A full day of celebration is on the schedule at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park Nov. 10.

This year's event kicks off at 7 a.m. with a flag-raising ceremony at the Vietnam Memorial. The Veterans Day Celebration will begin at 3 p.m. in the Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion. The annual ceremony will be led by the Parade of Flags featuring fourth-grade students from Mobile and Baldwin counties. The national anthem will be sung by Harrison Bridges and the USS Alabama Crewmates will join for the Pledge of Allegiance. The 2023 Distinguished Young Woman, Carrington Hodges will serve as the keynote speaker for the event.

Each year, students from Mobile and Baldwin counties have the opportunity to enter an essay contest sponsored by the Mobile Bay Area Veterans Day Commission and the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. The winners will be announced during the Veterans Day Celebration, and the winners will read their essays during the program.

Patriotic music will be provided by the Baker High School band, and the celebration will also include LeFlore High School's JROTC and the Mobile Azalea Trail Maids.

The Veterans Day celebrations will continue into the evening with the Mobile Symphonic Pops Band. They will take the stage at 7 p.m. to perform in the Veterans Day Concert in the Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion. This year's concert, conducted by David Dueitt, will feature traditional patriotic music, military marches and contemporary favorites.

The Veterans Day events at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park are free, and the public is invited to attend. The park will be open for tours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the last ticket sold at 4 p.m.

For more information, visit www.ussalabama.com or call (251) 433-2703. USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is at 2703 Battleship Parkway, Mobile.