November 11 is Veterans Day, the national holiday dedicated to honoring all who have served in America’s armed forces.

It was originally known as Armistice Day because the armistice or temporary cessation of hostilities for World War I took effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For a complete history of Veterans Day, visit www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp.

For information on national and regional observances, Veterans Day history, resources for students and teachers or to download the Veterans Day poster, visit www.va.gov/vetsday.

2017 Veterans Day Restaurant, Retail and Travel Deals

Please visit the following websites below for deals of all kinds:

Note: some are located within Minnesota and others are across the county.

Military Benefits: https://militarybenefits.info/veterans-day-discounts-sales-deals-free-meals/

Military.com:

The Military Wallet: https://themilitarywallet.com/veterans-day-free-meals-and-discounts/

Minnesota Zoo

The Minnesota Zoo salutes our troops with special discounts and promotions throughout the year. Individuals eligible for military discounts and promotions include current, former, and retired members and family members of the US Military, National Guard, and Reserve in the United States (including Puerto Rico). Valid military ID or proof of military service is required. No other discounts apply and not valid for special programs or exhibits.

November 11, 2017 to January 1, 2018:

Minnesota Zoo
Military personnel receive free admission, free parking, and half-price admission for family members.

SSA Gift Shops
Military personnel receive 20% discount on purchases, excluding promotional items.

Lancer Food Service
Military personnel receive 10% discount on food purchases, excluding alcohol.

IMAX Theatre
Military personnel and family members receive $3 off general admission tickets at theatre box office with valid military ID. Excludes December 14 Star Wars special event.

Note: All year long Military personnel receive $2 off regular admission and $1 off regular admission for family members.

2017 Veterans Day Events

Note: Some events are not on November 11th.

We suspect there are more events being held around the state. If you hear of any, send the information to webmaster@afsa858.org.

Brooklyn Park VFW

Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County (CAP-HC) and Palmer Lake VFW Post 2915 invite you to this event in honor of Veteran’s Day and to celebrate and support our Veterans and their families. The event will include music, a silent auction, appetizers, and drink specials. This is a fundraiser and offers the opportunity for Veterans to learn about the CAP-HC programs that support them. Proceeds from this event will directly impact Veterans and their families across the Hennepin County. The event will be held on Thursday, November 9 from 6:00 p.m. to 9 p.m. Address is 2817 Brookdale Dr, Brooklyn Park, MN 55444.

Eden Prairie – Grace Church

Grace Church invites you to a program honoring Veterans of all branches. There will be a military speaker, presentation of the colors and patriotic singing. A free lunch will be provided to Veterans after the program. Register on-line at www.grace.church/events/we-salute-our-veterans-2017. The event is Saturday, November 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The address is Grace Church, 9301 Eden Prairie Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55347.

Fergus Falls Veterans Home

You are invited to the Fergus Falls Veterans Day Program. The MN Veterans Home Choir, Honor Guard, VFW Post 612 and the American Legion Post #30 will be participating in this program. Louis Kamrowski, VFW 9th District Commander and Diane Rux, VFW 9th District Auxiliary President are guest speakers. Please join us as we remember, honor, and thank all Veterans! The event takes place on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. The address is Minnesota Veterans Home – Fergus Falls, Main Dining Room, 1821 N Park St, Fergus Falls, MN 56537.

Fort Snelling National Cemetery

On Veterans Day, 11 November 2016, Fort Snelling National Cemetery (FSNC) will be hosting a Veterans Day program which will consist of multiple local buglers in the playing of Taps in a rolling fashion in order to honor all current and past Veterans who have served this great Nation. The ceremony is planned to begin at 11:00 a.m. at the Main Flag Pole. The address is 7601 34th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55450.

Hastings Veterans Home

Hastings Veterans Home invites you to attend their Veterans Day ceremony. Denise Milton, past American Legion Commander will be the keynote speaker. The ceremony will also include a flag ceremony by AMVET Post 10 and songs by the Hastings Veterans Choir. The event takes place on Saturday, November 11 at 2 p.m. The address is Hastings Veterans Home, 1200 19th St E, Hastings, MN 55033.

Inver Grove Heights – State of Minnesota Veterans Day Event

The State of Minnesota Veterans Day Ceremony will take place Saturday, November 11 at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights. Breakfast will be served from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., followed by the official program at 10 a.m. This event is free and open to the public. The address is 8055 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Height, MN.

Luverne Veterans Home

Luverne Veterans Home invites you to attend a Veterans Day program at the Home. The program will focus on giving “thanks” to our nation’s heroes. The event takes place on Saturday, November 11  at 2:30 p.m. The address is Minnesota Veterans Home – Luverne, MVH-L Dinning Room, 1300 N Kniss Ave, Luverne, MN 56156.

Mankato – Military Appreciation Day at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota

Military Service members – past and present – and their families are invited to a free day of play at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota. The event is Saturday, November 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The address is Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, 224 Lamm St, Mankato, MN 56001.

Minneapolis Veterans Home

The Minneapolis Veterans Home invites you to attend the Veterans Day Program sponsored by Veterans of Foreign Wars 7th District. Captain Gregory E. Gomer, Medical Service Corps, United States Navy will be the guest speaker. The program will include music by the Copper Street Quartet, a special performance by Students of Agamim Classical Academy, and refreshments following the program. The event is Saturday, November 11 at 2 p.m. The address is Minneapolis Veterans Home, Building 19 Community Room, 5101 Minnehaha Ave S, Minneapolis MN  55417.

Minneapolis – Rock Bottom Brewery

MACV and Rock Bottom Brewery will be hosting a benefit dinner Sunday, Nov. 12 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at eventbrite.com for $50. Price includes tax and gratuity, with $10 of each ticket sold benefiting MACV.

Plymouth – Free Concert

Providence Academy in Plymouth will be hosting a free patriotic concert Friday, November 10 at 7 p.m. The location is 15100 Schmidt Lake Rd, Plymouth, MN 55446.

St. Paul – State Capitol

You are invited to the Veterans Day Program at the Minnesota State Capitol. The St. Paul Central High School Band will play Armed Forced branch songs and the National Anthem, followed by a keynote speaker and a three volley rifle salute. This event is organized by 173rd Airborne Brigade Association Chapter 15, Special Forces Chapter 20, and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 320. The event will be held Saturday, November 11 starting at 11:00 a.m. The address is Minnesota State Capitol – Lower Mall, 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55155.

St. Paul – State Capitol – Vietnam Memorial

Veterans are invited by SSG John K. Weber Chapter of the Society of the 173rd Airborne Brigade to attend a Veterans Day ceremony. The ceremony will include color guard, band and guest speaker. The event is held Saturday, November 11 starting at 11 a.m. The address is Vietnam Memorial, State Capital Grounds, St. Paul, MN 55155.

St. Cloud VA – Veterans Day Program

Veterans, their families and members of the public are invited to attend. Parking is available to the north and east of Building 8. Guest speaker is David Hintgen, Major (Retired) Army/St. Cloud VA Business Office Manager. Sponsored by the St. Cloud Metropolitan Veterans Council (METROVETS). The event is November 11 and begins at 1:30 p.m.

Silver Bay Veterans Home

Friday, November 10 there will be a Veterans Day ceremony at the veterans’ home. The program commences at 10:30 a.m. and is expected to last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. The address is 56 Outer Drive, Silver Bay, MN 55614.

South St. Paul – Hockey

Minnesota Warriors Ice Hockey, South Saint Paul Youth Hockey Association invites you to two exhibition hockey games featuring teams from the Minnesota Warriors, Duluth Warriors and Red Bulls. The event is held on Saturday, November 11  from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The address is Wakota Ice Arena, 141 6th Street, South St. Paul, MN 55075.

Wayzata – Lake Minnesotka DAR to Host 4th Annual Event to Honor Veterans Day

Join us on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for our 2017 Veterans Day event at Folkestone of Wayzata! Featured speakers: Former Sen. Rudy Boschwitz and U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Maureen Banavige. Plenty of free parking is available in the Folkestone Ramp and nearby; handicap accessible facility. Refreshments will be served. Address is Folkestone of Wayzata, 100 Promenade Ave, Wayzata, MN 55391