Veterans Day 2008
November 11 is Veterans Day, the national holiday dedicated to honoring all who have served in America’s armed forces.
It was originally known as Armistice Day because the armistice or temporary cessation of hostilities for World War I took effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For a complete history of Veterans Day, visit www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp.
For information on national and regional observances, Veterans Day history, resources for students and teachers or to download the Veterans Day poster, visit www.va.gov/vetsday.
National words for Veterans Day 2008:
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America for Veterans Day 2008.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has issued a Veterans Day message to those who now serve or have served in the armed forces.
Minnesota State Veterans Day Program
In honor of all armed forces veterans of the United States of America, the Commander’s Task Force and Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is sponsoring Minnesota State Veterans’ Day Program at the Inver Grove Heights Veterans Memorial Community Center on November 10th.
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008
Place: Veterans Memorial Community Center, 8055 Barbara Avenue, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
Time: 8:00 am to 9:45 am – Free Buffet Breakfast; 10:00 am – Program
Listed below is other Veterans Day events from around the state.
We will add more as we get the information. If you know an event not listed, e-mail us the information. If you don’t see your community listed, contact your city hall or local Veterans Service Organization such as the American Legion, VFW or others.
Note: Not all the events below are on November 11th.
Events at multiple locations:
Applebee’s
Nov 11 – Note: At this time, it appears that not all Applebee’s are aware of or participating in the event. The Minnesota resturants located in East Grand Forks and Fergus Falls are participating as well as possibly some in the Twin Cities. Call ahead to your local resturant to see if they are participating. For event information see www.applebees.com/VeteransDay.html
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants invite all active duty and veterans to one of 164 participating restaurants nationwide to pull up a chair for a delicious meal and heartfelt thanks this Veterans Day. With gratitude for their service and sacrifice, active duty and veterans will eat free at participating locations on Veterans Day (November 11, 2008) during regular business hours.
Veterans and active duty with proof of United States military service will be able to go to one of the participating Applebee’s and select one complimentary entrée from a selection of delicious favorites: a savory House Sirloin, hearty Riblet Basket, zesty Fiesta Lime Chicken®, a juicy Quesadilla Burger or fresh Oriental Chicken Salad. All the traditional sides are included.
“It’s an honor to host an event that helps the neighborhood come together and say thanks to our veterans and active servicemen and women,” said Mike Archer, President, Applebee’s Services, Inc..
- Proof of military service includes:
- U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card
- U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card
- DD-214
- LES
- Citation or Commendation
- Photograph in uniform
- Veterans Organization Card
Golden Corral
Nov 17 – The 2008 Military Appreciation Monday dinner will be held on Monday, November 17, 2008 from 5 pm to 9 pm in all Golden Corral Restaurants. Visit www.goldencorral.com for locations.
The free “thank you” dinner is available to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to participate in Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Monday dinner.
To date, Golden Corral restaurants have provided over 1.8 million free meals and contributed over $2.53 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization.
Home Depot
Nov 6 / 12 – Veteran’s Day Military Discount 2008 is valid 11/06/2008 through 11/12/2008 and redeemable for a 10% discount on a single receipt in-store purchase at The Home Depot® U.S. stores only. Maximum discount $200. This office Valid In Stores only. For more information, visit www.homedepot.com for more information and locations.
Lowe’s
Nov 6 / 11 – Lowe’s offers a 10% Off for Military Personnel Offer valid for all active, reserve, honorably discharged, and retired military personnel and their immediate families. Must show valid military ID or other proof of service. Offer is good for the purchase of any in-stock or Special Order merchandise only up to $5000 (Maximum discount $500). This discount is valid in the U.S. only. Offer good 11/6/2008 – 11/11/2008. Visit www.lowes.com for more information and locations.
McCormick & Schmick’s
Nov 9 – This resturant continues their tradition of honor veterans with a free complimentary entree from a special menu on Sunday, November 9, 2008. Proper identification is requests when you visit the restaurant. There are locations in Edina and Minneapolis.
Event information
Minnesota restaurant locations
Brainerd
Central Lakes College – Veterans Resource Center
Nov 12 – The Central Lakes College is holding a Grand Reopening of their Campus Veterans Resource Center at 2:00 pm on November 12th. The Resource Center opened in February 2006 and has outgrown its previous location on two occasions. Eighty veterans and family members use the Center on a regular basis accounting for over 800 visits per month. The Center also operates a program to support the military family member.
The presentations, reception, and Re-opening celebration is open to the public. The agenda for the day is as follows:
10:00 to 10:50 am & 12:00 to 12:50 pm – Panel Presentations by both the Mexican-American and Native-American groups. Presentations will be held in the Chalberg Theatre & E203.
1:15 – 2:00 pm – Reception located in “The Cube”
2:00 pm – Ribbon Cutting, located in the CLC Veterans Resource Center
For more information, contact the Higher Education Veterans Programs at 218-855-8278 or the CLC Veterans Resource Center at 218-855-8279
Crookston
Nov 11 – The Veterans Support Club at the University of Minnesota, Crookston, Crookston VFW, American Legion are sponsoring many events during the day. At 7:55 there will be a flag raising ceremony at the flag pole on the Crookston Campus mall. Immediately following there will be refreshments in room 116 of the Kiehle Building. At 9:00 am there will be a special program held in Kiehle Auditorium.
At 11:00 am there will be a ceremony and program at the Veterans Memorial located along Highway 2 on the eastern edge of the city. A free lunch for veterans will follow at the Crookston VFW from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. The American Legion will host a free dinner for veterans from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm.
Duluth
Come Join Us at the Veterans’ Day March
Nov 11 – Veterans’ Memorial Hall (VMH) invites the 27,000 military service members, past and present, of northeast Minnesota to the Veterans’ Day March on Tuesday November 11th, 2008. The march will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the historic Duluth Armory and will end at the historic Duluth Depot (St. Louis County Heritage and Arts Center) at 10:30 a.m. For veterans with limited mobility there will be a series of historic military vehicles providing transportation from the Armory to the Depot. We request that these veterans call 218-722-8763 to reserve a space in a vehicle. There also will be transportation back to the Armory after the City of Duluth Veterans’ Day Ceremony.
At 11:11 a.m. the City of Duluth’s Veterans’ Day ceremony will begin at the St. Louis County Heritage & Arts Center (the Depot). Coffee and cookies will be served. This event is free and open to the general public.
This event has been organized by the Northland Veterans’ Service Committee, which consists of members from the veterans’ community and local veteran-friendly business members. Some of the active participants are the City of Duluth, MAC-V Duluth, Gap West Broadcasting, and Veterans’ Memorial Hall.
For more information Call Durbin Keeney at (218) 722 – 8763
Duluth Embers
Nov 11 – The Hanson family that owns the Duluth Embers on 27th Ave West will be providing free meals to all veterans on Veterans Day. We all want to thank Tom and his family for doing this for the second year to honor all veterans.
Eagan
Nov 11 – Eagan High School to honor Veterans. The students, faculty and staff of Eagan High School would like to cordially invite you to our 2nd Annual Veterans Day Recognition Assembly, November 11, 2008 at 9:00 am in the main gymnasium of Eagan High School. Our hope is to pay tribute to the over 25 million veterans and the millions of active service personnel across the glod who exemplify the true character of the American spirit.
At 8:00 a.m. there will be a social hour with coffee, doughnouts and bagels provided by the EHS student government will be held in our student commons for veterans and thier families.
At 9:00 a.m. there will be a 50 minute assembly with military personnel from the United States Armed Services as well as the Eagan High School student body.
Those planning to attend the assembly but not the social hour prior are still requested to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the program. Parking is plentiful and will be reserved for veterans in our lower student lot. Eagan High School is located off of Hwy I-35E on the corner of Diffley Road and Braddock Trail in Eagan.
Eden Prairie
Nov 9 – Veterans Day Celebration / Memorial Dedication
Purgatory Creek Park
November 9, 2008
11:00 a.m.
Check back for the agenda. We are still organizing this event. Mark your calendars.
www.epveteransmemorial.org
Lakeville
Nov 8 – ‘Veterans Day Ceremony’
Saturday, November 08, 2008 At 11:00 AM
LOCATION: Lakeville Veterans Memorial at Aronson Park
8250 202nd St. W.
11-11:30 a.m.
More details about this event to come.
www.ci.lakeville.mn.us/index.php?option=com_jcalpro&Itemid=1&extmode=view&extid=50
Lilydale
Nov 8 – Veterans Dinner with General Sullivan. This will be a wonderful chance to collectively express that sentiment and share in the camaraderie that goes along with being with our nation’s Soldiers and their families.
Pool & Yacht Club
November 8, 2008
1600 Lilydale Road, Lilydale, Minnesota, 651-455-3500
NCO/Enlisted $25.00 Officer/Civilian $40.00
Corporate Tables of Ten $750.00 (includes Corporate acknowledgement at event)
Attire: Civilians—Business attire (coat and tie); Military Class A or Mess / Dress Blue or service equivalent
R.S.V.P by 25 October 2008 with form below or call Dawn Kelly 651.698.1550, email: dmk37@hotmail.com
Details and directions online at www.vessey5401.org
Marshall
Nov 11 – In Marshall MN there is a Veterans Day event on November 11th which will be held at the Marshall Adult Center. The doors will open at 10:00 am and the program starts at about 10:45 am followed by a FREE luncheon at American Legion Post 113.
That evening American Legion Post 113 is sponsoring a Veterans dinner which is FREE to Veterans and their Spouse/Significant Other. Dinner will begin at 5:30 pm and end at 7:30 pm. For more information please e-mail Jeff Gay (jeff.gay@iw.net), Post Service Officer, or call (507) 530-8378.
Mazeppa
Nov 8 – A veterans dinner will be held on November 8th at the American Legion. This is a combined event for both the local VFW and American Legion. Following dinner, CSM Scott Mills will speak. Dinner starts at 6:30 pm.
Minneapolis
First Universalist Church
Nov 9 – First Universalist Church, 3400 Dupont Ave South, in Minneapolis will commemorate Veterans Day with a special service on Sunday, November 9th featuring Minnesota’s Secretary of State Mark Ritchie preaching at 9 and 11 AM. Celebrating their 150th year, First Universalist members have served in every conflict since the Civil War.
Minneapolis Veterans Home
Nov 11 – A program honoring all Minnesota’s Veterans of all generations will be held at the Minnesota Veteran’s Home in Minneapolis. The event will be held in the auditorium at 2:00 pm on November 11, 2008.
The address is 5101 Minnehaha Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55417.
‘Partners in Peace’ – Armistice Day 90th Anniversary commemoration
Nov 11 – Veterans, family, friends and interested parties are invited. We’ll be in Brit’s Pub’s Long Room, on Nicollet Mall across from Peavy Plaza. Complimentary buffet, a few speeches and period music. Informal event with opportunity to socialize.
Paying special tribute to our allies in Peace and to some of America’s forgotten veterans, the mariners of the United States Merchant Marine. Merchant mariners were first to volunteer for service after the peace in Europe was shattered in 1939. They were first to be lost at sea in WWII, first to be taken prisoner of war, and the last to come home. Merchant mariners only received limited status as military veterans after Congressional action in 1988.
No charge; donations accepted for organizations that help veterans.
Brit’s Pub
1110 Nicollet Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403
7 PM, Tuesday, November 11, 2008
RSVP: 612 – 332 – 8011 extension 123
Sabathani Community Center
Nov 11 – On November 11th, we would like to invite all the men and women who have served their country to attend a recognition ceremony in honor of Veterans’ Day. We encourage veterans to bring their families to this special community event. We will provide food and beverages to all attendees. The ceremony will begin at 11:30 A.M. with lunch served afterwards and community resources to veterans and their families will be available during the entire event.
Sabathani Community Center
310 East 38th Street
Minneapolis
Second floor in the Banquet Center
University of Minnesota
Nov 3 / 7 – As part of Non-Traditional Student Week being held on November 3 – 7, 2008 there will be luncheon and gathering on November 7, 2008 at the Veterans Transition Center (VTC) in Westbrook Hall. The event runs from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.
University of Minnesota
Nov 12 – The annual Veterans Appreciation Day event will be held on November 12, 2008 at the University of Minnesota Armory. The event will be held from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm. Veterans assistance groups will be on hand to provide services.
Rochester
Nov 11 – The 8th Annual Veterans Day program begins at 10:30 a.m. at New Life Worship Center, 6301 34th Ave. N.W., near U.S. 52 and 65th Street Northwest. Brig. Gen. Gerald Lang, deputy commander of the 34th Infantry Division of the Army National Guard will be the guest speaker. The even includes a free breakfast at 8:30 am.
Rosemount
Nov 11 – VFW Post 9433 will be serving a free turkey sandwich, baked beans, salad and a drink from noon until it is gone to all veterans. The post if located at 2625 120th St. W, Rosemount, MN.
St. Cloud
Nov 9 – There will be a Veterans Day Parade on Sunday, November 9th at 1:00 pm. It will begin at the VA Medical Center and end about 1/2 mile later at Apollo High School. Following the parade there will be a social held in the Commons of the High School featuring light refreshments. Come join us to express your appreciation to area veterans for their service.
Nov 11 – St. Cloud City officials and and St. Cloud State University will have a ceremony at the Ritsche Auditorium in Stewart Hall on campus. The event starts at 7:30 pm and will feature speakers and entertainment.
St. Paul
Capitol (St. Paul)
Nov 11 – There will be a ceremony at the Minnesota Vietnam Memorial located in front of the State Capitol. The SSG John K. Weber Chapter XV, 173rd Airborne Brigade Association will be hosting the ceremony. It starts at 11:00 am and will feature color guards, speakers, Civil War re-enactors firing party and music by the St. Paul Central High School Band.
Cathedral of Saint Paul
Nov 15 – There will be a Veterans Day Mass held on Saturday, November 15th from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. The Cathedral is located at 239 Selby Ave. Saint Paul, MN 55102.
Mexican American Post 5
The post will have a Veterans Day commemorative ceremony at 11 a.m. at Neighborhood House, 179 E. Robie St., St. Paul. The program will includes a reading of names of deceased veterans. Refreshments will be served. For more information call Gilbert de la O at (651)-292-0562.
Temple of Aaron Synagogue
Nov 7 – A Veterans Day Service will be held at the Temple of Aaron Synagogue on November 7, 2008 starting at 8:00 pm. The guest speaker will be Lt. Col. John Morris, Chaplain with the Minnesota National Guard. The address is 616 S Mississippi River Boulevard, St. Paul, MN.
West Saint Paul
Nov 7 – St. Croix Lutheran High School invites you to join them for a Veterans Recognition Day. The event starts at 9:00 am with registration and a coffee social. A chapel service starts at 9:45 am. At 10:15 am there will be a ceremony in the gymnasium with guest speaker First Sergeant Jerome R. Bentz, US Army (RET). Pre-register by calling 651.455.1521. St. Croix Lutheran School is located at 1200 Crusader Ave, W St. Paul, MN 55118.
Willmar
Nov 9 / 11 – The annual Veterans Day Observance will be held in Willmar November 9-11, 2008 at the War Memorial Auditorium. All events open to the public. Special guest Brigadier General Jon Trost will speak at 7:30 p.m. on November 11. Contact John Lindstrand for further information.
Warroad
Nov 11 – The public is invited to attend a Veterans Day event at the Warroad High School Gym on 11 Nov. at 10 a.m. The event, which is sponsored by the Warroad American Legion and VFW, will include posting of the colors, national anthem and recognition of veterans.
This year’s special guest speaker will be Jeff Srisourath, who was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in Iraq. Jeff is a 2001 Warroad High School graduate. There will be several musical performances by students of Warroad schools. At 6 PM on the 11th, there will be a free dinner for all veterans of the fights for liberty, and their spouses, at the Warroad American Legion Club.
The objectives of this year’s event are to:
- Welcome home all Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans with a special welcome home to Jeff Srisourath.
- Recognize the sacrifices of all living U.S. veterans, and
- Recognize the sacrifices of other veterans in the fight for freedom and liberty, including the many Laotian veterans who reside in the Warroad area. These veterans fought alongside us against our common enemy over 30 years ago.
Special invitations are extended to all veterans of OIF/OEF and Bosnia operations and to all Laotian veterans who fought in their own battles for freedom.