Remember the true meaning of Veterans Day with this stirring look back at World War II. Close Assault 1944 honors the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans by focusing on the history of the 36th Infantry Division of the Texas Army National Guard during World War II. The free program, now in its eighth year, features members of the Texas Military Forces Living History Detachment exhibiting the uniform and equipment worn by the American GI in the European Theater of the Second World War, as well as those of his German opponent. In addition, the two-day event will provide guests the opportunity to witness firing demonstrations of the most famous U.S. and German small arms of World War II, as well as see everything from tents and radio equipment to GI baseball gloves and mess kits and operational vehicles such as an M4 Sherman Tank, M3 Halftrack and Jeeps.
The event will take place rain or shine and bleachers will be available for seating. Souvenirs and concessions will be available. Show times are at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. both days. The 45,000 square-foot Texas Military Forces Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the weekend and on Veterans Day as well. Both the program and admission to the museum are free.
Camp Mabry is open to the public and adults will need to show a valid photo ID such as a driver’s license or a military ID to come on post.
The 61st Annual Veterans Day Parade to honor our nation’s members of the armed services will begin at the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge at 9:30 a.m., after a flyover, and continue to the Capitol building. The Del Valle High School Band will perform and the Memorial Ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m. on the south steps of the Capitol. This year, honor the sacrifice and service of veterans of the Gulf Wars with a tribute to all World War II Veterans, on this 70th anniversary of D-Day. See the program here.
Veterans Day Parade and Event (Cedar Park) – Saturday, November 8, 2014, from 9:30 a.m. – noon
Come honor our veterans and show your patriotic pride at Cedar Park’s Veterans Memorial Ceremony and Parade. Please bring blankets or lawn chairs, as seating is limited. For more information, call 512-401-5500. Veterans Memorial Park, 2525 W. New Hope Dr., Cedar Park, TX 78613.
Veterans Day Parade (San Marcos) – Saturday, November 8, from 8:30 a.m. – noon.
Veterans Day Ceremony (Pflugerville) – Tuesday, November 11, from 11 a.m. – noon. Fallen Warrior Memorial, Pfluger Park, 515 City Park Road, Pflugerville.
More Events for Veterans:
Join the City of Austin for a Veterans Day celebration to raise awareness about Austin-area adaptive outdoor recreation, including rock climbing, fly fishing, paddle and trail sports. The Expo will feature an adventure sports presentation by Gene Rodgers on November 6 from 5-7pm at Camacho Activity Center. On November 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Expo will hold a Capital Area Food Bank Drive and host over twenty vendor booths at Fiesta Gardens (2101 Jesse E. Segovia St.). The first 50 people to bring two canned goods will receive a swag bag of donated goodies!
For more information about the Adaptive Outdoor Sports Expo, please call Sandra Heath at 512-974-3922.
Join Ms. Kristi for a very special storytime at Laura’s Library. You and your preschooler (ages 3-5) are encouraged to bring a loved one who has served, or is serving in the military, to storytime. Together, you will celebrate their service and sacrifice by making a scrapbook page as a way to memorialize their legacy.
Free Admission for Veterans:
Austin Aquarium – Tuesday, November 11, from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. All veterans (active and inactive) get in free! 13530 N HWY 183 #101, Austin.
LBJ Presidential Library – Tuesday, November 11. Active military always receive free admission. On Veterans Day, admission is free for everyone! 2313 Red River Street, Austin.
Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum – Tuesday, November 11. Veterans get in free! 605 Robert E. Lee Road, Austin.
National Parks – Tuesday, November 11. Everyone can enjoy free entrance days at participating National Parks for Veterans Day weekend.
SeaWorld San Antonio – Waves of Honor invites any U.S. active duty military, activated or drilling reservist, or National Guardsman to one complimentary admission per year for military personnel and as many as three direct dependents. Claim complimentary tickets here. Also, for a limited time, qualified service members and veterans which include active, retired, honorably separated officers and enlisted personnel of the U.S. military may purchase up to six tickets at half price. Tickets must be purchased by November 11, 2014 and used by December 21, 2014. Click here to purchase half price tickets.
In honor of Veterans Day, several restaurants are offering free food for veterans and active duty military. To redeem dining deals, veterans and active-duty military will need to show proof of service or military ID. Please click on the links below for more details on each promotion and, as always, give your local restaurant a call to confirm their participation:
Applebee’s – Tuesday, November 11. Veterans can receive a free entrée. Dine-in from a limited menu. Choose from: Three Cheese Chicken Penne, 7 oz House Sirloin, Chicken Tenders Platter, Fiesta Lime Chicken, The American Standard All-In Burger, Oriental Chicken Salad, and Double Crunch Shrimp. Proof of service required. For a participating location near you, contact your local Applebee’s.
California Pizza Kitchen – Tuesday, November 11. All veterans or active duty military personnel will be able to get any pizza from the CPK menu for free (dine-in only). This is just a small way of saying thank you for the tremendous commitment, sacrifice and heroism that service men and women exemplify. Guests must show military ID or other proof of service to participate. Offer valid at participating CPK restaurants, excluding Guam, airport, stadium and university locations.
Krispy Kreme – Tuesday, November 11. Show your military ID or wear your uniform to receive a free doughnut and small coffee.
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks – Sunday, November 10. Veterans are invited to enjoy a free meal from a special menu. All veterans must show official verification. Make your reservation online.
Outback Steakhouse – Tuesday, November 11. Free Bloomin’ Onion and a beverage. In addition, Military Mates will receive 15% off their entire guest check (excluding alcohol, applicable taxes and gratuity) November 12 through December 31, 2014 at any Outback Steakhouse® in the U.S.
Starbucks – Tuesday, November 11. Starbucks is thanking all veterans, active duty service members and spouses with a free tall (12 fl oz) hot brewed coffee. At participating Starbucks® stores. Limit one per customer.
Texas Roadhouse – Tuesday, November 11. If you are a Veteran or Active Military Personnel, bring your military ID, Veterans Affairs Card, or discharge papers to select a free lunch entrée and soft drink/tea from the Veterans lunch menu. Call ahead to see what time the location near you will be serving lunch. (Texas Roadhouse is not usually open for lunch during the week.)
