Copyright Norfolk Virginian-Pilot
Congress originally set aside Nov. 11 as Armistice Day to recognize those who fought in World War I. It was on Nov. 11, 1918, at the 11th hour that the end of the war took effect. In proclaiming the day in 1919, President Woodrow Wilson said the day’s reflections “will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory.” The original concept included public gatherings, parades and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11 a.m. when the armistice took effect. Congress made the day official in 1926, and in 1938 it was made a federal holiday, which it continues to be. Through the efforts of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was the supreme allied commander in Europe during World War II, Congress renamed the holiday Veterans Day to honor veterans of both world wars and the Korean War. While many other holidays are now celebrated on the weekend nearest the specific date, Veterans Day continues to be commemorated on Nov. 11 regardless of the day of the week and now pays tribute to all American military veterans, living or dead, but particularly the living. The day, which this year falls on Tuesday, is marked with ceremonial events throughout the country. Many restaurants and retail stores offer special discounts or offer free meals to veterans and active-duty military personnel as a token of thanks and appreciation. In the Williamsburg area, veterans can take advantage of a variety of programs. Free admission at Colonial Williamsburg Continuing a long-standing Veterans Day tradition, Colonial Williamsburg will offer free admission to all active-day military, reservists, veterans and National Guard members and their immediate dependents through Tuesday. Free “Honoring Service to America” single-day passes are available at all on-site ticket locations with proper identification, such as military ID or honorable discharge paperwork. More information can be found at colonial williamsburg.org/veterans. On Tuesday, there will be several events, including a proclamation program with the Williamsburg Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution at 10 a.m. at the Palace Green. A salute and procession will begin at 3:30 p.m. at the Capitol and conclude with a ceremony behind the Courthouse on Market Square Green. The Liberty Lounge in the Historic Area behind the Millinery shop on Duke of Gloucester Street will be open to active-duty, retired and military veterans who want complimentary refreshments and company from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Yorktown honors Medal of Honor recipients A special Veterans Day program — paying tribute to Medal of Honor recipients — will be held at noon Tuesday in the board room of York Hall on Main Street. It will be sponsored by the York County Historical Commission with various historical societies included in the presentation. Busch Gardens offers discounts on memberships Busch Gardens Williamsburg is offering military discounts on Busch Gardens and Water Country USA memberships. Active-duty military members and veterans can purchase a discounted unlimited membership to receive 12 months of admission, free parking, in-park discounts and more. The deal can be purchased online through ID.me or through a base information ticket and travel office. This weekend, Busch Gardens will offer military veterans and active-duty members a complimentary meal on Saturday and Sunday after verifying their status in the England area of the park. The meal is available to Busch Gardens members, fun card and single-day ticket holders. Area restaurants and national retailers offer freebies and discounts Among the various local restaurant and national retailers offering Veterans Day deals are the following, in participating locations. Be prepared to show ID. Bonefish Grill: Free Bang Bang Shrimp and a non-alcoholic drink (also on Monday). Buffalo Wild Wings: 10 boneless wings and fries for free. Carrabba’s Italian Grill: Free appetizer or dessert. Cracker Barrel: Free Sunrise Pancake Special. Chili’s: Free meal from a select menu. Chick-fil-A: Free breakfast chicken biscuit or lunch/dinner chicken sandwich. Dollar General: An 11% discount is available. Freddy’s: Free Freddy’s Combo meal card, redeemable through Dec. 31. Golden Corral: Free meal from 4 p.m. until closing. IHOP: Free Red, White and Blueberry Pancake Combo. Olive Garden: Free entrée from special menu for dine-in. Outback Steakhouse: Free three-course meal Monday and Tuesday. Publix: 10% off groceries. Starbucks: Free tall brewed coffee or tea. Sports Clips: Free haircut. Target: 10% discount through Tuesday to active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families. Wendy’s: Free breakfast combo during breakfast hours. For a full list of Veterans Day freebies and discounts, visit military.com/veterans-day/veterans-day-military-discounts. Wilford Kale, kalehouse@aol.com
