History of Veterans Day
World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"
The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
A thank you to all service members
If you are a veteran, Thank You for your service to our country and the protection of our freedoms.
If you know a veteran, please take a moment today to thank them for their service. There are again several restaurants that are honoring our nation’s veterans with a free lunch or dinner. Please find a list below of places where you can treat your veteran to a complementary meal.
Applebee’s
Monday, Nov. 11, 2013
Free Thank You Meal menu. Choose from: 7 oz. House Sirloin, Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburger, Three-Cheese Chicken & Sundried Tomato Penne, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Double Crunch Shrimp, Chicken Tenders Platter or Oriental Chicken Salad.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Nov. 9 -11, 2013
Complimentary appetizer, no purchase necessary for military personnel in uniform or w/Military ID.
Chili’s Grill & Bar
Monday, Nov. 11, 2013
Free entree. Choose from Oldtimer with Cheese, Chicken Crispers, Margarita Chicken, Classic Turkey Sandwich, Lighter Choices Grilled Chicken Salad, Soup & Salad Combo, Full Flatbread (any flavor), Pizza (any flavor), Lunch Combos (during lunch hours).
Denny’s
Monday, Nov. 11, 2013
Free All-You-Can-Eat Pancakes
Einstein Bros. Bagels
5:30 am to 5:00 pm
Signature or Classic Bagel and Shmear
Golden Corral
Monday, Nov. 11, 2013
Free dinner buffet (4 pm – 9 pm)
Hooters
Monday, Nov. 11, 2013
Free meal
Little Caesars
Monday, Nov. 11, 2013
Free Crazy Bread
LongHorn Steakhouse
Nov. 11 – Nov. 14, 2013
Complimentary Texas Tonion appetizer and non-alcohol beverage.
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks
Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013
Free entree. Choose from: Salmon Rigatoni, Buttermilk Fried Shrimp, Cedar Planked or Grilled Salmon, Blackened Chicken Fettuccine, Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Beer Battered Fish & Chips, Cashew Crusted Tilapia, Tender Beef Medallions, Romano Chicken Chopped Salad, or McCormick’s Cheeseburger.
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt
Monday, Nov. 11, 2013
Free 6 oz. frozen yogurt
Olive Garden
Monday, Nov. 11, 2013
Complimentary entree from a special menu, including Venetian Apricot Chicken, Sausage & Peppers Rustica and Spaghetti with Meat Sauce. Family dining with the service member receive a 10-percent discount on their meals as well. All entrees include freshly baked garlic breadsticks and choice of homemade soup or garden fresh salad. Olive Garden is also offering 10% discount for current members of the military and their families during the month of November.
Outback Steakhouse
Monday, Nov. 11, 2013 – Free Bloomin’ Onion and beverage; Nov. 12 through Dec. 31, 2013 – 10 percent off meals
Red Lobster
Nov. 11 – Nov. 14, 2013
Complimentary appetizer from a list of 10 delicious options, including New! Crispy Fried Green Beans, Lobster-Crab-and-Seafood-Stuffed Mushrooms and Sweet Chili Shrimp.
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers
Monday, Nov. 11, 2012
Free Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries
Texas Roadhouse
Monday, Nov. 11, 2013
Free Lunch (includes choice of Coca-Cola product, Iced Tea/Sweet Tea or coffee)
Choose from: 6 oz. Sirloin Steak with two sides, Country Fried Chicken with two sides, Country Fried Sirloin with two sides, Pulled Pork Dinner with two sides, Grilled Pork Chop (Single) with two sides, All-American Cheeseburger with fries, BBQ Chicken Sandwich with fries, Pulled Pork Sandwich with fries, Grilled Chicken Salad, or Chicken Critter Salad.
TGI Friday’s
Nov. 11, 2013
Free lunch (11 am to 2 pm)
