Wednesday, November 11, 2015 is Veterans Day, a day to honor all those who have served our country. Check out our list of events celebrating our nation’s boldest and bravest, and make sure you thank the service men and women in your life!
Close Assault at Camp Mabry
November 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Texas Military Force Museum at Camp Mabry, 2200 W 35th St., Austin
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 a.m. and 2 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.
San Marcos Veterans Day Parade
November 7 from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. | San Marcos Activity Center, 501 East Hopkins, San Marcos
FREE breakfast, kids bike brigade, performances, and a main parade.
Veterans Memorial Parade and Ceremony
November 7 at 9:30 a.m. | Veterans Memorial Park, 2525 W. New Hope Drive, Cedar Park
Come honor our veterans and show your patriotic pride at the Veterans Memorial Ceremony and Parade. Please bring blankets or lawn chairs, as seating is limited. For more information, call (512) 401-5500. UPDATE: The parade has been canceled and the ceremony has moved indoors. It will now be held in the Cedar Park Recreation Center, located at 1435 Main Street, starting at 11 a.m.
Leander Veterans Day Celebration
November 7 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Leander VFW, 8760 RR 2243, Leander
Join in on the Veterans Day Celebration event hosted by the City of Leander and the Leander VFW Post 10427. BBQ plates will available for purchase, indoor/outdoor bar, Live Auction, Vendors, Veterans Service Groups, Childrens Activities, and more. There will also be live music provided by Code Blue.
Central Texas Veterans Celebration
November 8 at 2:30 p.m. | LifeAustin, 8901 W Hwy 71, Austin
Hundreds of veterans and their families from around Central Texas will gather to celebrate their service to our great country. Music, speakers, food trucks and a special offering will be taken for Celebration of Love, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping Central Texas military and their families through hard times. Gates open at 1:30 p.m. FREE hot dogs and special gifts for all military personnel.
Veterans Day Parade in Downtown Austin
November 11 at 9:30 a.m. | Parade will proceed up Congress Ave. to the Texas State Capitol
See Capitol South Step Entertainment, the Del Valle High School Cardinal Band, and more. Parade Ends at 11th and Congress Ave. The Department of Veterans Affairs’, Veterans Day National Committee has selected Travis County and the City of Austin as a NATIONAL REGIONAL SITE for this 2015 Veterans Day celebration. This marks America’s 62nd Annual Veterans Day event. The Memorial Ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. on the south steps of the State Capitol. The theme this year will be honoring the 70th Anniversary of the end of WWII (1941-1946), 40th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War (1964-1975) and a Tribute to the 60th Anniversary of the end of the Korean War (1950-1955).
Pflugerville Annual Veterans Day Ceremony
November 11 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Fallen Warrior Memorial in Pfluger Park, 515 City Park Road, Pflugerville
Annual recognition ceremony held at the Fallen Warrior Memorial in Pfluger Park where it meets Gilleland Creek Park, east of the gazebo.
Round Rock Veterans Day Ceremony
November 11 at 11 a.m. | Veterans Park, 600 Pecan Ave., Round Rock
There will be a presentation of colors, acknowledgement of military veterans, patriotic music and dedication of recognition plaques for the Veterans Monument, dedicated at the park in May. All veterans and members of the community are welcome to attend.
Georgetown Veterans Day Ceremony
November 11 at 11 a.m. | Georgetown-Williamson County Veterans Memorial Plaza, 2 Texas Drive, Georgetown
Each year, the Sun City Texas Community Association is proud to host the annual Veterans Day Ceremony at the Georgetown-Williamson County Veterans Memorial Plaza. This ceremony is an opportunity for the Central Texas community to honor those men and women who have served and continue to serve in our U.S. Military Forces.
Bastrop Veterans Weekend Car Show
November 13 and 14 | 1000 Main Street, Bastrop
Held in historic downtown Bastrop, Texas, the Bastrop Veteran’s Weekend Car Show features a “cruise-in” Friday night and Saturday’s Car Show. Friday Evening “Cruise-In” on Main Street: Part of Main Street blocked off for classic car “cruise-in” when participants and the public can enjoy viewing the cars, live music and dining at downtown area restaurants. Participants may also register for the Saturday Car Show downtown Friday evening. Saturday Car Show: Cars will be parked along the full length of Main Street downtown for the Car Show. There are 16 classes plus Best of Show, Best Veteran’s Car, People’s Choice and more. Awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each class. Space limited to 400 cars. Awards: 3 p.m. The public is especially invited to attend the Veterans’ Ceremony Saturday beginning at 10:30 am to honor all veterans.
Free Admission for Veterans Day:
State Parks – November 8. Entry to all Texas State Parks is FREE on Sunday, in honor of Veterans Day.
National Parks – November 11. Check this list for participating National Parks where everyone can enjoy FREE entry on Veterans Day.
LBJ Presidential Library – November 11 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Active military can always visit for FREE. On Veterans Day, admission is FREE for everyone! 2313 Red River St., Austin.
Inner Space Cavern – November 11. Inner Space invites all veterans and active duty to explore the cavern for FREE on Veterans Day! Family and friends of military will receive $2 off each admission ticket!
Little Land Pediatric Therapy and Play Gym – November 11. Active duty and retired military members are invited to bring their kids in to play for FREE! Just bring verification of military service.
UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum – Admission for active military members and their families is always FREE! 605 Robert E. Lee Rd., Austin.
Sea World San Antonio – Waves of Honor permits 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 to SeaWorld San Antonio. Offer expires December 31, 2015. Active duty service member must provide military ID.
iPic – November 11. Veterans will receive one FREE premium ticket with a valid Military ID. Offer is not available online. 3225 Amy Donovan Plaza (The Domain), Austin.
Moviehouse & Eatery – November 11. Active duty and retired military are welcome to enjoy a FREE movie.
Free Food for Veterans:
In honor of Veterans Day, several restaurants are offering free food for veterans and active duty military. You will need to show a valid military ID or proof of service. Check links and/or call before you go, to confirm participation.
Applebee’s – November 11. Veterans can receive a FREE meal from a limited menu. Beverage and gratuity not included.
California Pizza Kitchen – November 11. California Pizza Kitchen is offering a FREE entree to veterans and active duty military members this Veterans Day. Choose from a special Veterans Day Menu.
Carrabba’s – Through November 15. Veterans and active duty military can get a FREE appetizer. Military ID required.
Chili’s – November 11. All veterans and active duty servicemen and women can get a FREE meal. Beverages not included. Must show proof of military service.
Cracker Barrel – November 11. All veterans receive a FREE piece of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake.
Denny’s – November 11 from 5 a.m. – noon. This Veterans Day, Denny’s would like to say thank you to all American Veterans. Enjoy a FREE Build Your Own Grand Slam Breakfast with a valid Military ID.
Golden Corral – November 11 from 5-9 p.m. Any person who has served in the US Military (retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard or Reserves) will receive one FREE meal. Check this link for a location near you.
IHOP – November 11 from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Participating IHOP restaurants throughout the United States will serve a stack of Red, White & Blue pancakes – buttermilk pancakes crowned with glazed strawberries, blueberry compote and whipped topping – FREE for Veterans and Active Duty Military on Veterans Day. Veterans and Active Duty Military simply show proof of military service to receive their free Red, White & Blue pancakes. Proof includes: US Uniformed Services ID Card, US Uniformed Services Retired ID Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), veterans organization card (i.e. American Legion, VFW, etc.), photograph of yourself in US military uniform, wearing uniform, DD214, military dog tags, and citation or commendation.
Krispy Kreme – November 11. A FREE doughnut and small coffee will be given to anyone who identifies themselves as a veteran or active military personal (no ID required) on Veterans Day.
Olive Garden – November 11. Veterans and active duty military can receive a FREE entrée from a special menu. Family members will receive 10% off. Beverages not included. Must show proof of military service.
Outback Steakhouse – November 11. Outback Steakhouse is honoring America’s military veterans by offering active duty military and veterans a FREE Bloomin’ Onion and a non-alcoholic beverage. This offer is available to military personnel and veterans with ID.
Red Lobster – Through November 12. Active duty and veterans can get a FREE appetizer or dessert from a limited menu.
Red Robin – November 11. On Veterans Day all veterans and active duty can get a FREE Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries, at participating Red Robin locations. Proof of service required.
Sirloin Stockade – November 11 from 4 p.m. to close. Active or inactive military personnel can receive a FREE buffet and drink, with military ID or proof of service. 1723 N. I-H 35, Round Rock.
Starbucks – November 11. As a thank you to active duty service members, veterans and military spouses, receive a tall (12 fl oz) hot brewed coffee for FREE.
Texas Roadhouse – November 11. Veterans can receive a FREE lunch meal and drink from a special menu.
