On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War. Known as “the Great War, ” this was commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year. November 11th became a legal, federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day. This day is dedicated to honor all American veterans of all wars. These hero's, living or dead, who served their country honorably during war or peacetime. Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day. Memorial Day (the fourth Monday in May) honors American servicemembers who died in service to their country during battle.
In the United States, an official wreath-laying ceremony is held each Veteran's Day at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery. Parades and other celebrations are held in towns, cities, and states around the country.
Say, "Thank You!"
If you know a Veteran or their family - take a moment and thank them for their service! Here are some ways businesses across the country are honoring our hero's:
• Get a free haircut. Veterans who visit Great Clips shops on Nov. 11, can either receive a free haircut — or a card for a free haircut to redeem by Dec. 31.
• Eat a free meal. At Hooters, the freebie meal on Veterans Day can be worth up to $10.99, with any drink purchase. Applebee's, Chili's and California Pizza Kitchen all offer free meals from a special menu to vets and active military.
• Eat a free buffet. Golden Corral is serving free dinner buffets (with beverages) from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 17, at all restaurants, to anyone who is serving or who has served in the military. That same date, Bonanza Steakhouses also will offer free buffets for vets and active military.
• Down a free burger. Shoney's offers its signature All-American Burger, free, to vets or active duty military all day on Veterans Day. Or, you can head to Red Robin and get a Red's Tavern Double burger with Bottomless Steak Fries, on the house. Max & Erma's offers a free cheeseburger combo and dessert to vets and active military.
• Drink a free coffee. Starbucks is offering a free, tall brewed coffee on Tuesday to all U.S. military veterans and active duty servicemembers — and their spouses.
• Scarf down free pancakes. IHOP offers vets and active military free Red, White and Blue pancakes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Bob Evans also has all-you-can-eat hotcakes on Veterans Day for veterans and active military.
• Lick a free cone. Handel's Homemade Ice Cream and Yogurt shops are giving away free single-scoop ice cream cones to all veterans and military personnel on Tuesday.
• Work-out for free. 24-Hour Fitness offers free use of the health club to vets and active military through Tuesday.
• Enjoy a free appetizer. Red Lobster, through Thursday, is offering free appetizers to veterans and active duty military.
• Sip a free beer. Restaurants owned by CraftWorks Restaurants & Breweries (including Gordon Biersch Brewery, Rock Bottom, Old Chicago Pizza and ChopHouse & Brewery) offer a free craft beer to active and retired military Tuesday.
• Down a free doughnut — and coffee. Krispy Kreme will give a free doughnut and small coffee to anyone who identifies themselves as a veteran or active duty military on Veterans Day.
• Get free game tokens. Chuck E. Cheese will give 20 free tokens to U.S. military vets and active-duty military through Saturday.
• Get your junk hauled, free. For disabled veterans, JDog Junk Removal & Hauling locations, will offer free junk removal to disabled vets who book on Veterans Day.
There are countless celebrations and events throughout the Triangle on this Veteran's Day - for a list of activities, click HERE.
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