The VFW Add Riley Post 4982 will hold a Veterans Day Program on the Courthouse Lawn on Friday, November 10, at 11 a.m. All are invited to come in remembrance of the veterans lost.
Not everyone understands what Veterans Day truly is and why it is celebrated. According to www.Britannica.com, the following is the origin of Veterans Day:
Veterans Day in the United States is a national holiday (November 11) honoring veterans of the armed forces and those killed in the country’s wars. The observance originated in 1919 on the first anniversary of the 1918 armistice that ended World War I and was known as Armistice Day. It was commemorated in 1921 with the burial of an unknown soldier from World War I at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
November 11 became an official national holiday in the United States in 1938. In 1954 the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor those who had served in all U.S. wars. Ceremonies are held each year at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and floral tributes are placed on the graves of service men and women and at memorials throughout the country. Naturalization ceremonies have come to be an important part of the day’s activities.
In Britain, Canada, Australia, and France, November 11, is observed in honour of the veterans of World Wars I and II. In Britain, the second Sunday of November is observed as Remembrance Sunday, and in Canada November 11 is observed as Remembrance Day. In Britain and the Commonwealth countries and in countries of Europe, it is common to observe two minutes of silence at 11:00 AM on November 11, the time and date of the World War I armistice in 1918.
Poppies have long been associated with World War I memorials through the poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae, and in several countries paper poppies are sold to raise money for the support of veterans and are worn in the lapel as a sign of remembrance.
Different establishments have chosen to provide discounts or free meals to veteran on Veterans Day. Since it could vary at each location and some locations may not participate, it is best to call and confirm the discount first. A military ID, veteran ID card, driver’s license with veteran stamp, DD Form 214, or other proof of service are required to receive the discounts. Based on the list put out by The Military Wallet, the following places are offering free meals or other discounts on Veterans Day, November 11, 2023:
- Applebee’s: offering veterans and active-duty military to enjoy a free meal from a select menu
- Buffalo Wild Wings: veterans and active-duty military can enjoy free boneless wings and fries when dining in
- Chick-fil-a: may honor veterans with special discounts; vary by location, so should check to see what is offered
- Chili’s: honors veterans and active-duty military with a free meal from a select menu
- Circle K: offers free medium coffee to veterans and active military members
- Cracker Barrel: celebrates veterans with a complimentary slice of double fudge Coca-Cola cake
- Dickey’s Barbeque Pit: offering a free pulled pork classic sandwich
- IHOP: offering veterans and active-duty military free Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes
- Little Caesars Pizza: free lunch combo for veterans and active-duty military
- Logan’s Roadhouse: from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. offering veterans and active-duty military a free meal from a special menu
- McDonald’s: inquire at each location if they are offering special discount
- Olive Garden: veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free entrée from the restaurant’s special Veterans Day menu
- Outback Steakhouse: veterans and active-duty military are offered a free bloomin’ onion and Coca-Cola drink
- Red Lobster: veterans, active-duty military, and reservists offered free Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, fries, and coleslaw meal
- Smoothie King: free 20-ounce smoothie offered to those who present valid military ID
- Starbucks: offer veterans, active-duty military, and their spouses a free tall hot or iced coffee
- Subway: some franchises may offer up to half-rate deals for veterans
- Wendy’s: offers free breakfast combo to veterans and active-duty military at participating locations
- Zaxby’s: offers free boneless wings to all current and former military members
