Veterans Day Ceremony in Cornelius 2025 / Photo by Jason Benavides

The Town of Cornelius and American Legion Post 86 will hold the town’s annual Veterans Day Program today at the Cornelius Veterans Monument at Rotary Plaza and the Cornelius Town Hall lawn.

Each year, the program honors military veterans and those currently serving with guest speakers, patriotic music, a 21-gun salute and light refreshments. The event is free and open to the public.

This year’s featured speaker is Darrell Bonaparte, a retired Army veteran and Charlotte native who serves as the area’s vice commander of The American Legion Department of North Carolina.

Robby Westmoreland of Post 86 will serve as the master of ceremonies.

There will also be musical performances by Rockie Lynne, Dick Dowell and Daelyn Fleming, as well as the Hough High School choir.

The program begins promptly at 11 a.m. The forecast calls for sunny skies with temperatures in the 60s at the start of the outdoor event, which is typically moved indoors only in the event of rain.

Free breakfast for veterans

Prior to the town event, The Serve Pickleball + Kitchen is providing free breakfast to any veteran today from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The meal includes eggs, bacon or sausage, parmesan grits or home fries, toast, and coffee or tea.