Veterans Week around Tompkins County
Welcome to the calendar of events for activities observing Veterans Week in Tompkins County, 10-16 November 2024, as well as throughout November. Activities listed below are sponsored by various entities to honor our County’s community of Veterans, including our families. All times noted are in the Eastern Time Zone.
NOTE: This page is updated as notifications come in so check back often.
- updated Nov. 6, 2024
All November:
Operation Greenlight
home to the Department of Veterans Services
Facilities belonging to municipalities across Tompkins County – along with numerous homes, businesses, and institutions -- will be lit with green lights during the week and month in support of Veterans across the county. Operation Greenlight, which is now observed nationwide, uses the color green to symbolize hope, renewal and wellbeing.
Green light bulbs are available at this department (111 N. Albany St.) and are courtesy of the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce and the Chief Taughannock Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution. To help share your support, take a picture of your green light and post it using the hashtags #greenlightavet and #tcgreenlightavet.
Find more information about Operation Greenlight and National Association of Counties
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Additional sites to pick up complimentary green light bulbs in support of Operation Greenlight include:
- Tompkins Chamber of Commerce, 124 Brindley St, Ithaca
- Downtown Ithaca Visitors Center, 110 N. Tioga St., Ithaca
- Ithaca Town Hall, 205 N. Tioga St., Ithaca
- Nick Romo State Farm Insurance. 309 N. Tioga St., Ithaca
- Dryden Town Hall, 93 E. Main St., Dryden
- Dryden Agway, 59 W. Main St., Dryden
- HomeSteady Health Direct Primary Care, 1859 Trumansburg Rd., Trumansburg
- NAPA in Trumansburg, 63 W. Main St., Trumansburg
- Shepherdess Cellars, 8189 State Route 89, Interlaken
Veterans Wall of Honor
- Daily during November in main hallway of Cayuga Medical Center, 101 Dates Dr., Ithaca.
- Photo gallery honors staff with Cayuga Health Systems who are Veterans or have Veterans in their families.
- Veterans with ID will receive a discount in the gift shops and cafeterias at Cayuga Medical Center.
Veterans Visit Free
Corning Museum of Glass, in appreciation for the service of all who serve/have served in the U.S. military, offer free admission to the museum through the month of November. All others in the Veteran's party enjoy 15% off of their regularly-priced admission. Kids and teens 17 and under are always free.
Saturday, 2 November
0900-1200 (9a-12p) and 1300-1600 (1-4p): Veterans Cemetery Cleanup
Cornell University's Veterans community organized a special event as part of their Veterans Day/Military Appreciation Events.
Location: Pleasant Grove Cemetery, 184 Pleasant Grove Road, Ithaca
Saturday-Sunday, 2-3 November
Twin Tiers Honor Flight
As part of the national Honor Flight Network, Twin Tiers Honor Flight transports Veterans to from Binghamton to Washington, D.C., in honor of their service so that they can visit and reflect at their memorials. Top priority is given to senior veterans - World War II survivors, along with veterans who may be terminally ill.
Tuesday, 5 November
0600-2100 (6a-9p): Election Day!
For questions regarding polling places, ballot propositions, and more, find more information with the Tompkins County Board of Elections at votetompkins.com.
Wednesday, 6 November
1800 (6p): City of Ithaca Proclamation for Veterans Week 2024
Issued by City of Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo and the Common Council.
Location: Common Council Chambers, Ithaca City Hall
Thursday, 7 November
1200 (12p): Ithaca College 21st Annual Veterans Celebration
Join the Ithaca College community for a heartfelt musical tribute with guest speakers:
* Tim Fairchild, U.S. Air Force Veteran and American Legion Vice Commander Post 42
* Vanessa Doucette, U.S. Navy Veteran and IC Speech and Pathology major
Also the event will feature Cornell University's ROTC Cadets and performances by IC's talented student musical groups including the Treble Chorale, Trombone Troupe, and Midnight Brass Quintet.
Location: Ford Hall in the James J. Whalen Center for Music, Ithaca College
Reception to follow in McHenry Lobby
1300 (1p): Binghamton Hometown Heroes Banner Ceremony
The Binghamton Hometown Heroes Campaign Committee will celebrate 29 new banners honoring area Veterans. The banners will be installed on Front Street.
Location: Visions Arena, Binghamton
1730 (5:30p): Tompkins County Legislature Proclamation for Veterans Week 2024
Issued by Legislator Dan Klein, chair of the Tompkins County Legislature, and the full Legislature.
Location: Tompkins County Legislature Chambers
Friday, 8 November
1900 (7p): Military Appreciation Hockey Game
Cornell University vs. Brown University
Location: Lynah Rink, Cornell campus
Veterans in Tompkins County must register in advance for reduced-price tickets
Saturday, 9 November
1900 (7p): Military Appreciation Football Game
Cornell University vs. University of Pennsylvania
Location: Schoellkopf Field, Cornell campus
Veterans in Tompkins County must register in advance for free tickets
VETERANS DAY
Monday, 11 November 2024
1000-1600 (10a-4p): Sweet Treats and Coffee for Veterans
Lifelong offers free coffee and donuts for all and free membership to new members who are part of Tompkins County’s military community. Eligible members must provide active military or Veterans’ identification and be age 50 or older. Membership offer runs during November.
Location: Lifelong, 119 W. Court St., Ithaca
1100 (11a):
- DeWitt Park Ceremony, Downtown Ithaca
Ithaca's traditional Veterans Day Ceremony, hosted by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 961 and Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 377 in collaboration with numerous Veteran service organizations and other entities across Tompkins County.
Location: Intersection of North Cayuga and East Buffalo Streets, Ithaca, NY
- Dryden Ceremony, Dryden Village Green
Dryden American Legion’s (Post 1134) ceremony to include its Ritual Team, a 21-Gun Salute, and Taps
Location: Intersection of Main and North Streets, Dryden, NY
- Groton Ceremony, Groton American Legion Post 800
Post 800's Honor Guard conducts its annual ceremony and gun salute
Location: Carrington-Fuller Post No. 800, 307 Main Street, Groton, NY
- National Veterans Day Ceremony
The Veterans Day National Ceremony is held each year on November 11th at Arlington National Cemetery. The ceremony commences precisely at 11:00 a.m. with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns and continues inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by Veterans’ organizations and remarks from dignitaries. The ceremony is intended to honor and thank all who served in the United States Armed Forces.
Location: https://department.va.gov/veterans-day/
1515-1700 (3:15p-5p): Veterans Day Commemoration
Guest speakers discuss “camaraderie,” including Honored Speaker Lt. Gen. Benjamin Watson, USMC and Cornell ‘91
Location: G10 BioTech, Cornell University
1600 (4p): Veterans Day Lasagna Dinner
Celebrate Veterans Day with the American Legion and Ladies Auxiliary of Post 221 with Lasagna Dinner accompanied with salad bar and garlic bread. Meals are free -- til gone -- to all Veterans with proof of service.
Location: American Legion Post 221, 1231 Danby Road, Ithaca
1700 (5p): Veterans Day Watchfire
Join in the ceremony to honors those POW/MIAs who have yet to return home. Audience members also can bring retired, tattered, or soiled flags to be ceremonially retired via the watchfire. Keynote address by USAF Lt. Col Alice Anderson (retired).
Location: Homeville Museum, Central New York Living History Center, 4386 U.S. Route 11, Cortland
1800 (6p): Greenlight-A-Vet and Cornell Chimes Concert
Enjoy a moving performance of service anthems as the iconic clocktower lights turn green in tribute to our veteran community.
Location: McGraw Clock Tower, Ho Plaza, Cornell University campus
Monday-Friday, 11-15 November
“Thank you Veterans” Banners and Military Trivia Lawn Signs
Location: Cornell University campus
Find more information on Cornell's 2024 Cornell University Military Appreciation Events
Tuesday, 12 November
1215-1315 (12:15 p–1:15p): “Loper Bright and the End of Chevron Deference: The Veterans Context”
Join Cornell Law School’s James Hardwick, Adjunct Professor of Law and Veterans Law Staff Attorney for the Veterans Law Practicum, Danielle Bernard, Adjunct Professor of Law, and Jeff Rachlinski, Henry Allen Mark Professor of Law; Benjamin Pomerance, Deputy Counsel, New York State Department of Veteran Services; and Eric Gang, Founding Partner of Gang & Associates; as they discuss the far-reaching implications of the Loper Bright case, and how this decision will impact laws governing veterans' rights and benefits. Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo is a recent Supreme Court case in which Chief Justice Roberts authored a 6-2 opinion overruling the doctrine of Chevron deference.
Location: Register at https://community.lawschool.cornell.edu/calendar-of-events/
1900-2100 (7-9p): Warrior Writers-Tompkins
Be part of a growing movement where Veterans show the might of the pen as they gather, write about various topics, share and critique those writings, while enjoying camaraderie.
Location: Tompkins County Department of Veterans Services, 111 N. Albany St.
For Zoom information contact 607.274.5920 or veteran@tompkins-co.org.
Wednesday, 13 November
1000-1130 (10-11:30a): Military Culture: Acceptance, Commitment, and Growth
Register to attend this engaging webinar that will educate participants about the unique culture of the military as well as important considerations to be aware of when working with military personnel. Presenter Michael Shurmatz, LCSW, will provide level setting on important topics impacting military personnel including trauma and its impact. Participants will learn how the mental health system can be better equipped to respond to and support military personnel and their families.
Location: Register via this link
1230-1430 (12:30-2:30p): McGraw House Veterans Coffeehouse & Open House
Veterans who reside at McGraw House and in the wider Tompkins County community, as well as their spouses or surviving spouses and families, are welcome to gather for an Open House at McGraw House in recognition of Veterans Week. Tours of McGraw House will be available.
Location: 221 S. Geneva St., Ithaca
1630-1930 (4:30-7:30p): "Majority Rules," a documentary screening and panel discussion
Join members of the Cornell Undergraduate Veterans Association (CUVA) for a special screening of "Majority Rules," a documentary covering the implementation of Nonpartisan Primaries and Ranked Choice Voting in Alaska in 2022. The City of Ithaca is exploring this option for 2028. It's currently used in New York City primaries. This screening looks to start a local conversation and keep the community informed on a move that could be beneficial.
Location: Martha Van Rensselaer Hall Room #1157, 116 Reservoir Ave, Ithaca
Tompkins County community members register via this link
Thursday, 14 November
1900 (7p): Military Appreciation Women’s Basketball Game
Cornell University vs Binghamton University
Location: Newman Arena, Bartels Hall, Cornell campus
Veterans in Tompkins County must register in advance for free tickets
1930 (7:30p): A Legacy of Service: Cornell’s Military History Event
Join the Cornell Military Network (CMN) and Corey Ryan Earle '07 for a webinar on Cornell's military history. Founded at the close of the American Civil War, Cornell University has a long history of military service and engagement. Join us to learn more about the history of ROTC and student veterans’ programs at Cornell, Cornell’s role in major world conflicts, and campus memorials to those who served. If you've joined us in the past, we promise there will be new photos, stories, and unsung heroes!
Location: Register via this link
Friday, 15 November
1300-1600 (1-4p): Second Annual Tompkins County Veterans Resources Fair and VA Open House
Co-sponsored by the Tompkins County Department of Veterans Services, Tompkins County VA Community-Based Outreach Clinic, and the office of New York State Senator Lea Webb, this collaboration features agencies serving Veterans and their eligible family members in Tompkins County and the many services they offer. Eligible Veterans can sign up for VA Healthcare.
Location: Tompkins County VA Clinic, 2309 North Triphammer Road, in the Cayuga Shopping Mall.
1630-1730 (4:30-5:30p): Tompkins Veterans Women Veterans Social Hour
Women Veterans across Tompkins County and beyond are invited to meet other Women Veterans and learn about services offered through the Tompkins County VA Clinic.
Location: Tompkins County VA Clinic, 2309 North Triphammer Road, in the Cayuga Shopping Mall.
1800 (6p): Military Appreciation Women’s Ice Hockey Game
Cornell University vs. Harvard University
Location: Lynah Rink, Cornell Campus
Veterans in Tompkins County must register in advance for free tickets
Friday-Monday,15-18 November
0015 (12:15a) 15 NOV to 2100 (9p) on 18 NOV: Giving Day's Online Auction for United Way of Tompkins County (UWTC)
Calling all foodies, sports fans, fitness enthusiasts, and local residents who just want to do something good with a benefit or two. Celebrate Giving Day with UWTC by raising funds for the nearly 60 impact partners in United Way’s network through the United Tompkins Impact Fund! One Hundred Percent of auction proceeds will support Tompkins County programs and services coming alongside community members in the areas of food security, whole health, housing, child and youth success, transportation, and helping marginalized populations flourish.
Tuesday, 19 November
1900-2000 (7-8p): 1 Hour of Power
Join this virtual event created for women who served in the U.S. military. Meet the members of the New York State Women Veterans Advisory Board. Hear what they do. Help them learn ways they can help make a difference in the lives of Women Veterans across New York State.
Location: Register via this link
Thursday, 21 November
1100-1300 (11a-1p): Southern Tier Thanksgiving Meal
Members of the region's military community, including their families, are invited to a complimentary lunch courtesy of Clearpath for Veterans.
Location: American Legion Post 1645, 177 Robinson St., Binghamton
Register by Tuesday, 19 November, via this link
Friday, 22 November
1900-2030p (7-8:30p): Annual Harvest Fest Dinner by the Greater Ithaca Activities Center
GIAC’s annual thank-you to the community takes place via an early Thanksgiving dinner. Sign up required by Nov. 14 with Kay at 607.272.3622 or via this link. Meals are for pick-up only.
Location for meal pick up: GIAC, 301 W. Court St., Ithaca
Saturday, 23 November
1200 (12p): Military Appreciation Wrestling Dual
Cornell University vs. University of Buffalo
Location: Newman Arena, Bartels Hall, Cornell campus
Veterans in Tompkins County must register in advance for free tickets
