Honor veterans and mark your Veterans Day on Nov. 11 by checking out some of these events around Northern Michigan.
RELATED: Local veterans spruce up cemeteries to honor others for Veterans Day
Veterans Day, observed annually on Nov. 11, honors all U.S. military veterans for their service. The holiday originated as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I when hostilities ceased at the eleventh hour on Nov. 11, 1918.
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In 1938, Armistice Day became an official holiday to celebrate the peace and honor World War I veterans. However, after World War II and the Korean War, there was a push to recognize veterans of all wars. In 1954 Congress amended the holiday’s name to Veterans Day, expanding its purpose to honor American veterans of all military service, living or deceased.
Today, Veterans Day remains a solemn and respectful day dedicated to the sacrifices and contributions of U.S. service members.
Events list:
- Rico’s Café and Pizzeria’s Veteran’s Day complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets
- When & where: beginning 8 a,m, Nov. 11 at 5790 US-31 in Grawn - breakfast buffet 8-11 a.m., lunch buffet 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., dinner buffet 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Veterans Park 11th & Elmwood Veterans Day service
- When & where: Begins 6 p.m. at the American Legion at 2160 M-37 in Hastings
- Gold Star Son Frank Keck MSP Lieutenant will be the speaker and the ceremony includes a presentation of Veteran and Veteran Supporter of the Year
- Grand Traverse Pavillions Veterans Day Ceremony
- When & where: 10 a.m. Nov. 11 at 1000 Pavillions Circle in Traverse City
- The ceremony will commence with the Color Guard and the Opening of Colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. State Representative John Roth will give a short speech to address the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by our Veterans. Coast Guard Commander Ryan Hawn will deliver a speech paying tribute to the dedication and bravery of service members. Completing the tributes will be Colonel Eggle of the Northern Michigan Airborne Chapter.
- Benzie County Veterans Park Veterans Day Service
- When & where: Behind 1 p.m. behind Watson Dealership at 1514 Benzie Highway in Benzonia
- Leland Public Schools Veterans Day celebrations
- When & where: Begins 1:30 p.m. at the school gymnasium at 200 N. Grand Ave. in Leland
- The event includes a ceremony and Community Social to honor regional veterans with local veterans as guests of honor
- Free Bill’s Burger and N/A beverage at Sweet’s Bar & Grill
- When & where: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 11 at 10919 Main St. in Honor
- Official Opening of the Veterans Park in Clearwater Township
- When & Where: Noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 11 on the North side of M72 between Hill Road and Rapid City Road (look for the 50th Anniversary Vietnam War sign and the Big Stone Flag)
- During the event attendees can honor Veterans with trail dedications, giving tours of the new hiking trails, volunteers will be accepting name submissions for the park, retiring old American Flags, and displaying future plans for the veterans park as well as other Clearwater Township Parks. Food will be provided by Torch Valley Que, Johnny’s Torch Riviera and Moomer’s Ice Cream
- Emmet County Veterans Services Free Veterans Day breakfast and celebration
- When & where: 8-11 a.m. at the 1760 Lears Road Petoskey
- All Veterans or active duty personnel who show or have previously shown military identification will receive a voucher for $30 of free slot play and a special coaster set
- Free haircuts for veterans at TC Man Cave
- When & where: During business hours Nov. 11-15 at 1696 S. Garfield Ave. in Traverse City
- Kalkaska Senior Center Veterans Day celebrations
- When & where: 11 a.m. Nov. 11 at 2303 S. Coral St. in Kalkaska
- Moment of silence to be observed with a lunch immediately following
- Miss Angie’s Story Time at Manistee Library
- When & where: 11 a.m. Nov 11 at 95 Maple St.
- Veterans Day-themed storytime session
- Manistee AM Legion Post No. 10 Veterans Day Tribute Dinner
- When & where: $:30-7 p.m. at 10 Mason Sr in Manistee
- The event offers a complimentary meal for veterans, with a $14 donation requested from others for a meal
- Manistee Elks Lodge No. 250 Veterans Day Cocktail Hour and Dinner
- When & where: 5 p.m. Nov. 11 at 432 River St in Manistee
- Free dinner for veterans with proof of service, and dinner for others with a $15 cost
- Bear Lake Schools Veterans Day Tribute
- When & where: Begins 9:30 a.m. Mov. 11 at the lower gymnasium at 7748 Cody St. in Bear Lake
- Kaleva VFW Post No. 6333 Veterans Day Dinner
- When & where: 5-7 p.m. Nov. 11 at 13300 9 Mile Road in Kaleva.
- Free dinner offered for veterans and children under 5, with a $10 charge for others
- Mt. Pleasant Agency & McArthur Insurance Agency 4th Annual Veterans Day American Flag Exchange
- When & where:
- Flag Exchange Locations:
- Mt. Pleasant Agency, 119 S. Franklin St. in Mt. Pleasant open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesdays.
- McArthur Insurance Agency, 3335 N. Woodruff Road in Weidman open 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesdays.
- Members of the community can get replacement flags with the exchange ending on Friday, Nov. 15 or when supplies run out.
- Grand Traverse-Leelanau-Antrim Bar Association free Wills and Durable Powers of Attorney for estate planning event for veterans
- When & where: noon to 4 p.m. at the Traverse Area District Library at 610 Woodmere Ave. in Traverse City
Have a Veterans Day event you’d like added to our list? Email us at news@910mediagroup.com.
