COLUMBUS, Ohio — To honor those who served or are currently serving in the U.S. military, several central Ohio communities are hosting parades this Veterans Day.
In addition to community events, businesses and museums will have special events and discounts available to those who show a valid military ID.
You can find a list of nearby events below:
Parades
Delaware - The Delaware Community Veterans Parade is on Nov. 5 at 3 p.m. It will begin at the main gate of the county fairgrounds and travel down Pennsylvania Avenue to South Sandusky Street before ending on Wilmer Street. The honorary grand marshal will be Ohio Secretary State Frank LaRose. There will also be floats and plenty of music with area schools and colleges performing.
Hilliard - Hilliard's Veterans Day Parade will march through downtown Hilliard on Nov. 5 at 2 p.m. This year's grand marshal is 96-year-old Ralph Edward Siniff, a U.S. Army Veteran who seved in World War II in Germany. The parade steps off at the Franklin County Fairgrounds and takes to Main Street and Scioto Darby Road before ending at Roger A. Reynolds Municipal Park.
New Albany - A Veterans Day ceremony will kick off at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 11 behind Village Hall (99 W. Main St.). The program is set to include a rendition of the Star- Spangled Banner by the New Albany High School marching band and remarks from the mayor and Army Veteran Sloan Spalding. There will also be a groundbreaking for a new Veterans Memorial, which includes a hero's walk, plaza and water feature.
Events
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force - The museum is hosting two events to honor the nation's veterans. On Nov. 9 at 3 p.m., the AF Honor Guard Drill Team will perform in the Presidential Gallery in the museum. Visitors will then be able to meet the team following the 25-minute performance.
On Nov. 11 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Plane Talks will be going on, offering visitors the time to talk and listen to other unique experiences. Both events are free and open to the public.
National Veterans Memorial and Museum - The NVMM will host a Veterans Day Ceremony on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. to honor and celebrate the selfless service of millions of Veterans who have defended freedoms. The keynote speaker of the event will be U.S. Navy Veteran and Chief Operating Officer at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Jay Anderson. The event is free but registration is required. Admission to the museum is free for U.S. military Veterans, active military members and Gold Star families.
The museum will also host "Vets Town Hall" on Nov. 10 at 10 a.m. . It's a way to hear the experiences of military service members. All Veterans who have served are invited to register and stand and speak for up to 10 minutes about how it felt to serve their country.
Discounts
Applebee's - On Nov. 11, veterans and active-duty members of the military can get one of eight free entrée options at Applebee's, and will receive a $5 Bounce Back Card that can be used at any participating location within three weeks.
BJ's Restaurant - Veterans with a valid military ID will be able to get a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie at BJ's Restaurant locations when they buy anything worth at least $9.95 for a dine-in meal.
Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) - Fares will be waived for all active and retired military personnel Friday, Nov. 10 and Saturday, Nov. 11. on COTA’s fixed-route buses, COTA Mainstream ADA service, and COTA//Plus in Grove City, Westerville and South Columbus.
Denny's - Any active or retired military personnel will be able to get a free Original Grand Slam Breakfast at participating Denny's locations on Friday, Nov. 10, from 5 a.m. to noon with a valid military ID or DD 204.
Dunkin' - Each year, all retired and active military members can get a free donut of their choice at any participating Dunkin’ restaurants nationwide on Veterans Day.
Franklin County Dog & Adoption Center - The local shelter will be giving all veteran and active duty service members with a valid military ID a discount on adoption fees. Dog and puppy adoptions will be $18 for those who served. Find more information here.
Golden Corral Buffet - Those who served in the military can get a free dinner at participating Golden Corral Buffet locations during Military Appreciation Night on Monday, Nov. 13, from 5 p.m. – close.
California Pizza Kitchen - Veterans and active duty military in uniform or with military ID receive a free California Pizza Kitchen entrée and drink on Saturday, Nov. 11, from a special Veterans Day Menu. Other guests dining with a veteran or active duty military member will receive a Buy one Get one free, pizza, pasta or a salad coupon to come back between November 12th-November 21st.
Chili's - All veterans and active military members can get one of four free meal options on Saturday, Nov. 11, at all participating Chili's locations. The choices include an Old Timer with Cheese, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, Three-Piece Crispers with fries, Chili or Soup with a side salad.
Condado Tacos - On Nov. 11, Condado Tacos is offering a free taco with any other purchase to all veterans who present a military ID. The free taco for Veterans is available in-restaurant only and excludes catering, online orders and To Go.
iHop - Veterans and active duty military personnel can get a free stack of red, white, and blueberry pancakes at iHop on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Krispy Kreme - Veterans and active military members can visit any participating Krispy Kreme store in the U.S. for a free doughnut and a free small coffee on Saturday, Nov. 11.
McDonald's - Participating McDonald's restaurants in central Ohio will be offering a meal to all veterans with a valid military ID on Nov. 11. Veterans will be offered an Egg McMuffin or Bacon Egg Cheese Biscuit, along with a hash brown and any sized soft drink, tea or coffee. For lunch or dinner, the restaurant will serve a Double Cheeseburger, 6-piece McNugget, or Filet-O-Fish sandwich with a small fry and any size soft drink, tea or coffee.
O'Charley's - O'Charley's will be offering veterans and active military members a special free lunch menu on Nov. 10 and Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Veterans can order one of the following free entrees and/or receive a free slice of pie at dinner. Both offers are for dine-in only.
Pilot Flying J - Service members and their families verified through ID.me in the myRewards Plus app can get a free meal credit valued up to $12 at Pilot Flying J. The Veterans Day offer can be claimed November 10-12, 2023, through the myRewards Plus app.
Red Robin - Offering veterans and military members a free Red's Big Tavern Burger and fries at participating locations on Saturday, Nov. 11.
Starbucks - The world's largest coffee chain is offering a free tall hot or cold brewed coffee for veterans, active military service members and military spouses who visit participating U.S. Starbucks stores on Saturday, Nov. 11.
White Castle - White Castle is honoring veterans and active-duty service members by offering a free individual combo meal or breakfast combo meal to those who dine at a participating restaurant on Nov. 11. No purchase is necessary, but members will be asked to show a military ID.
