Local Veterans Day museum deals and commemorations

Commemorating retired and active military members, various local museums and landmarks offer discounts and freebies to those who serve and their families. This Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, thank a vet and treat them to a day of entertainment.

For two days, Monday, Nov. 10 and Tuesday, Nov. 11, the Adventure Aquarium (1 Riverside Dr., Camden) will offer active and retired military members discounted admission for families. Up to four people can get into the aquarium for $10 a person. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

On Tuesday, Nov. 11, Veterans and average citizens alike can visit the home of the Declaration of Independence free of charge. Independence Hall (520 Chestnut St.) is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The National Constitution Center (525 Arch St.) holds flag raising and lowering ceremonies with crafts, flag etiquette, wreath laying, veteran meet and greets, well wishing to active soldiers, and more for their day of Veterans Day programming. Things get underway at 9:15 a.m. with free admission for veterans and active military and discounted $5 admission for the public.

Honor our Vets at a 10 a.m. ceremony at Wildwood's Veterans Monument (Spruce and New York Avenues, Wildwood) on Tuesday, Nov. 11.

Pay homage to those who served — and currently do — with free admission for vets and active duty personnel at the Independence Seaport Museum (211 S. Columbus Blvd.). The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11.

Take a trip back in time at Valley Forge National Historical Park (1400 N. Outer Lane Dr., King of Prussia) when America's military history is depicted in the park on Tuesday, Nov. 11. The commemoration ceremony begins at 11 a.m. at the National Memorial Arch with guest speaker Brig. Gen. Steven A. Shapiro, Commander of Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, and is followed up with a family-friendly gathering.

Hear a patriotic speech from Philadelphia native Bill Cosby at the All Wars Memorial (20th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway). Kicking of at 11 a.m., the event will feature words from Mayor Nutter, State Sen. Vincent Hughes, poet Sonia Sanchez and more.

A Vietnam War service, starting at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial (Front and Spruce Streets), will feature remarks from city Councilman Mark Squilla.

Support Project HOME, a local nonprofit that provides housing and assistance to homeless Philadelphians, with a few laughs at Helium Comedy Club's (2031 Sansom St.) Veterans Day Showcase Spectacular. A select group of comedians will bring the funny on Wednesday, Nov. 12, with doors opening at 6 p.m.