The annual Ripley Veterans Day program will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11, in the gym of the Fred & Elizabeth Smith Sportsplex, next to Veterans Memorial Park. This year’s program will also mark America’s 250th birthday by honoring 250 years of American veterans, the Southern Sentinel reports.
The flags are already up. City of Ripley workers were seen this week hanging American flags on streetlights and poles around town ahead of the holiday.
Ripley Veterans Day Program Details
When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, at 11 a.m.
Where: Fred & Elizabeth Smith Sportsplex gym, beside Veterans Memorial Park in Ripley
Theme: Honoring 250 years of veterans as the nation celebrates its 250th birthday
Lunch: Hamburger and hot dog plates will be sold after the program for $5
Local Groups Behind the Event
Several community organizations are organizing or sponsoring the program:
American Legion Post 81
VFW Post 4881
Daughters of the American Revolution, Chickasaw Nation Chapter
Ripley Main Street Association
City of Ripley
The Ripley program usually draws a big crowd of local veterans, their families, students and community members. Organizers encourage anyone who wants to thank a veteran to attend.
Why Veterans Day Is Nov. 11
Veterans Day falls on Nov. 11 every year, whatever the day of the week. The date marks the armistice that ended fighting in World War I in 1918, at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Memorial Day honors those who died in service. Veterans Day honors everyone who has served in the U.S. armed forces, living or dead.
Because it is a federal holiday, post offices, federal offices and most banks will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Residents should check with local schools, county offices and businesses about their own schedules.
More Veterans Day Events in the Area
Nearby communities are also planning tributes. Shiloh National Military Park is offering free bus tours to veterans and their spouses on Nov. 11. Hardeman County, Tenn., will hold its Veterans Day program on Nov. 13 at the Bolivar Municipal Center.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
