Honoring Our
Veteran Community
Veteran & First Responder Recognition
Be part of a powerful community moment as we recognize St. Louis Area Veterans and First Responders who continue to thrive and inspire.
Our vision is to build a strong and growing community of veterans and first responders across St. Louis and Missouri who continue to lead, serve, and strengthen the communities around them.
We recognize those whose impact is often unseen but deeply felt, honoring individuals who lead by example and continue to give back with purpose, resilience, and integrity.
We are committed to redefining the narrative around life after service, highlighting strength that endures, leadership that continues, and contributions that strengthen every part of the community.
Together, we are creating a culture where veterans and first responders are seen, valued, and celebrated for who they are and how they continue to serve.
Salute To The Troops
Since 2017, Celebrate St. Louis has proudly honored active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families through its Salute to the Troops program, a tradition that recognizes the service and sacrifice of those who have defended our nation. What began as a special main-stage recognition ceremony and VIP experience has grown into a deeply meaningful and celebrated annual tradition.
Celebrate St. Louis is proud to partner with Irreverent Warriors again this year, a veteran-led nonprofit organization dedicated to improving veteran mental health and preventing suicide through camaraderie and connection. As host of the Salute to the Troops experience, Irreverent Warriors will welcome veterans from across the St. Louis region and around the country to enjoy Celebrate St. Louis as honored VIP guests. Through the generosity of our sponsors, these veterans and their families will receive access to a private hospitality area with food, beverages, and a premier festival experience, while also being recognized from the main stage before thousands of attendees.
Help us continue this important tradition of honoring, celebrating, and supporting the men and women who have served our country.
Hands-On for Heroes
Experience Hands-On for Heroes on July 3rd and 4th, an interactive and family-friendly attraction that brings the spirit of service to life. Meet local veteran and military support organizations, first responders, and community heroes who continue to make a difference long after their time in uniform.
Throughout Hands-On for Heroes, guests can connect with organizations making a lasting impact on veterans, first responders, and military families. Learn how BackStoppers and Guns 'N Hoses support families of fallen heroes, explore veteran wellness and camaraderie through Irreverent Warriors, honor veterans with The Kaufman Fund, and discover how the Travis Manion Foundation and Special Operations Charity Network empower veterans, families of the fallen, and first responders through leadership opportunities, community connection, wellness programs, and critical support services. Visitors can also learn about veteran support services through Missouri Veterans Endeavor, try steer roping with Grey Horse Equestrians, and see how LifeWaters uses adaptive scuba diving to foster healing, confidence, and connection.
To Engage, Serve, &
Celebrate St. Louis is a 501(c)(3) organization that strives to engage, serve, and celebrate our region through diverse, impactful and entertaining experiences to support worthy charities that serve our communities.