Did we miss an event or special offer for veterans and/or active-duty military in Northern Nevada? Email Brett McGinness at [email protected].
Veterans Day is coming up on Saturday, Nov. 11 (this year’s official day off will be on Friday, Nov. 10, when schools and government buildings will be closed). Here’s a look at what’s happening around Northern Nevada to commemorate the holiday.
What is Veterans Day?
President Woodrow Wilson first commemorated the holiday, originally known as Armistice Day, to mark the one-year anniversary of Nov. 11, 1918, the end of hostilities in World War I. While Memorial Day honors members of the U.S. military who died while serving, Veterans Day honors all veterans, living or dead.
When the Uniform Monday Holiday Act originally passed in 1968, Veterans Day was moved to a Monday along with a handful of other holidays; it subsequently was returned to a fixed date of Nov. 11.
Where will Veterans Day be commemorated in Reno, Sparks and Northern Nevada?
All month long — “A Salute to Service” at the National Automobile Museum: Downtown Reno’s auto museum will host an exhibit throughout November which includes General Patton’s 1942 jeep, General Pershing’s overseas limousine and several other vehicles that have served American troops overseas. Veterans and active-duty military receive discounted admission year-round at the Auto Museum.
Sunday, Nov. 5, 3 p.m. — ‘Harmony & Valor’ at Nightingale Concert Hall: The Reno Wind Symphony will once again present its salute to the armed forces with music from “Band of Brothers,” “American Salute” and “Turning Point.” The concert is at the Nightingale Concert Hall on the University of Nevada campus; admission is free for veterans and active military, $15 for general admission and $5 for seniors 65 and up, and kids up to 18 years old.
Monday, Nov. 6, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. — Flag Planting at Gateway Plaza: University of Nevada students, faculty and staff will plant more than 2,000 flags onto the Gateway Plaza lawn in front of the Joe Crowley Student Union to recognize those who serve.
Thursday, Nov. 9, 11:11 a.m. — Veterans Day Ceremony at the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System campus: This event will include a gun salute by the Nevada Veterans Coalition, plus barbecue.
Thursday, Nov. 9, noon — Flag Retirement Ceremony at Gateway Plaza: Flags no longer fit for duty will be retired in a dignified manner in a ceremony on the University of Nevada’s Gateway Plaza in front of the Joe Crowley Student Union.
Thursday, Nov. 9, 12:15 p.m. — Purple Heart Ceremony at the Brian J. Whalen Parking Complex: Purple Heart and disabled veteran parking spots will be unveiled at the campus’ main parking garage.
Saturday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza at the Sparks Marina: Community members are invited to visit the memorial to honor the fallen who are listed on the monument’s wall. Sparks Florist will donate flowers to be placed to show respect.
Saturday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m.-noon — Veterans Day Parade in Virginia City: The parade will take place on Virginia City’s C Street. To participate, click here.
Saturday, Nov. 11, 11:11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Veterans Day Parade in Reno: The annual parade will take place on Virginia Street between 6th Street and Liberty Street.
Where can veterans get free or discounted meals and drinks in Reno on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023?
Reno restaurants and businesses are saluting veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11, with free meals, treats and special discounts.
Proof of service such as a military ID is typically required and a few businesses will allow dressing in uniform as a form of identification. Discharge papers, VA cards and veteran organization membership cards also can be used to prove service at most businesses.
The majority of discounts are valid only on Veterans Day at participating locations nationwide, with most applying to veterans and active-duty military. Some exclusions apply and offers can vary by location. Check with your closest location to confirm participation.
Applebee’s: Free meal from a special menu on Nov. 11, plus a $5 gift card for use over the following three weeks. Dine-in only; must mention offer and show proof of U.S. military service.
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse: Free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie on Veterans Day with a purchase of $11.95 or more, and a coupon for a free appetizer between Nov. 12 and Dec. 31 for any purchase of $14.95 or more.
California Pizza Kitchen: Receive a complimentary beverage and entrée from a special menu on Veterans Day.
Chili’s: Veterans and active-duty members of the military can receive a free meal from a limited menu on Nov. 11. Dine-in only.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Veterans and active-duty military can receive a free pulled pork sandwich on Nov. 11.
Outback Steakhouse: All military, law enforcement, firefighters and first responders receive 10% off the entire check year-round.
Pilot Flying J: Complimentary meals (up to $12) for veterans from Nov. 10-12.
Red Lobster: Free shrimp and chips for veterans between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Nov. 11. Dine-in only.
Red Robin: Free Red’s Big Tavern burger and bottomless steak fries on Nov. 11. Dine-in only.
Starbucks: Free tall (12 oz.) hot or cold brewed coffee for veterans, military service members and military spouses on Veterans Day.
Other local Veterans Day 2023 freebies
Grand Sierra Resort: The resort casino is hosting a $35,000 Veterans Day slot tournament with a top prize of $6,000. Veterans can receive one free tournament entry with military ID.
Great Clips: Stop in for a free haircut on Veterans Day or grab a free haircut card to use at a later date. Cards are redeemable through Dec. 31.
Sports Clips: Score a free haircut on Nov. 11 at participating locations.