Veterans and military families are woven into life on the Cape Fear coast. With Camp Lejeune up the road in Onslow County and a long military and Coast Guard tradition in Wilmington and Southport, a lot of our neighbors have served. Veterans Day falls on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, and several local events are already on the calendar for the week leading up to it. Here’s a rundown of what’s happening in New Hanover and Pender counties, plus a few homeownership resources every veteran in our area should know about.
Veterans Day 2026 Events Around the Cape Fear
WECT published a roundup of Veterans Day events across the region on October 30, 2026. Here are the ones closest to home, checked against each organizer’s own announcement.
Southeast North Carolina Veterans Parade (Wilmington, Saturday, Nov. 7)
The region’s biggest event is the annual parade in downtown Wilmington. According to the Southeast North Carolina Veterans Parade organizers, a pre-show starts at 10 a.m. on Third Street in front of City Hall, and the parade steps off at 11 a.m. The route begins at Hanover Street and N. 3rd Street and heads south through downtown to Market Street.
Expect military units, high school marching bands, veteran organizations, and classic military vehicles. Organizers also host a Veterans Celebration and Information Fair, where groups that serve veterans and their families set up to answer questions. Organizers suggest arriving early for a good spot along N. 3rd Street, especially near Market Street where the parade ends. If you live downtown or in nearby neighborhoods like Carolina Heights, plan around street closures that morning.
Historic USO Weekend (Wilmington, Nov. 6 and 7)
The Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center is hosting a Veterans Day weekend, as WECT reported on October 14, 2026:
- USO Through the Years Show and Dance: Friday, Nov. 6, 7 to 10 p.m., with a 1940s-themed show, a free swing dance lesson, and open dancing. Proceeds benefit the Historic USO Building Preservation Fund.
- World War II memorabilia exhibit: Friday evening, Nov. 6, and Saturday, Nov. 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- 5th Annual Salute to African American Veterans: Saturday, Nov. 7, from 1 to 3 p.m., after the parade.
Cape Fear Community College Ceremony (Wilmington, Wednesday, Nov. 11)
CFCC will hold its annual Veterans Day ceremony at 11:11 a.m. on November 11 in the Union Station Auditorium on its downtown Wilmington campus, according to WECT’s October 30 report. The program includes a Marine Corps color guard, a POW/MIA remembrance table ceremony, and remarks from veteran students and staff, with refreshments afterward.
Badges of Honor Medal Event (Hampstead, Thursday, Nov. 12)
For Pender County veterans, Congressman David Rouzer’s office is hosting a Badges of Honor event on November 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Media Room at CFCC’s Surf City Campus, 621 N.C. Hwy 210 East in Hampstead. Staff will help veterans and families apply for military awards and medals they earned but never received, or replace ones that were lost or damaged. The office asks attendees to bring their DD-214, and space is limited, so an RSVP is required.
Homeownership Resources for Veterans in Our Area
Veterans Day is also a good moment to make sure you’re using the benefits you earned. Two are especially relevant to buying or owning a home here.
VA Home Loans
A VA-guaranteed loan lets eligible veterans, service members, and some surviving spouses buy with no down payment in many cases and no monthly mortgage insurance. The VA’s home loan page explains eligibility and how to request your Certificate of Eligibility. VA financing works well in much of our market, from Hampstead and Rocky Point to Leland and Ogden, but appraisal and property condition rules matter, especially on older coastal homes. We’ve covered this in more detail in our VA home loan guide for Pender County buyers.
North Carolina’s Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exclusion
Under N.C. General Statute 105-277.1C, North Carolina excludes the first $45,000 of appraised value of a qualifying permanent residence from property taxes. It’s available to honorably discharged veterans with a total and permanent service-connected disability (or who received specially adapted housing benefits), and to certain unremarried surviving spouses.
According to the N.C. Department of Revenue’s property tax forms, you apply with Form AV-9 plus the certified Form NCDVA-9, filed with the tax office in the county where the home sits (New Hanover, Brunswick, or Pender), not with the state. The deadline is generally June 1 of the tax year, and eligibility is based on your status as of January 1. If you’re buying a home this winter, put this on your list for the spring.
Tips for Veteran Buyers and Sellers on the Coast
- Check flood zones early. VA lenders require flood insurance in high-risk flood zones, so it’s smart to look up a property’s flood zone before you write an offer.
- Get a full inspection. A VA appraisal is not a home inspection. Salt air, moisture, and older roofs are worth a closer look on any coastal home.
- Sellers, don’t rule out VA offers. A well-prepared VA buyer can be just as strong as a conventional one. Fixing obvious repairs before listing can help any appraisal go smoothly.
FAQ
When is the Wilmington Veterans Day Parade in 2026?
Saturday, November 7, 2026. The pre-show starts at 10 a.m. and the parade begins at 11 a.m. on N. 3rd Street, from Hanover Street to Market Street, according to the parade organizers.
Is Veterans Day on a weekday this year?
Yes. November 11, 2026, is a Wednesday, so the parade and USO events are held the weekend before.
Can I use a VA loan to buy a beach condo?
Possibly. Condo projects generally need VA approval, and a loan officer can check whether a specific complex qualifies. Ask early so it doesn’t slow down your contract.
Who do I contact about the disabled veteran tax exclusion?
The tax office in the county where the home is located. Each county assessor reviews applications for homes in that county.
Thank You for Your Service
To every veteran and military family in Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender counties: thank you. If you’re thinking about using your VA benefits to buy, moving to the Cape Fear coast after service, or selling a home you bought while stationed nearby, we’d be honored to help. Reach out to Aspyre Collective and let’s talk about your next move.
