The Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs will host the official State of Iowa Veterans Day ceremonies on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, honoring the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
The public, veterans, supporters and members of the media are invited to attend the ceremonies, which will take place at two locations across the state.
The first ceremony will begin at 8 a.m. at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, located at 34024 Veterans Memorial Drive in Adel. The second ceremony is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. at the Iowa Veterans Home, located at 1301 Summit Street in Marshalltown.
Mike Rowley Named Keynote Speaker
Mike Rowley will serve as the keynote speaker at both ceremonies as part of the nation’s America 250 commemoration, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026.
Rowley is known for his work preserving military history and honoring veterans. He frequently attends military and veterans ceremonies wearing an authentic Revolutionary War uniform and educates the public about America’s founding-era military history.
He has authored more than 100 published articles and personally installed 452 headstones for unmarked veterans across seven states. The graves represent veterans who served in conflicts ranging from the Revolutionary War to the modern era.
Rowley serves as Color Guard Commander for the Iowa Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. His father was a World War II veteran, and Rowley continues to encourage veterans and their families to document and share their stories of service.
Ceremonies to Be Streamed Online
The 8 a.m. ceremony at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery will serve as the official State of Iowa Veterans Day observance. The program will be livestreamed and recorded for those unable to attend in person.
The 10:30 a.m. ceremony at the Iowa Veterans Home will be held alongside residents, leadership and staff. That program will also be livestreamed and recorded.
Both ceremonies will be available through the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs’ YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@IowaDVA.
Source: Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs.
