from veterans, and reflect on the significance of the holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions About Veterans Day at Work
How can companies celebrate Veterans Day at work?
There are many meaningful ways to recognize Veterans Day in the workplace. Your organization might host employee recognition events, volunteer in your communities, invite veteran guest speakers, create a Wall of Honor, organize donation drives, participate in local Veterans Day events, or bring employees together through an interactive Veterans Day virtual team-building experience.
What are appropriate Veterans Day activities for employees?
Thoughtful Veterans Day activities focus on appreciation, education, and service. Some popular ideas include writing thank-you cards, volunteering with veteran organizations, recognizing veteran employees, attending community events, participating in team building activities, and learning about the history of Veterans Day together.
Should businesses observe Veterans Day?
While private employers are generally not required to observe Veterans Day as a paid holiday, many organizations choose to recognize it through employee appreciation events, volunteer opportunities, educational programming, or community service initiatives that honor military veterans.
What’s the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?
Veterans Day honors everyone who has served in the United States Armed Forces, while Memorial Day specifically honors military personnel who lost their lives while serving our country. Both holidays provide meaningful opportunities for organizations to recognize military service, but each has a distinct purpose.
Why is Veterans Day important in the workplace?
Recognizing Veterans Day helps organizations celebrate veteran employees, educate teams about military service, strengthen workplace culture, and encourage gratitude and community involvement. Thoughtful Veterans Day programming can also reinforce values like leadership, teamwork, resilience, and service that benefit organizations year-round.
Celebrate Veterans Day with Unexpected Virtual Tours & Training
Looking for an engaging Veterans Day activity your entire team can experience together? Unexpected Virtual Tours & Training’s live Veterans Day Virtual Team Building Experience combines expert storytelling, interactive discussion, and virtual visits to some of Washington, D.C.’s most iconic military memorials. It’s a meaningful way for remote, hybrid, and in-person teams to learn, connect, and honor the service of America’s veterans together.
Whether you’re planning a Veterans Day celebration for a small team or a large-scale company-wide virtual event, we’d love to help you create an experience your employees will remember.
Fill out the form below, and a member of our team will be in touch to answer your questions, recommend the best experience for your organization, and help you plan your Veterans Day event!
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