How To Commemorate Veterans Day In Washington
WASHINGTON — Veterans Day, a federal holiday, is held yearly on Nov. 11. It honors all American veterans and military.
Originally called Armistice Day, the holiday was created at the end of World War I to recognize those who fought in “the war to end all wars,” according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Its origin is tied to the armistice, a temporary end of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany signed in France on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
It became Veterans Day in 1954, shortly after the end of the Korean War and less than a decade after World War II, after various veterans service organizations urged Congress to encompass veterans of all wars in their honor.
Veterans Day is somewhat related to, and sometimes mistaken for, Memorial Day, the federal holiday on the final Monday of May that is dedicated to those who have died while serving the United States in war.
In Washington, there are a few ways to honor service members Wednesday, but most traditional ceremonies will not take place due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Veterans Day commemorations:
Veterans Day Reverse Parade (Mill Creek)
Due to COVID-19 precautions, this year's parade will be done in "reverse." Drivers are invited to view displays of military memorabilia from their vehicles along a short route along Main Street. The city will also stream a ceremony on its website and social media platforms.
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 11Route: Main Street (between 155th Street and 153rd Street). View more information online.
Tahoma National Cemetary Virtual Wreath Laying (Kent)
The annual ceremony at Tahoma National Cemetary will not take place this year, but a virtual wreath-laying is scheduled Wednesday morning with remarks by Rep. Kim Schrier. The cemetary will broadcast live on its Facebook page at 11:11 a.m. Visitors are welcome, as usual, from dawn to dusk.
Virtual Veterans Remembrance Ceremony (Auburn)
Auburn will stream a virtual remembrance ceremony, including pre-recorded clips from previous years, on all its social media channels beginning at 11 a.m.
Local viewers can also watch on channel 21.
Museum of Flight Virtual Celebration (Seattle)
The Museum of Flight will broadcast a Veterans Day presentation, featuring a keynote speech from WWII Veteran and B-17 pilot Dick Nelms. The speech is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and can be viewed on the museum's YouTube channel.
Veterans Day discounts and specials
With most ceremonies, parades and presentations are canceled this year, restaurants and other businesses will continue to show their appreciation for veterans and active military members.
Applebee’s and Chili’s Grill and Bar are among the national restaurant chains offering free or discounted meals for veterans on Nov. 11. Starbucks is offering a free tall coffee for vertans, active service members and their spouses, and 7-Eleven is offering a free cup of coffee or Big Gulp.
Here are a few other perks:
Washington State Parks: Veterans Day is one of the dozen free days, where an entrance fee or Discover Pass is not required for entry for all visitors.
National Parks: Beginning Wednesday, U.S. military veterans and Gold Star Families will have free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks, wildlife refuges and forests. Under the new program, visitors can present a Department of Defence identification card, Veteran Health Idenfidication Card, Veteran ID Card or a driver's license with a veterans designation in lieu of payment.
Safeway: 10 percent military discount on grocery bills through Nov. 26
Ivar's: Free entrees for veterans and active service members.
Qdoba: 50 percent off all entrees on Nov. 11.
TacoTime: Free meals for veterans, up to $10.
Little Caesars: Free lunch combos between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wednesday.
Krispy Kreme: Free donut and small hot or iced coffee.
Denny's: Free "Build Your Own Grand Slam" until noon.
Buffalo Wild Wings: Free order of 10 boneless wings and fries.
Veterans Day closures
Since Veterans Day is a federal holiday, many traditional closures will be in place, including most banks and credit unions, government offices, post offices and public libraries. Garbage pickup will continue as scheduled.
This article originally appeared on the Seattle Patch
