Local businesses honor veterans with Veterans Day ceremonies and meal deals
In honor of the upcoming Veterans Day on Friday, Nov. 11, many local organizations and restaurants are providing a service to honor the veterans who have made sacrifices for our country.
In addition to the ceremonies being held throughout the city, the Globe-News has also compiled local restaurants providing a free meal or discounts for veterans.
BSA Health Systems of Amarillo will host a Veterans Day luncheon in the BSA Hospital Auditorium to honor their veteran employees. During the event, the Tascosa High School ROTC will be presenting the six flags for all branches of the United States military; Reeves Hinger Elementary School students will be singing patriotic-themed songs; and each veteran will be presented with a commemorative shirt and flag lapel pin.
Each service flag of the military will be flown in front of the hospital.
To honor veterans among BSA's patients, a flag will be placed on each of their meal trays as well as hung on their room doors. Beverages, flag lapel pins and yellow ribbons will be distributed to hospital visitors, and at 11:11 a.m., there will be a moment of silence throughout the hospital.
BSA Chief Executive Officer Michael Cruz said in a news release: “The sacrifices, spoken and unspoken, that veterans have made for this country will never be forgotten. ... For our precious freedom, we owe veterans our gratitude today and every day.”
The Texas Panhandle War Memorial Center will host its annual Veterans Day ceremony on Friday, Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to noon at the center located at 4111 S Georgia St.
The event is free and open to the public. It will include the posting of the colors, pledge of allegiance, prayer, flyover, recognition of Gold Star Families, remarks from a featured speaker, salute to the services, and more.
"We learn form our history, and we do not want to forget those things and individuals that came before us to protect the things that we have today. Those men as women that made the decision to serve our country made many sacrifices, and we think it's important to honor them individually and collectively," said Tim Reid, executive director of the Texas Panhandle War Memorial Center.
Reid also spoke of the importance of remembering and honoring veterans through the meals and discounts offered throughout the city and nation.
"Any little bit that can be done for our veterans by the community, whether it's the local restaurants or stores that give discounts or free items, that is always appreciated by the veterans and sometimes needed to help them get through the day," Reid said.
Local meals and deals
Amarillo’s Bubba’s 33 will continue its annual Veterans Day tradition of welcoming veterans and active U.S. military to enjoy free lunch on Friday, Nov. 11, at all locations. For veterans and active military unable to attend this year’s event, the restaurant will distribute raincheck vouchers on Veterans Day, good through May 30, 2023.
According to a news release, the free meal offer runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at Bubba's 33, 2813 W. Interstate 40 in Amarillo. All veterans, including active, retired or former U.S. military, can choose one of six entrees, including a Classic Cheeseburger, Bubba’s Bacon Burger, Bacon Chicken Mac-n-Cheese, Grilled Chicken Salad, Chicken Tender Salad or any 12-inch pizza plus a choice of any Coca-Cola product, sweet tea/ice tea or coffee during lunch. Proof of service includes military or VA card, or discharge papers.
In honor of Veterans Day, many local restaurants and food chains are extending their appreciation and offering discounts or a free meal. Below is a list compiled of some of the many local Veterans Day discounts and meal deals.
Applebee's - Veterans receive a free meal from a select menu on Veterans Day, proof of service required.
Aspen Creek Grill -Veterans receive a free meal from a select menu on Veterans Day, proof of service required.
Buffalo Wild Wings - Veterans and active-duty military who dine in or call for takeout receive a free order of boneless wings and a side of fries on Veterans Day.
Chili's - Veterans receive a free meal on Veterans Day from a select menu.
CiCi's Pizza - Veterans receive a free buffet on Veterans Day, proof of service required.
Cinergy - Veteran receive free movie tickets on Veterans Day, proof of service is required.
Cracker Barrel - Veterans receive a free slice of double fudge Coca-Cola cake with their meal on Veterans Day.
Dickey's BBQ Pit - Veterans receive a free Pulled Pork Sandwich on Veterans Day.
Dunkin' Donuts - Veterans receive a free doughnut on on Veterans Day.
Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers - Veterans receive a free Freddy’s Original Double with Cheese combo meal card, no purchase necessary, redeemable through Nov. 30.
Golden Corral - Veterans are welcome to attend the Veterans Day Military Appreciation Night Dinner to be held on Monday, Nov. 14, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Golden Corral Restaurant, Store #533, 7220 Interstate 40 West, Amarillo. Sponsored by Golden Corral/Disabled American Veterans.
Hooters - Veterans receive a free entrée from a special menu with the purchase of a beverage on Veterans Day, proof of service required.
IHOP - All active duty and veterans receive free red, white and blue pancakes on Veterans Day, available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Little Caesar's - Veterans receive a free lunch combo available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Veteran's Day.
Logan's Roadhouse - Veterans receive a free meal available from a select menu from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Veterans Day, proof of service required.
Olive Garden- Veterans and active-duty service members receive a free entrée from a special menu on Veterans Day. All entrees include Olive Garden’s famous breadsticks, proof of service is required.
On the Border - Veterans, retired and active-duty military receive a free pick-two combo meal on Veterans Day, proof of service is required.
Orange Leaf Veterans Day Deal - Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy half off a cup of froyo available on Veterans Day.
Outback Steakhouse - Veterans receive a free Bloomin' Onion and beverage on on Veterans Day, proof of service is required.
Red Lobster - Veterans receive free Walt's Favorite Shrimp, Fries, and Coleslaw, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Veterans Day, Proof of service is required.
Red Robin - Veterans receive free Red's Tavern Double burger with Bottomless Steak Fries for dine in only customers, proof of service is required on Veterans Day.
Schlotzsky's - Veterans receive free chips and a small drink with an entrée purchase on veterans day, proof of service required.
Scooter's Coffee - Veterans and active duty military receive a free drink on on Veterans Day, proof of service is required.
Starbucks - Veterans, military service members, and military spouses receive a free tall brewed coffee (hot or iced) on Veterans Day.
Texas Roadhouse - Veterans will receive a voucher available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Veterans Day for a complementary meal from a selected menu.
Torchy's Tacos - Veterans and active U.S. military members receive a complimentary taco and beverage on Veterans Day.
Twin Peaks - Veterans receive a free meal from a select menu on Veterans Day.
Wendy's - Veterans receive a free breakfast combo with proof of service during breakfast hours on Veterans Day.
Weinerschnitzel - Veterans receive a free chili dog, small fry, and small drink, on Veterans Day.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Local businesses celebrate Veterans Day with free meals, discounts
