Chatanooga Honors Veterans Day with Ceremonies, Parades, and Free Meals

Chatanooga Celebrates Veterans Day with a Bang!

Hey there, Chattanooga! As we gear up to honor our brave military heroes this Veterans Day, there’s a whole bunch of fun activities and heartfelt ceremonies lined up for you this weekend. Buckle up, because there’s something for everyone – whether it’s a touching ceremony or a delicious meal on the house!

Solemn Ceremonies and Heartfelt Honors

The main event kicks off on Monday, November 11, at 11 a.m. at the National Guard Armory located at 1801 S. Holtzclaw Ave. This meaningful ceremony will honor not just our local heroes, but also soldiers from across the nation. You won’t want to miss the posting of colors by local American Legion posts and inspiring speeches from some special guests, including Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly and U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann.

If you find yourself in Cleveland this Monday, make sure to swing by the Cleveland State Community College at noon for their own Veterans Day ceremony. This event features a wreath-laying ceremony and even a cake-cutting, because what’s a celebration without cake?

Parade Fun!

Don’t forget to take note of the Veterans Day Parade happening on Saturday, November 9, in North Georgia, organized by the Fort Oglethorpe Veteran and Citizen Council. The parade begins at 2 p.m. in the Big Lots parking lot on Battlefield Parkway and wraps up at Stable 41. It’s a great chance to show your support and enjoy a festive community gathering!

Music and More

If you love live music, you’re in luck! On Saturday night at 7 p.m., local entertainer James Rogers will perform at St. Gerard Catholic Church. Tickets are just a $20 donation, available at the Post General Store. Hurry, though; tickets are going fast!

And on Sunday, enjoy sweet tunes at the Chattanooga Market featuring Sweet Georgia Sound for Big Band Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Not to mention a special Quilts of Valor presentation that you won’t want to miss!

To cap it all off, the Jericho Brass Band will hold a moving Veterans Day concert on Monday at 7 p.m. at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Fine Arts Center. The concert, titled “A Veterans Day Salute,” will pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of our military with an emotional lineup of performances.

Grab a Bite on the House!

What’s better than all these heartwarming events? How about a free meal? Numerous local restaurants are stepping up to offer discounts and freebies on Monday, November 11, for veterans, active-duty military, and in some cases, their families!

• Applebee’s: Free dine-in meal for veterans and active-duty military.
• Chili’s: Enjoy a free meal from a select menu.
• Denny’s: Get a free Original Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. to noon.
• IHop: Free Red, White, & Blueberry Pancakes.
• Texas Roadhouse: A free meal voucher redeemable immediately or in the future.
• Starbucks: Free brewed coffee for veterans and military family members.

And the list goes on! Just remember that a military ID will typically be needed to get those tasty deals.

Wrap Up the Weekend!

So, whether you are heading out to enjoy the ceremonies, the parades, or the live music – or perhaps just indulging in a free meal – make sure you take some time to reflect on the incredible sacrifices made by our military members. After all, they’ve done so much for our freedom, and this is our chance to show them just how much we appreciate their service!

Happy Veterans Day, Chattanooga! Enjoy the festivities!