Is There a Veterans Month in Terre Haute, IN? The 2026 Guide
Yes. Terre Haute, Indiana recognizes November as National Veterans and Military Families Month through a mayoral proclamation. Mayor Brandon Sakbun also proclaims the week of Veterans Day (November 11) as Forget-Me-Not Week to honor veterans and their families. The city hosts an annual Veterans Day Parade, resource fairs, and museum exhibits throughout the month.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| November Observance | National Veterans and Military Families Month (Mayoral proclamation) |
| Local Proclamation | Forget-Me-Not Week (week of November 11) |
| Governing Body | Office of the Mayor, City of Terre Haute |
| Lead Agency (Local) | Vigo County Veterans Service Office |
| Veteran Population | ~3,252 in Terre Haute city; ~6,469 in Vigo County |
| Key Event | Annual Veterans Day Parade on Wabash Avenue |
| Official Website | terrehaute.in.gov |
| Vigo County VSO | (812) 462-3220 |
| Updated For | 2026 |
National Veterans and Military Families Month in Terre Haute
November is recognized nationally as National Veterans and Military Families Month. The observance was established in 1996, and every U.S. president since has signed a proclamation declaring November as a month to honor veterans and their families. Veterans Day, observed on November 11, is the centerpiece of the month.
What it is: A national month of recognition for veterans and their families, separate from Veterans Day itself.
Who qualifies: All U.S. veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard members, Reservists, and their families.
Why it matters: The month provides sustained recognition beyond a single holiday. It creates opportunities for communities to honor veterans through events, discounts, and resource fairs.
What veterans should do next: Contact the Vigo County Veterans Service Office for a calendar of November events. Attend a Veterans Day ceremony or resource fair. Visit the Veterans Memorial Museum of Terre Haute.
Forget-Me-Not Week: Terre Haute’s Local Proclamation
Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun signs an annual proclamation naming the week of Veterans Day, November 11, as Forget-Me-Not Week. The proclamation honors veterans who have served the nation and their families.
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityWhat it is: A local mayoral proclamation that designates the week surrounding Veterans Day as a period of remembrance. The forget-me-not flower is a symbol of remembrance and is also used by the Disabled American Veterans for fundraising.
Who qualifies: All veterans and their families in Terre Haute and the Wabash Valley.
Why it matters: The proclamation provides local recognition and encourages community support for veterans. Mayor Sakbun stated: “During Forget-Me-Not Week, we remember the immense price of war and honor those who have served and sacrificed for our freedoms.”
What veterans should do next: Look for the mayor’s proclamation each November. Participate in Forget-Me-Not Week activities. Contact the Mayor’s Office for details on this year’s observance.
Veterans Day in Terre Haute: Parade and Ceremonies
Terre Haute holds an annual Veterans Day Parade on November 11. The parade travels east on Wabash Avenue from 4th Street to 12th Street, ending at VFW Post 972 with a celebration including guest speakers.
2025 Parade Details (Reference for 2026)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | November 11 |
| Time | 10:00 a.m. |
| Route | Wabash Avenue from 4th St. to 12th St.; ends at VFW Post 972 |
| Street Closures | Wabash Ave. from 3rd to 12th; 4th St. from Ohio to Cherry; 12th St. from Wabash to Eagle |
| Post-Parade | Celebration at VFW Post 972 with guest speakers |
What veterans should do next: Contact VFW Post 972 or the Mayor’s Office for parade participation information. The parade is open to the public. Spectators line Wabash Avenue to show support.
Other Veterans Observances and Events in Terre Haute
Terre Haute and Vigo County recognize several other veterans-focused observances throughout the year.
Veterans Memorial Museum of Terre Haute
The Veterans Memorial Museum of Terre Haute hosts special exhibits and events, including a new Vietnam exhibit that opened on Veterans Day. The museum also features a Plexiglass mural listing the names of 1,133 fallen veterans from Vigo and its seven surrounding counties.
Location: 12th & Wabash, Terre Haute, IN
Stand Down Events
The United Way of the Wabash Valley hosts Stand Down events for veterans and their families. These events provide resources including mental health services, free hygiene kits, and hot meals. A 2026 event was held at VFW Post 972 in Terre Haute.
Project In Her Boots
Project In Her Boots is a Terre Haute program that honors female veterans. Boots are displayed around the city during the week of Veterans Day to recognize women who have served.
Vigo County Veterans Treatment Court
The Vigo County Veterans Treatment Court graduated its 30th participant and was awarded for its work for the second year in a row. The court helps veterans involved in the justice system access treatment and support.
Vigo County Veteran Population and Demographics
Vigo County has approximately 6,469 veterans according to the VA’s VetPop2023 county model. Terre Haute city has approximately 3,252 veterans according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Vigo County veteran population (VA estimate) | 6,469 |
| Terre Haute city veteran population (Census) | 3,252 |
| Veterans as percentage of Vigo County population | 6.8% |
| Estimated homeless veterans in Vigo County | ~160 |
Vigo County Veterans Service Office
The Vigo County Veterans Service Office provides free assistance to veterans and their families. The office helps veterans identify disabilities and file claims for benefits and pensions.
What it is: A county government office staffed by trained Veterans Service Officers (VSOs). VSOs are VA-accredited professionals who help veterans file disability claims, access state veteran benefits, and navigate the VA system.
Who qualifies: All veterans, their dependents, and survivors in Vigo County.
Why it matters: VSOs provide free, expert assistance. Tim Cunningham, a veteran and officer at Vigo County Veterans Service, noted that many veterans in the area don’t even know they are eligible for benefits, and his favorite part of the job is showing them the help they can receive.
What veterans should do next: Contact the Vigo County Veterans Service Office for free assistance. The office helps with VA disability claims, PACT Act presumptive claims, and state benefits.
Terre Haute VA Clinic
The Terre Haute VA Clinic provides outpatient health care services to veterans in the Wabash Valley. The clinic offers primary care, specialty health services, physical therapy, orthotics, X-rays, cardiology, and more.
Location: 5080 East Bill Farr Drive, Terre Haute, IN 47803-9306
Phone: 812-478-1825
Services: Primary care, mental health, physical therapy, optometry, telehealth, audiology, home-based care, basic imaging
The clinic also hosts Veteran Benefits & Resource Fairs that allow veterans to enroll in VA health care, file for disabilities, and learn about services including Women’s Health, Mental Health, and Prosthetics.
What veterans should do next: Call 812-478-1825 to schedule an appointment or learn about upcoming resource fairs.
Other Veterans Resources in Terre Haute
| Resource | Service Provided |
|---|---|
| REACH Veteran Services | Emergency housing assistance, case management, peer support, VA benefits assistance |
| Veterans Employment Services | Employment assistance: 30 N. 8th St, 5th Floor; (812) 234-6602 ext. 369 |
| American Legion Post 2690 | Meeting place, community assistance, military benefit assistance: 2690 Fort Harrison Rd |
| Veterans/Military Assistance Project (MAP) | Free legal representation for low-income Hoosier veterans |
How to Participate in Veterans Month in Terre Haute
There are several ways veterans and community members can participate in Veterans Month activities in Terre Haute.
For Veterans
Attend the Veterans Day Parade on November 11 along Wabash Avenue.
Visit the Veterans Memorial Museum to see special exhibits, including the Vietnam exhibit.
Contact the Vigo County Veterans Service Office to file claims or learn about benefits.
Attend a Stand Down event for resources and support.
Check with the Terre Haute VA Clinic for resource fairs and health care enrollment.
For Community Members
Line the parade route on Wabash Avenue to show support.
Volunteer with organizations serving veterans.
Donate to the Veterans Memorial Museum or local veterans organizations.
Participate in Forget-Me-Not Week activities.
Thank a veteran and learn about their service.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Assuming there is no local Veterans Month observance.
Terre Haute recognizes November through a mayoral proclamation and Forget-Me-Not Week. The city also hosts a Veterans Day Parade.
2. Missing the Forget-Me-Not Week proclamation.
This local observance is specific to Terre Haute. Check the Mayor’s Office for the annual proclamation.
3. Not using the Vigo County Veterans Service Office.
The office provides free assistance with VA claims. Many veterans are unaware they are eligible for benefits.
4. Overlooking the VA Clinic resource fairs.
The Terre Haute VA Clinic hosts benefits and resource fairs where veterans can enroll in health care and file claims.
5. Assuming you need to go to Indianapolis for VA services.
The Terre Haute VA Clinic provides many services locally, including primary care and specialty care.
6. Not checking for Veterans Day parade route changes.
Street closures affect Wabash Avenue and surrounding streets. Check the city website for updated information.
Common Questions
Is there a Veterans Month in Terre Haute, Indiana?
Yes. Terre Haute recognizes November as National Veterans and Military Families Month through a mayoral proclamation. Mayor Brandon Sakbun also proclaims the week of Veterans Day as Forget-Me-Not Week to honor veterans and their families.
What is Forget-Me-Not Week in Terre Haute?
Forget-Me-Not Week is a mayoral proclamation designating the week of November 11 as a period of remembrance for veterans. The forget-me-not flower symbolizes remembrance and is used by the Disabled American Veterans for fundraising.
When is the Terre Haute Veterans Day Parade?
The parade is held on November 11 at 10:00 a.m. It travels east on Wabash Avenue from 4th Street to 12th Street, ending at VFW Post 972 with a celebration and guest speakers.
How many veterans live in Terre Haute and Vigo County?
Vigo County has approximately 6,469 veterans. Terre Haute city has approximately 3,252 veterans. Veterans make up about 6.8% of the Vigo County population.
How do I contact the Vigo County Veterans Service Office?
Contact the Vigo County Veterans Service Office for free assistance with VA claims and benefits. The office helps veterans identify disabilities and file claims for compensation and pensions.
What services does the Terre Haute VA Clinic offer?
The Terre Haute VA Clinic offers primary care, specialty health services, physical therapy, orthotics, X-rays, cardiology, optometry, telehealth, audiology, home-based care, and mental health services.
Are there Stand Down events for veterans in Terre Haute?
Yes. The United Way of the Wabash Valley hosts Stand Down events for veterans and their families, offering mental health resources, free hygiene kits, and hot meals.
What is Project In Her Boots?
Project In Her Boots is a Terre Haute program that honors female veterans. Boots are displayed around the city during the week of Veterans Day to recognize women who have served.
Does Terre Haute have a veterans museum?
Yes. The Veterans Memorial Museum of Terre Haute is located at 12th & Wabash. It features exhibits on Vietnam and a Plexiglass mural listing the names of 1,133 fallen veterans from Vigo and surrounding counties.
What is the Vigo County Veterans Treatment Court?
The Vigo County Veterans Treatment Court helps veterans involved in the justice system access treatment and support. It graduated its 30th participant and has been recognized for its work.
How can I participate in Veterans Month in Terre Haute?
Attend the Veterans Day Parade, visit the Veterans Memorial Museum, volunteer with local veterans organizations, or participate in Forget-Me-Not Week activities. Contact the Vigo County Veterans Service Office for more information.
Is there a Veterans Day event at the VA Clinic?
The Terre Haute VA Clinic hosts Veteran Benefits & Resource Fairs where veterans can enroll in VA health care, file for disabilities, and learn about services including Women’s Health, Mental Health, and Prosthetics.
Key Takeaways
Terre Haute, Indiana recognizes November as National Veterans and Military Families Month through a mayoral proclamation.
Mayor Brandon Sakbun also proclaims the week of Veterans Day as Forget-Me-Not Week.
The annual Veterans Day Parade travels along Wabash Avenue on November 11 at 10:00 a.m.
Vigo County has approximately 6,469 veterans; Terre Haute city has approximately 3,252.
The Vigo County Veterans Service Office provides free assistance with VA claims and benefits.
The Terre Haute VA Clinic offers primary care, specialty care, and hosts resource fairs.
The Veterans Memorial Museum of Terre Haute features a Vietnam exhibit and a mural honoring 1,133 fallen veterans.
Stand Down events provide resources for veterans and their families.
Project In Her Boots honors female veterans with boot displays around the city.
Contact VFW Post 972 or the Mayor’s Office for parade and event information.
Official Resources
City of Terre Haute: terrehaute.in.gov
Vigo County Veterans Service Office: (812) 462-3220
Terre Haute VA Clinic: 5080 East Bill Farr Drive, Terre Haute, IN 47803; (812) 478-1825
VA Indiana Health Care: VA.gov – Indiana Health Care
Veterans Memorial Museum of Terre Haute: 12th & Wabash, Terre Haute, IN
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