Every year, millions of people around the United States stop to observe and remember the veterans who have served in the Armed Forces.

Veteran’s Day was first conceived after the ending of the first World War which occurred on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. First known as Armistice Day, it was signed into law as an official holiday in 1954.

In order to continue to celebrate and honor those who have been in the military past and present, many communities around the country have parades and other events.

If you have the time off around November 11th, and want to go to some of these parades and events, we’ve got a list of the places you can spend a few hours watching the parade and take part in some of the events.

Let’s take a look.

New York, New York

Dubbed “America’s Parade,” this parade is the biggest in the country. This year, the theme of the parade will be focused on celebrating the veterans of both World War II and Desert Shield. The 1.3 mile long parade route goes up the famed 5th Avenue from 26th to 52nd street.

Palm Springs, California

While it might not seem like a hot spot for a parade, Palm Springs has been putting on a showstopper of a Veteran’s Day parade for almost twenty years. After the parade, the festivities don’t stop, immediately following it there is a concert and then later that night a fireworks display.

Birmingham, Alabama

In Birmingham, the Veteran’s Day Parade is part of a series of events that starts the day before with a reception and dinner. In fact, Birmingham is very proud of the fact that they are home to the first ever Veteran’s Day parade. The parade itself follows a downtown route past many of famous sites.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

In Colorado Springs, the Veteran’s Day Parade is an Luann event that has been growing dramatically since its inception in 2005. Now, the parade operates the weekend before Veteran’s Day and draws crowds of around 50,000 people. This year, the theme is celebrating military families.

Austin, Texas

For those who will be in and around the Austin area on Veteran’s Day, the counties annual parade is a big draw, shutting down a large segment of downtown Austin to celebrate local veterans. Not only is there a parade, but also a roll call, flyover, and musical entertainment by local marching bands.

Manassas, Virginia

Although there are many small ceremonies to remember Veteran’s Day in Washington, DC, the biggest parade in the area takes place in nearby Manassas, Virginia. This parade takes place the weekend before Veteran’s Day and features members from all over the military. This year’s theme celebrates women in service.

If you can make any of these parades, or even the local events in your town, be sure to stop by and take in the events. Is your town having a Veteran’s Day parade? Is it something special?

Let us know in the comments!