Where Heroes
Stand Together
A home for every veteran, soldier, officer, firefighter, and medic — and now, every concert, fundraiser, and community gathering worth showing up for. Find your people. Honor their sacrifice. Never miss what matters.
Veterans Day National Ceremony 2026 – Arlington National Cemetery
The Veterans Day National Ceremony 2026 at Arlington National Cemetery is the nation's most sacred annual tribute to the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces — a solemn and ...
Featured Events
From our Partner organizations nationwide
Kansas City First Responder Mental Health Conference 2026
1st Responder Conferences (1RC)
The Kansas City First Responder Mental Health Conference 2026, hosted at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Kansas City, Missouri on October 1, 2026, is a full-day professional development and wellness event produced by 1st Responder Conferences (1RC) — the nation's leading organization dedicated to bringing evidence-based, culturally competent mental health education directly to law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, dispatchers, and corrections professionals. Kansas City sits at the heart of America, and this conference draws first responders from Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and across the Great Plains for a day of transformative mental health content delivered in a format built for the first responder culture — honest, direct, practical, and peer-driven. Nationally recognized keynote speakers with lived first responder experience will address the realities of occupational trauma, cumulative PTSD, suicide awareness and intervention, leadership strategies for psychologically safe departments, and practical tools for stress management, healthy coping, and relationship preservation. Interactive breakout workshops give attendees the chance to dig deeper on topics most relevant to their role and experience level, from field personnel to department leadership. The Embassy Suites venue provides professional conference facilities with a comfortable atmosphere conducive to the kind of open, vulnerable conversation that real mental health progress requires. Continuing education credits are available. Departments are strongly encouraged to send full teams — peer support volunteers, union representatives, and command staff alike. The investment in your people's mental health returns dividends in performance, retention, and lives saved — including the lives of your own officers and firefighters. Register your team today.
1RC First Responder Mental Health Conference – Kansas City 2026
1st Responder Conferences (1RC)
1RC's First Responder Mental Health Conference arrives in the Kansas City metro on October 1, 2026, hosted at the Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, Kansas — a central location that draws first responders from across the Great Plains, Midwest, and beyond for a day of transformative mental health education, peer connection, and professional development unlike anything else available for the first responder community. Produced by 1st Responder Conferences, the Kansas City event builds on 1RC's nationally recognized model of bringing frontline-focused mental health content directly to the first responders who need it most, in a format that respects the culture and communication style of law enforcement, fire, EMS, and dispatch professionals. Attendees will hear from keynote speakers with deep first responder roots who speak authentically about the psychological toll of the job — not from a place of clinical distance, but from lived experience on the street, in the fire house, and in the dispatch center. Workshop sessions cover PTSD and hypervigilance, suicide awareness and intervention, family impact and relationship repair, peer support program development, administrative leadership for psychological safety, and practical coping tools that can be implemented immediately. Kansas City's central location makes this one of the most accessible 1RC events on the calendar, and departments from Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Oklahoma regularly make it a team training day. CEUs are available. Departments are encouraged to bring their full leadership teams and peer support volunteers. This is the training your people deserve — and the investment that saves careers and lives.
Kansas City First Responder Mental Health Conference
1st Responder Conferences
Join hundreds of law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS professionals, and dispatchers from across the Midwest at this premier mental health and wellness conference hosted by 1st Responder Conferences. The Kansas City event delivers a full day of high-impact educational sessions covering occupational trauma, suicide prevention, healthy coping mechanisms, family resilience, and department-level wellness program implementation. Featuring nationally recognized instructors who have served in the field, this conference equips first responders with practical tools to protect their mental health and support their colleagues. All first responders are encouraged to attend. Registration details at 1strc.org.
Veterans Stand Down – Free Services Day
Veterans Inc. – West Coast
A one-day event providing homeless and at-risk veterans with food, clothing, medical care, legal assistance, benefits counseling, and mental health resources. No registration required.
Upcoming Events
Real events, happening now, for veterans, military, law enforcement, firefighters & EMS
Veterans Day National Ceremony 2026 – Arlington National Cemetery
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The Veterans Day National Ceremony 2026 at Arlington National Cemetery is the nation's most sacred annual tribute to the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces — a solemn and stirring ceremony at the very heart of American military heritage on November 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM. Held at the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery — the final resting place of hundreds of thousands of American heroes — the Veterans Day National Ceremony draws veterans, active military, government officials, foreign dignitaries, and thousands of patriotic Americans to participate in the nation's most significant annual act of gratitude and remembrance. The ceremony centers on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — the most guarded, most honored site in American military memory. A Presidential wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb is the emotional core of Veterans Day at Arlington, a ritual that has connected every generation of Americans to the sacrifice of those who served since the first ceremony in 1921. The formal ceremony features military color guard presentations from all five branches of the armed forces, speeches by senior government officials and military leaders, musical tributes including performances of the national anthem, branch anthems, and patriotic compositions, and the participation of veteran service organization representatives from across the country. For veterans attending, Veterans Day at Arlington is a deeply personal experience — a moment of recognition, reflection, and connection to the larger continuum of American military service that their own service joins. Surrounded by the graves of heroes from every American war, the meaning of service becomes simultaneously more intimate and more vast. The ceremony is free and open to the public. Arrive early — this event draws enormous crowds. Public transit to Arlington Cemetery is strongly recommended.
2026 Wellness Conference at Sea – Caribbean Cruise
1st Responder Conferences (1RC)
The 2026 Wellness Conference at Sea, presented by 1st Responder Conferences (1RC), is the most unique professional development and wellness event in the first responder community — a fully immersive, multi-day conference held aboard a Caribbean cruise ship departing from Port Canaveral, Florida on December 7, 2026. 1st Responder Conferences pioneered the concept of combining CME/CEU-accredited conference programming with the restorative power of travel and community — and the result is an experience unlike anything else available to first responders and their families. This isn't a vacation with a few seminars bolted on. It's a thoughtfully designed wellness and professional development program delivered in an environment that naturally promotes healing, connection, and renewal. The conference curriculum focuses on the mental health and wellness challenges most relevant to today's first responder: operational stress injury, PTSD and moral injury, sleep deprivation, relationship strain, substance use, peer support program development, and organizational resilience. Nationally recognized clinicians, peer support specialists, and wellness practitioners lead sessions designed specifically for the culture and experience of law enforcement, fire, EMS, and dispatch professionals. Between sessions, attendees and their families enjoy all the amenities of a world-class Caribbean cruise — ports of call, recreational activities, dining, and the simple joy of being somewhere beautiful with people who truly understand what you've been through. Bringing your family isn't just encouraged — it's part of the program design, because healing happens faster when the people who love you are along for the journey. CME and CEU credits are available for eligible attendees. Cabins are available at various price points. Early registration is strongly advised — 1RC cruises sell out well in advance. This is the premier wellness event for first responders in 2026.
America First Gala Holiday Affair 2026
America First Gala
The America First Gala Holiday Affair 2026 is an elegant and unforgettable evening of patriotism, fellowship, and celebration for America's military veterans and their supporters, held at the legendary Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida on December 3, 2026, beginning at 6:00 PM. This premier black-tie optional fundraising gala brings together veterans, active military, first responders, community leaders, business professionals, and patriots from across the nation for an evening that combines luxury, purpose, and deep appreciation for those who have sacrificed in service to the United States of America. The America First Gala features an exquisite formal dinner, premium open bar, live entertainment, an inspiring program honoring military veterans and their families, and exciting fundraising activities supporting veteran causes. Guests will be treated to the world-class ambiance of Mar-a-Lago while connecting with a community united by love of country and commitment to those who defend it. Past galas have raised significant funds for veteran support programs including mental health services, housing assistance, educational scholarships, and employment transition support. Every dollar raised goes directly toward ensuring that America's heroes receive the care, recognition, and opportunities they have earned through their extraordinary service. The holiday timing of the America First Gala makes it a perfect opportunity to celebrate the season of giving by giving back to those who gave so much. Formal attire is encouraged. Tickets sell out quickly for this high-demand event — secure your seats early and prepare for a truly memorable evening at one of America's most iconic venues.
Firefighter Combat Challenge National Championship 2026
Firefighter Combat Challenge
The Firefighter Combat Challenge National Championship 2026, held October 15–17, 2026 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, is the pinnacle of competitive firefighting — a spectacular athletic competition that tests the physical fitness, technical proficiency, and mental toughness that professional firefighting demands. The Firefighter Combat Challenge replicates the most physically demanding aspects of firefighting in a timed competition format, requiring competitors to ascend five stories in full turnout gear and breathing apparatus, hoist a heavy hose, advance a charged hose line, carry and drag a victim rescue dummy, and complete a series of tasks that mirror real emergency operations — all against the clock. The National Championship brings together the top competitors from regional Firefighter Combat Challenge events held throughout the year — elite firefighting athletes from departments across the country who have trained relentlessly to compete at the highest level. Individual and team categories, as well as men's and women's divisions, ensure inclusive competition across the firefighting community. For spectators — including family members, fellow firefighters, and the general public — the Combat Challenge is one of the most exciting and accessible firefighter events anywhere. The combination of athletic excellence, firefighting authenticity, and the opportunity to celebrate and appreciate the physical demands of firefighting creates an event that is simultaneously thrilling entertainment and profound tribute to the profession. Orlando's Orange County Convention Center provides world-class facilities for both competitors and spectators. The event features vendor exhibitions from firefighting equipment companies, recruitment opportunities with departments from across the country, and an electric atmosphere that reflects the pride and passion of the firefighting community. Free spectator admission — come cheer on America's bravest.
Star Spangled Ball Casino Night 2026
Central Valley Veterans
The Star Spangled Ball Casino Night 2026 is the 11th annual celebration of veterans and military heroes presented by Central Valley Veterans, taking place on November 7, 2026 — just days before Veterans Day — in Fresno, California. This beloved annual tradition combines the excitement of casino night entertainment with a heartfelt evening of patriotism, community, and fundraising for veteran support programs throughout California's Central Valley. Now in its eleventh year, the Star Spangled Ball has become one of the most anticipated veteran community events in the Central Valley, drawing hundreds of veterans, first responders, community supporters, and patriotic citizens for a night that honors military service while raising critical funds for local veteran needs. Guests enjoy an exciting casino floor experience with professional dealers running blackjack, poker, craps, and roulette — all in a fun, friendly fundraising format. The evening also features a formal dinner, patriotic program, live and silent auctions, musical entertainment, and meaningful tributes to veterans from all service branches and eras. Funds raised support Central Valley Veterans' year-round programs including emergency financial assistance for veterans in crisis, transportation to VA medical appointments, food assistance, clothing drives, mental health referrals, and advocacy for veterans' rights and benefits. For Central Valley veterans who often lack access to the resources available in larger metropolitan areas, these programs make an enormous difference. The timing just before Veterans Day makes the Star Spangled Ball a perfect opportunity for the Central Valley community to demonstrate its love and appreciation for those who served. Veterans, their families, and all supporters of the military community are warmly invited to join this special evening.
Kansas City First Responder Mental Health Conference 2026
1st Responder Conferences (1RC)
The Kansas City First Responder Mental Health Conference 2026, hosted at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Kansas City, Missouri on October 1, 2026, is a full-day professional development and wellness event produced by 1st Responder Conferences (1RC) — the nation's leading organization dedicated to bringing evidence-based, culturally competent mental health education directly to law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, dispatchers, and corrections professionals. Kansas City sits at the heart of America, and this conference draws first responders from Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and across the Great Plains for a day of transformative mental health content delivered in a format built for the first responder culture — honest, direct, practical, and peer-driven. Nationally recognized keynote speakers with lived first responder experience will address the realities of occupational trauma, cumulative PTSD, suicide awareness and intervention, leadership strategies for psychologically safe departments, and practical tools for stress management, healthy coping, and relationship preservation. Interactive breakout workshops give attendees the chance to dig deeper on topics most relevant to their role and experience level, from field personnel to department leadership. The Embassy Suites venue provides professional conference facilities with a comfortable atmosphere conducive to the kind of open, vulnerable conversation that real mental health progress requires. Continuing education credits are available. Departments are strongly encouraged to send full teams — peer support volunteers, union representatives, and command staff alike. The investment in your people's mental health returns dividends in performance, retention, and lives saved — including the lives of your own officers and firefighters. Register your team today.
1RC First Responder Mental Health Conference – Kansas City 2026
1st Responder Conferences (1RC)
1RC's First Responder Mental Health Conference arrives in the Kansas City metro on October 1, 2026, hosted at the Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, Kansas — a central location that draws first responders from across the Great Plains, Midwest, and beyond for a day of transformative mental health education, peer connection, and professional development unlike anything else available for the first responder community. Produced by 1st Responder Conferences, the Kansas City event builds on 1RC's nationally recognized model of bringing frontline-focused mental health content directly to the first responders who need it most, in a format that respects the culture and communication style of law enforcement, fire, EMS, and dispatch professionals. Attendees will hear from keynote speakers with deep first responder roots who speak authentically about the psychological toll of the job — not from a place of clinical distance, but from lived experience on the street, in the fire house, and in the dispatch center. Workshop sessions cover PTSD and hypervigilance, suicide awareness and intervention, family impact and relationship repair, peer support program development, administrative leadership for psychological safety, and practical coping tools that can be implemented immediately. Kansas City's central location makes this one of the most accessible 1RC events on the calendar, and departments from Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Oklahoma regularly make it a team training day. CEUs are available. Departments are encouraged to bring their full leadership teams and peer support volunteers. This is the training your people deserve — and the investment that saves careers and lives.
Kansas City First Responder Mental Health Conference
1st Responder Conferences
Join hundreds of law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS professionals, and dispatchers from across the Midwest at this premier mental health and wellness conference hosted by 1st Responder Conferences. The Kansas City event delivers a full day of high-impact educational sessions covering occupational trauma, suicide prevention, healthy coping mechanisms, family resilience, and department-level wellness program implementation. Featuring nationally recognized instructors who have served in the field, this conference equips first responders with practical tools to protect their mental health and support their colleagues. All first responders are encouraged to attend. Registration details at 1strc.org.
Proudly serving those who serve America
Events happening near you right now
Find Events Near You
Explore our nationwide map of events — service branch gatherings, concerts, fundraisers, and everything in between.
41+ Events Nationwide
Upcoming Events
Veterans Day National Ceremony 2026 – Arlington National Cemetery
2026 Wellness Conference at Sea – Caribbean Cruise
America First Gala Holiday Affair 2026
Firefighter Combat Challenge National Championship 2026
COMMUNITY
Built by Heroes, For Heroes
Join a community that understands your journey — share stories, honor the fallen, and connect with those who've walked the same path.
Ready to Take Action?
Whether you're organizing, hiring, sponsoring, or seeking support — we've got you.
Submit Your Event
List your veteran or first responder event — free, enhanced, or featured tiers.
Submit Now →Boost Your Event
Get homepage placement and top-of-category visibility for your event.
Boost an Event →Become a Sponsor
Partner with Heroes Gather to reach a highly engaged service community.
Learn More →Mental Health Support
Confidential resources, peer support, and crisis hotlines for service members.
Get Support →One platform. Every branch. Every mission.
Enterprise-grade infrastructure purpose-built for America's service community—not a bolt-on feature of a generic events app.
Nationwide Events
Discover exclusive events across all 50 states for veterans, military, law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS.
Company Events Hub
Organizations get a dedicated events page, verified badge, and priority placement.
Squad Up
Form squads and attend events together with your brothers and sisters.
Verified Directory
Connect with verified service members, first responders, and veteran-owned businesses.
Live Event Intel
Real-time venue updates, parking info, and attendance reports straight from people at the event.
Something for Everyone
From service branch gatherings to concerts, fundraisers, and everything in between
Get Your Dedicated Events Hub
Showcase all your organization's events in one powerful, branded landing page. Perfect for units, departments, nonprofits, and veteran organizations.
Centralized Hub
All your events in one place
Custom Branding
Your logo and identity
Direct Link
Share your unique URL
Full Control
Manage all your listings
Reach Veterans & First Responders
Partner with Heroes Gather to connect with our engaged community. From event sponsorships to targeted advertising, we offer unique opportunities to align your brand with service and sacrifice.
- Targeted audience of verified service members
- Co-marketing and brand awareness campaigns
- Event sponsorship and activation opportunities
- Premium placement and featured listings