Category Archives: Veterans Day

Veterans Day 2023 — Saturday, November 11.

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Veterans Day 2023 occurs on Saturday, November 11

Veterans Day is a U.S. legal holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars. The day pays tribute to all American veterans—living or dead—but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.
In 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I, then known as “the Great War.”

Commemorated in many countries as Armistice Day the following year, November 11th became a federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became known as Veterans Day.

As the nation prepares to observe Veterans Day this year, USAA hopes to challenge the nation to go beyond simple gratitude to create real, positive impacts in the veteran community.

A new survey sponsored by USAA reveals disparities between young military/veterans and their older counterparts in how they prefer to be recognized for their service.

In response to these findings, this Veterans Day, USAA is introducing a new campaign hosted that encourages Americans to “Go Beyond Thanks” to honor our military and veterans by going beyond simple gratitude to create real, positive impacts in the community this holiday and every day.
#GoBeyondThanks

Veterans Day 2022 – “Honor” 

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Veterans Day 2022 is Friday, November 11.

Every year around Veterans Day, restaurants and businesses offer Veterans Day discounts, meals or other ways businesses and organizations want to give back to Veterans.

Veterans Day discounts, free meals and other programs are available to Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors. Below are several offers:

  • Starbucks – November 11, 2022: On Veterans Day, active-duty service members, Reservists, Veterans and military spouses are invited to enjoy a free tall (12-ounce) hot brewed coffee at participating Starbucks stores. And new this year, Starbucks is expanding this offer to include a free tall (12-oz) iced coffee.
  • California Pizza Kitchen – November 11, 2022: Veterans and active-duty military with a valid ID can grab a free meal and non-alcoholic drink from a pre-selected menu at California Pizza Kitchen for dine-in or takeout.
  • Applebee’s – November 11, 2022: Veterans and active-duty military can select a free meal from a limited menu on Veterans Day. Proof of service required
  • Golden Corral – November 14, 2022: Military Appreciation Night will be held on Monday, November 14 from 5pm – close. Golden Corral will once again be honoring our military heroes with a free “thank you” meal.

The theme for Veterans Day 2022 is “Honor.”  Veterans are proud of their military service in defending our Nation.  Honor reflects the military value and tradition of answering the call to duty.  There is distinct honor in serving to protect our way of life and the Constitution of the United States of America.  We encourage artists to consider Veteran history of service to our Nation and the honor we owe them for fulfilling patriotic duties.

To honor and thank Veterans for giving so much in service to America and protecting the freedoms of others around the world, the Veterans Day National Committee hosts a Veterans Day observance each year on November 11 at Arlington National Cemetery. The ceremony commences precisely at 11:00 a.m. with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and continues inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by Veterans’ organizations and remarks from dignitaries.

References:

  1. https://news.va.gov/109711/veterans-day-discounts-free-meals/

Veterans Day 2021

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Veterans Day is a time to honor and to pay our respects to those who have served in the U.S. military.

Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, originally honored the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. In legislation that was passed in 1938, November 11 was “dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day.'” As such, this holiday honored World War I veterans.

In 1954, after the country had been through both World War II and the Korean War, the holiday was changed to “Veterans Day” in order to account for all veterans in all wars.

References:

  1. https://www.military.com/veterans-day
  2. https://www.military.com/veterans-day/history-of-veterans-day.html

USS Doris Miller (CVN 81) — Aircraft Carrier

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U.S. Navy named its newest aircraft carrier USS Doris Miller (CVN 81).

USS Doris Miller (CVN 81) will be the first aircraft carrier named for an enlisted Sailor and the first named for an African American.

Most supercarriers are named for U.S. presidents — the USS John F. Kennedy. USS Ronald Reagan. USS Abraham Lincoln. Henry Kissinger called them “100,000 tons of diplomacy,” and that power has long been reflected in the Navy’s conventions for naming them.

Doris Miller, who went by “Dorie” in the Navy, was one of the first American heroes of World War II.  He saved the lives of his USS West Virginia (BB 48) shipmates and then valiantly fought attacking Japanese forces during the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor.

During the attack and as his battleship, the USS West Virginia, was sinking, he helped move his dying captain to better cover, then jumped behind an anti-aircraft gun and shot at Japanese planes until his ammunition was gone.

For his bravery, he was awarded the Navy Cross—the first African American to receive this honor.

Almost two years after his valor at Pearl Harbor, Miller loss his life when the ship he was assigned was sunk during battle.

For more information:  https://www.npr.org/2020/09/29/917816651/a-military-first-a-supercarrier-is-named-after-an-african-american-sailor

Reference:

  1. https://www.history.navy.mil/news-and-events/multimedia-gallery/infographics/heritage/the-history-of-doris-miller.html

Veterans Day Deals and Freebies

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Veterans Day 2020 is on Wednesday, November 11th, 2020.

Veterans Day 2020 freebies, deals and discounts are sure to bring a little joy to someone who protected the freedoms and ideal we hold so dear.

Some Veterans Day deals are subject to change and that individual locations’ participation may vary; valid ID is required for most deals and that some, but not all, are also open to active duty military as well.

The full list of military discounts has you covered. If you’re looking for a well-deserved meal, this list of restaurants offering free meals for veterans is just what you’re looking for. Restaurants including Applebees, Chilis, Red Robin, Friendly’s and Buffalo Wild Wings are just a few of the places offering Veterans Day meals, while you can find other 2020 Veterans Day deals and great freebies at places like Starbucks and Red Lobster.

Veterans Day discounts and meals are ways businesses and organizations give back to Veterans. These Veterans Day discounts, free meals and other programs are being shared so that Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors are aware of all what available to them. 

Due to COVID-19, some organizations are now offering discounts to Veterans all the time instead of their regular Veterans Day discounts. These adjustments help Veterans take advantage of the discounts offered while avoiding the usual Veterans Day crowds.

Golden Corral

Golden Corral will hand out free meal and beverage cards to all active duty and veterans from Nov. 1-30. The card will be valid for use once from Nov. 1, 2020 through May 31. 2021 for lunch or dinner, Monday through Thursday

Veteran Identification Card (VIC)

Veterans can benefit from discounted goods and services with the Veteran ID Card (VIC), even if they are not yet enrolled in VA. Veterans only need to carry the wallet-sized VIC as proof of Veteran status, rather than other documentation, such as their DD-214 form. VA can also connect VIC-holding Veterans to other benefits and services for which they may be eligible. Apply for the VIC now! 

References:

  1. https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/80347/veterans-day-2020-discounts/
  2. https://parade.com/1109400/jessicasager/veterans-day-freebies/#:~:text=1%20Applebee’s.%202%20Arooga’s%20Grille%20House%20%26%20Sports,Pizza.%2010%20Cotton%20Patch%20Cafe.%20More%20items…%20