Each year on November 11, Veteran’s Day honors the men and women who have served in the United States Military. According to the US Census Bureau, there are currently more than 21 million military veterans living in the United States. While Memorial Day, each May, remembers deceased service members, Veterans Day is a salute to living, current and former, military members.
Why November 11?
Originally known as Armistice Day, the holiday remembers the treaty (signed at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month) that ended World War I. The name was officially changed to Veterans Day in 1954 by President Eisenhower.
2021 Theme and Celebrations
Each year, the U.S Department of Labor announces a theme for the celebration of Veterans Day. The theme for Veterans Day 2021 is the centennial commemoration of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located at Arlington National Cemetery.
In conjunction with the annual theme, a poster competition is conducted each year. This year’s Veterans Day poster competition challenged artists to evoke elements of the history, legacy, and meaning of the Tomb of the Unknowns during this centennial anniversary
The winning poster was designed by Matt Tavares of Ogunquit, Maine, from an illustration he created for a book called Twenty-One Steps. This picture book, aimed at elementary school children, has a message about the selflessness of the sentinels who guard the Tomb, every minute of every day.
Available for free download at https://wwwa theme the.va.gov/opa/vetsday/
Veterans Day, a federal holiday, is celebrated throughout the country, often with parades and church services. Some schools will be closed on Veterans Day. In many places, the American flag is hung at half mast. A period of silence lasting two minutes is held at 11am.
Local Events
- National Museum of the Great Lakes; free admission to active and retired military on Nov. 11.
- University of Toledo Veterans Day Breakfast, November 11, check Ve://www.utoledo.edu/offices/special-events/upcoming-events.html for more information.
- “Veterans Day” Concert Celebration with the Genoa American Legion Band; November 10th, 11 PM – Thu, Nov 11, 12 AM; 2429 S Reynolds Rd, Toledo, OH; a free concert celebration honoring veterans; refreshments provided.
- Flag Raising Ceremony; Wednesday, November 11, 2020; 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm; The Ironwood Center, 2211 River Rd, Maumee, OH
Free Meals
Many national restaurant chains offer complimentary food items to veterans as a way to say “Thank you.”
- Dunkin’ Donuts: veterans and active-duty military receive a free donut at participating locations, in-store only.
- Olive Garden: veterans and current members of the military who dine in get a free entrée from a special menu.
- Texas Roadhouse: will hand out dinner vouchers at the stores’ parking lots on November 11, from 11am to 2pm. Veterans and active-duty military can redeem these vouchers until June, 2022.
- Applebee’s: Free meal from a special menu, offers can vary.
- Bob Evans: Free meal from Homestyle Favorites Menu.
Discounts
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- Minuteman Car Wash; Vets can get a free car wash at Minuteman Car Wash location on 5020 Monroe St.
- Target; 10% discount for Veterans between November 1 and 11.
- Hollywood Casino: Veterans, active duty military and first responders are eligible for a “myheroes” loyalty card, which entitles them to special discounts.
If you are a veteran, inquire about Veterans Day discounts wherever you go. Not all discounts are advertised, but they do exist.
A Note of Thanks
Veterans and active military have put their lives on the line to protect the United States of America and our democratic freedoms. Take time to thank veterans for their service. Buy a vet a cup of coffee, let them go ahead of you in a line, give a bit for these brave women and men who deserve our respect and gratitude.
