Veterans Day at Ripley's Aquarium of The Smokies in Gatlinburg TN
October 13, 2017

Join the town of Gatlinburg in saluting America’s veterans of the Armed Forces in the Gatlinburg Veterans Day Celebration at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies! This very special event honors America’s heroes with stirring music and words of tribute on Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza. Here is everything you need to know about attending the Gatlinburg Veterans Day Celebration at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies:

Dates, Times and Location

The Gatlinburg Veterans Day Celebration is a free event that takes place at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. The aquarium is located at 88 River Road in Gatlinburg and there is parking available for a nominal fee in the city owned garage directly behind the aquarium. The celebration is held on November 11 and starts at 11 AM.

What to Expect

Veteran sitting on bench with children

The Gatlinburg Veterans Day Celebration has been taking place every November 11 since 2000 to commemorate and honor the country’s veterans of the Armed Forces. The event is the perfect opportunity to give thanks to those who gave so much to keep our nation’s freedom, and also to thank those members of the Armed Forces who continue to give to our country. Come on out to Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza to honor the service and sacrifices of our nation’s veterans with emotional musical numbers and words of tribute.

History of Veterans Day

Veterans Day originally started as Armistice Day on November 11, 1919, the first anniversary of World War I. In 1926, Congress passed a resolution for an annual observance and November 11 became a national holiday starting in 1938. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. A Uniform Holidays Bill was passed by Congress in 1968 which moved the celebration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October and the law went into effect in 1971. However, in 1975, President Gerald Ford returned Veterans Day to November 11 due to the important historical significance of the date.

Where to Stay

beautiful photo of Gatlinburg taken from Gatlinburg cabin

If you are planning a Smoky Mountain getaway for the Veterans Day weekend and want to stay in the best cabins in Gatlinburg, check out Parkside Cabin Rentals! Our affordable cabins are just minutes from Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, downtown Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you are attending the Gatlinburg Veterans Day celebration, you will love the quick access into town! Despite our convenient location to Gatlinburg, our cabins are situated in lovely secluded locations with incredible views of the mountains! While staying with Parkside Cabin Rentals, enjoy a wide variety of excellent amenities such as full kitchens, bubbling hot tubs, Jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces, game rooms and much more! Whether you are traveling as a couple and need a one bedroom cabin or require a 6 bedroom cabin for a group, we have you covered!

Take a look at our Gatlinburg cabin rentals today to plan your Veterans Day weekend getaway and to attend the Gatlinburg Veterans Day celebration. We hope to see you soon at Parkside Cabin Rentals!

Related Blog Posts

Fireworks shooting from the Gatlinburg Space Needle
December 10, 2012
Gatlinburg Space Needle New Year Celebration Events
All weather cloud
October 12, 2012
Gatlinburg Weather Averages
Christmas light display in Gatlinburg, TN
December 1, 2023
5 Things to Do When You Spend Christmas in Gatlinburg, TN
Gatlinburg Gateway to the Smoky Mountains sign
December 30, 2012
What To Do In Gatlinburg In 2013