TEXAS, USA — EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above aired on Sept. 11, 2023.
CORRECTION: A previous version of this article had the incorrect days for Chapel Hill and Winona ISDs celebrations.
Veterans Day honors the men and women who made a commitment to serve and protect their country.
The Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, which ended World War I in France but fighting ceased on Nov. 11, 1918. Veterans Day is celebrated on Nov. 11 because it signifies "the war to end all wars."
There are several events honoring and remembering veterans with parades, meals, and shopping discounts across the East Texas area.
Below is a list of events and discounts for veterans:
Celebrations:
Nov. 8
- UT Tyler Military & Veterans Success Center Open House: 5-7 PM at the UT University Center
Nov. 9
- EDEN Film Series Screening and Discussion: "BREAKING": 6 PM at College of Arts & Sciences Bldg, Rm. 158 UT Tyler
Nov. 10
- Watkins-Logan Texas State Veterans Home Parade: Parade begins at 11 AM. There will be food and drinks.
- UT Tyler Military Appreciation Volleyball vs UT Permian Basin: at 6 PM at UT Tyler Herrington Patriot Center
- Veterans Day Celebration: Join the Tyler Area Veterans Chamber Committee as they honor veterans on Fri., Nov. 10 at the Azalea Trails Assisted Living and Memory Care from 3 to 5 PM.
- Chapel Hill ISD Celebrations:
- Jackson Elementary: Veteran's Breakfast 7:30 a.m. - 8 a.m. at the Cafeteria; 8:30 a.m. - 9 a.m. Program
- Kissam Intermediate: Veteran's Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
- Junior High: Hero's Breakfast 7:30 - 8 a.m.; Veteran's Day Program 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. (Gym)
- High School: Veteran's Day Program 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
- Winona ISD Celebration: Honor all who served on Nov. 10 at 10 AM at the Winona High School Gymnasium. Lunch will be served to veterans and guests.
Nov. 11
- Mineola's Veterans Day Parade: Saturday, Nov. 11 at 11:11 A.M. at Broad Street (HWY 80)
- Tyler Chamber of Commerce Veterans Day at noon at the American Freedom Museum in Bullard
Meal discounts:
- Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant: All locations will donate $1 to Honor Flight for each Chile con Queso and Queso Diablo appetizer sold.
- Applebee's: Applebee’s is offering military Veterans and current military personnel a free meal from a select menu on Veterans Day. Proof of service is required.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Will offer a free order of 10 Boneless Wings and Fries for veterans and active-duty service members with valid ID.
- Chicken Salad Chick: Veterans and active military will receive a FREE Chick Special and regular size drink in honor of Veterans Day on Friday, November 11!
- Chili's Grill & Bar: Free meals to veterans on Nov. 11.
- Chipotle: BOGO deal
- Cicis Pizza: Free buffet to military personnel for Veterans Day.
- Cotton Patch Cafe: Veterans and active-duty military will receive a free Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken on Nov. 11.
- Cracker Barrel:
- Denny's: Veterans and military personnel receive a free Original Gran Slam.
- Dunkin' Donuts: Veterans and active-duty military get a free donut of their choice.
- Einstein Bros. Bagels: Veterans and active-duty military get a free hot or iced coffee (any size) with a purchase in-store on Nov. 11.
- Golden Corral: Hosting their Military Appreciation Night on Monday, Nov. 13 from 5 PM to close. This includes a free “thank you” meal when dining in.
- IHOP: Veterans and active-duty military get free Red, White, & Blueberry Pancakes or Pancake Combo on Saturday, Nov. 11 from 7 AM to 7PM.
- Little Caesar: Veterans and active military get a free lunch combo at participating stores nationwide on Nov. 11 from 11 AM to 2 PM.
- Menchie's Frozen Yogurt: Veterans and active-duty military who visit their stores on Veterans Day, get a 6 oz of froyo free with valid ID.
- Olive Garden: Free entrée from a special menu.
- On the Border: Receive a free Pick-2 Combo Meal.
- RA Sushi: Veterans and active-duty military get a free shareable on Nov. 11.
- Red Lobster: Veterans, active-duty military and reservists free printed meal vouchers for Veterans Shrimp & Chips from 11 AM to 4 PM.
- Scooter's Coffee: Veterans a free handcrafted drink of any size on Veterans Day.
- Smoothie King: Active-duty military and veterans receive a free smoothie from one of its three red, white, and blue smoothies at participating locations.
- Starbucks: A free tall (12-ounce) hot or cold brewed coffee for veterans, military service members and military spouses who visit participating U.S. Starbucks stores.
- Texas Roadhouse: All active and retired military or current military veterans, you can dine in or receive a meal voucher on Nov. 11 from 11 AM to 2 PM with a form of Military ID. The voucher is good until May 30, 2024.
- Wendy's: A free breakfast combo offer with valid military ID or a Veterans Advantage card at participating locations.
Retail discounts and freebies:
- Academy Sports & Outdoors: 10% off your entire purchase online or in-store.
- Big Lots!: 10% discount for active military personnel and Veterans who are members of the company’s Big Rewards program.
- Crocs: 25% off all full-proced styles
- Home Depot: Active military, veterans and their spouses enjoy 10% off eligible purchases, up to $400 annually.
- JOANN: A 15% discount at JOANN for Veterans, military members and their families.
- Levi's: A special 15% OFF military discount.
- Mattress Firm: 10-20% off discount.
- Michaels: 15% off entire ourchase including sale items.
- Sherwin-Williams: 15% off on paints, stains and painting supplies. Discount is also extended to the spouse of the veterans.
- Sports Clip Haircuts: Free haircuts on Veterans Day.
- Steve Madden: 25% off discount.
- Too Faced: 20% off cosmetics.
- Walgreens: Veterans, military and their family receive a 20% off eligible regular price items with myWalgreens® in store only.
- Whirlpool-KitchenAid: 15% off discount.