Some may say Veterans Day is perhaps the quietest and lowest-key of American holidays. As pointed out by a columnist in Fayetteville, Georgia’s Fayette Daily News, the weather isn’t conducive to Memorial Day or Labor Day style barbeques; the kids still have to go to school and most of us will still go to work. Most of us will not be invited to a “Veterans Day Dinner” or turn on the television to watch a special Veterans Day Parade or sporting event. It may be hard for most of us to know how to celebrate this most solemn holiday.
Fortunately, in our work, we often have the opportunity to help veterans find care in the later years of their lives. For Veterans who served in war time, there are certain benefits to which they are entitled for care and housing. We often consult with elders and their families on how to connect to and utilize these resources. However, our work serves only a small portion of the 23.2 million veterans in the United States.
We are hoping you will join us this Veterans Day in supporting the brave men and women who have served our country by sharing the information below. We have compiled a list of free or discounted offers being made by vendors in Massachusetts and around the nation for dining, shopping and entertainment on or around November 11th, 2009. Please pass this along to anyone you know who has served or is serving our country, along with our gratitude. (To qualify for most offers, individuals must present a valid military ID or other proof of service.)
RESTAURANTS
Applebee’s Restaurants, Nationwide
Date: Wednesday, November 11th, all day
Veterans and active duty military members who present proper ID will eat free on Veterans' Day at Applebee's. For information on proper identification and to find a location near you visit http://www.applebees.com/vetsDay/default.aspx.
Boston Market, Nationwide
Date: Every day, including November 11th
This offer isn't exclusive to Veterans Day; as a matter of fact, this has been around since the spring. Veterans and those active in the military can receive 20% off at any Boston Market by showing their Veterans Advantage membership card. http://www.bostonmarket.com/locations
Golden Corral Restaurants, Nationwide
(The only Massachusetts location is 436 Parker Street, Springfield, MA).
Date: Monday, November 16th, 5:00-9:00 PM
The Golden Corral's annual Military Appreciation Monday dinner is offered to anyone who has served in the military (retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard or Reserves).
http://goldencorral.com/military/
Krispy Kreme, Nationwide
Date: November 11th, all day
Veterans and active military personnel are invited to visit any participating U.S. Krispy Kreme store on Veterans Day, November 11, and enjoy one free doughnut of any variety.
Outback Steakhouse, Nationwide
Date: November 11th
All Veterans will receive a free drink and Bloomin' Onion
http://www.outback.com/companyinfo/veteransday2009.aspx
Uno Chicago Grill(® ), Nationwide
Date: November 11th
This Veteran's Day, UNO(®) invites all members of the military, both veterans and active duty, to enjoy a free entree or individual pizza with the purchase of an entree or pizza of equal or greater value. http://www.unos.com/index.html
ENTERTAINMENT
Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston, MA
Date: November 12th
In honor of Veterans Day, the Boston Symphony Orchestra will offer complimentary tickets for active members of the military for the orchestra’s concert.
(888)-266-1200, http://www.bso.org/bso/index.jsp?id=bcat5220002
Boston Harbor Cruises - Fort Cruise
Date: November 11th
Join Department of Conservation and Recreation and National Park Service rangers on this special cruise highlighting the military history of Boston Harbor, with stops to tour Fort Warren on Georges Island and Fort Standish on Lovells Island. Veterans sail for FREE and tickets for family members and the general public are $10.00. Reservations are required and can be made online at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/87454
http://www.bostonislands.org/VeteransDay_Flier_2009.pdf
Kings Restaurant and Bowling, Boston, MA
Date: November 10th, noon till 4:00 PM
Veterans and their families are invited to an afternoon of free bowling, free food, and entertainment.
50 Dalton Street, (617)-266-2695, http://www.kingsbackbay.com/bowling/
Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), Boston, MA
Date: November 11th
FREE Community Day sponsored by Bank of America from 10 am to 9:45 pm offering free admission to the entire Museum.
465 Huntington Ave., (617)-267-9300, http://www.mfa.org/calendar/sub.asp?key=12&subkey=8280
National Parks Honor America’s Armed Forces, Nationwide
Date: November 11th
Free Admission on Veterans Day. To learn more about how national parks preserve and commemorate the service of the American military, visit Honor America’s Veterans at Battlefields and Military Parks Preserved in the National Park System. Or search for a close-to-home national park by clicking on “refine your search” and entering your zip code in the park finder.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/federal-eye/2009/11/fees_waived_at_national_parks.html
Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth, MA
Date: November 11th
The Plantation invites all Veterans and active military to the museum today, as our guests, for FREE! Family members receive a special discount too, of $4 off adult and $2 off child combination tickets to Plimoth Plantation and Mayflower II. We thank you for your service!
http://www.plimoth.org/calendar/index.php?ev=2455147&mo=11&yr=2009
SHOPPING
Build-A-Bear Workshop®, Nationwide
Date: November 11- 15th
Build-A-Bear Workshop® is showing support for all military families in honor of Veterans Day. Members of the armed services including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Reserve Officer Training Corps will receive a 20% discount on any one transaction at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores with the presentation of a government issued military identification card.
www.BuildABear.com.
Cabela's, Nationwide
Date: November 11-12th
Cabela's is having a Hometown Heroes Celebration by offering Employee Discounts to Military Personnel, Veterans, Law Enforcement, Firemen and EMS.
http://www.mdva.state.mn.us/Events/veteransday2009/CabelasHometownHereosCelebration2009.pdf
Home Depot, Nationwide
Date: November 5th- 11th
A Special Thanks for Your Military Service - 10% discount for active duty personnel, reservists, retired military veterans, and their families. SAVE Up to $200 in store on single-receipt purchases.
Lowe's Companies, Inc. , Nationwide
Date: November 6-11th
Lowe’s will offer all active, reserve, honorably discharged retired military personnel and their immediate family members a 10% discount on in-store U.S. purchases. The discount is available on in-stock and special order purchases up to $5,000.
www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck/lowes-veterans-day-discount.asp .
Viva Amore Bridal Salon, Watertown & Boston, MA
Date: November 10-13th
Viva is offering Free Wedding Gowns to honor Military personnel who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan, or whose fiancées are on active duty. To qualify, brides must be engaged, on active duty in the military, or have a fiancé on active duty in either Iraq or Afghanistan. All military brides must show ID, copy of deployment papers, orders or other qualifying proof. Brides do not have to reside in the area where the giveaway is taking place.
http://www.vivaamoreboutique.com/
