Events and deals to honor veterans on Veterans Day

By: Melissa Hudson

Posted: Nov 8, 2019 2:53 PM EST | Updated: Nov 11, 2019 11:56 AM EST

Here's a brief roundup of the local events, free meals and deals available to veterans and active duty military on Veterans Day, November 11.

History Museum and Studebaker National Museum

On Monday, November 11, in honor of Veterans Day, The History Museum and the Studebaker National Museum are offering free admission to all veterans and those currently serving in the Armed Forces and their families. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guided tours of the Oliver Mansion are limited and take place at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m.

Veterans Plaza flag raising, ribbon cutting ceremony and time capsule

Mishawaka flag raising and ribbon cutting ceremony for Veterans Plaza in Battell Park. Following the ceremony, a time capsule will be opened. The ceremony will be held November 11 at 3:30 p.m.

Free admission to Ruthmere Museum campus

Ruthmere Museum, 302 East Beardsley Avenue and 102 West Beardsley, Elkhart - On Sunday, November 10th in observance of Veterans Day all active-duty military personnel will be admitted free to Ruthmere Museum Campus.

Free admission to Indiana parks

All veterans and active-duty military personnel, and everyone in their vehicle, will be admitted free to DNR state parks, reservoir properties, state forest recreation areas and state off-road vehicle riding areas on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

Free meals or deals for Veterans on November 11

Amazon - Amazon is offering 33% off a year of Prime for veterans and active duty military. Click here for more information

Applebees - All active military members and veterans receive a free meal from select menu. Click here for more information

Bob Evans - Veterans and active duty military personnel will receive one free item from a select menu. Click here for more information

Carabbas - All veterans, active duty military, and first responders receive a free calamari - and 10% off on all future visits.

Chilis - Free meal for veterans and active military members receive a free meal from a select menu. Click here for more information

Chipotle - Show your U.S. Military ID on November 11 for a buy-one, get-one free entrée. In-restaurant only. Click here for more info Click here for more information

Cicis - Show your military ID and receive a free adult buffet on November 11. Click here for more info

Cracker Barrel - On Veterans Day, November 11, all U.S. Military Veterans and active duty military receive a complimentary Pumpkin Pie Latte (available iced or hot) or a slice of our Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola^® Cake at all Cracker Barrel locations to thank them for their service and sacrifice for our country. Click here for more info

Dunkin Donuts - On Monday, November 11, veterans and active duty military will receive a free donut of their choice, no purchase necessary. Click here for more information Click here for more info

Golden Corral - On Military Appreciation Night, November 11, any person who has served in the US military can receive a free "thank you" dinner. Click here for more info

IHOP - Veterans and active duty military will receive a free red, white, and blueberry pancake combo. Click here for more information Click here for more info

Little Ceasars - Veterans and active duty members of the military will receive one $5 Hot-N-Ready lunch combo between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on November 11. Click here for more information

Logan's Roadhouse - Veterans or active duty military can eat free from 3 - 6 p.m. Click here for more information

Outback - Veterans and active duty military members will receive 20-percent off from November 8 - 11. Click here for more information

Red Lobster - Free appetizer or dessert for veterans, active duty military or reservists. Click here for more information

Red Robin - Veterans and active military receive a free Tavern Double Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries. Click here for more information

Target - 10% military discount on one purchase between Nov. 3-11 for all military personnel, veterans and their families in stores and online. Click here for more information

Veterans Day Fast Facts

(CNN) -- Here's a look at Veterans Day, a holiday honoring men and women who have served in the US armed forces. Observed annually in the United States on November 11.

Facts

Celebrated annually on November 11, the anniversary of the end of World War I.
There are 19.2 million veterans in the United States, according to the most recent statistics available.
There are 1.9 million female veterans.
There are more than 9 million veterans over the age of 65.

Timeline

November 11, 1918 - The armistice ending World War I begins at 11 a.m.

1919 - President Woodrow Wilson proclaims November 11 as Armistice Day.

November 11, 1921 - The first Unknown Soldier is reburied at Arlington National Cemetery. The tomb has the words inscribed, "Here rests in honored glory An American Soldier Known but to God."

May 13, 1938 - Armistice Day becomes a federal holiday.

June 1, 1954 - President Dwight Eisenhower signs a bill changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day in order to include all US veterans.

May 30, 1958 - Unknown Soldiers from World War II and the Korean War are reburied next to the Unknown Soldier from World War I.

1968 - Congress changes the date of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October in order to give federal employees a three-day weekend. The change begins in 1971.

September 25, 1975 - President Gerald Ford changes the date of Veterans Day back to November 11. The change begins in 1978.

May 28, 1984 - An unknown soldier from the Vietnam War is reburied in Arlington National Cemetery. In 1998, he is identified through DNA tests as Michael Blassie, a 24-year-old pilot shot down in 1972 on the border of Cambodia.