The City of Gaithersburg will hold its annual Veterans Day Observance on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the City Hall Concert Pavilion, located at 31 S. Summit Avenue. The event is open to the entire community and will honor the men and women who have served in the United States military.
The ceremony will feature patriotic music, remarks from city officials and a solemn wreath-laying ceremony. Members of local veterans organizations will also participate in the observance, recognizing those who have served in all branches of the military.
Students and performers from Gaithersburg High School will play a prominent role in the program. The school’s Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) will present the colors, members of the Gaithersburg Chorus will perform the National Anthem, and the Gaithersburg High School Jazz Ensemble will provide patriotic music. Gaithersburg High School Band member Vincent Ruocco will perform “Taps.”
This year’s featured guest speaker will be Lieutenant Commander Noel Peralta of the U.S. Navy, who currently serves as Prospective Executive Officer of the Navy Reserve Naval District Washington Regional Operations Center.
A Brooklyn, New York native and graduate of San Diego State University, Peralta enlisted in the Navy in 1999 and served aboard several naval vessels before transitioning to the Navy Reserve in 2006. He was commissioned as a Limited Duty Officer in 2014 and has held numerous leadership positions throughout his military career.
His assignments have included roles with Naval Special Warfare, the U.S. 3rd Fleet, U.S. 6th Fleet, Naval Amphibious Force Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, and U.S. European Command. His service has also included deployments to Kuwait and Germany.
Peralta’s military honors include the Meritorious Service Medal, four Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and several additional service and campaign awards.
Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to a reception in the City Hall Gallery, where refreshments will be provided courtesy of Mackie’s Barbecue Co.
The annual observance provides an opportunity for residents, veterans, military families and community members to gather in recognition of the service and sacrifices of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
