The world will honor those who have fought for our country’s freedoms in multiple Veterans Day parades and events on Monday, Nov. 11.
Florida and Georgia are planning on showing honor and gratitude with multiple events around the area. Other local businesses are offering deals and discounts for veterans.
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Here are the parades, events, freebies, and discounts that families can enjoy this weekend and on Monday.
Parades & Events
- Jacksonville’s Veterans Day Parade (Duval County): “As the proud host of Florida’s largest Veterans Day Parade, Jacksonville holds special events leading up to Veteran’s Day that include family festivals, tall ship tours, military appreciation luncheons and special speakers. The parade is a patriotic spectacle that includes senior military officials, active duty and retired military units, veteran groups, local high school marching bands, ornamental floats and much more! Enjoy the parade this year on November 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.” Feel free to bring some chairs, blankets, snacks and drinks for the event.
- UNF Veterans Day Tribute (Duval County): Nov. 7 at 10:30 a.m. - This annual event honors and recognizes military-connected students, staff, faculty, alumni and community members who have served or are still serving in the military. Please join us for the ceremony beginning at 10:30 a.m. in Veterans Plaza. The ceremony will include a performance by the UNF Brass Quintet and UNF ROTC will provide the Color Guard.
- Veterans Day Pen Turning Special (Duval County): Saturday, Nov. 9 at 9:30 a.m. “Join us for this special Veterans Day Event and Turn a Pen for $15.” Location: Rockler Woodworking and Hardware
- Flag & Wreath Memorial Service (Duval County): Clara White Mission will honor the contributions of African American veterans with a memorial event at 4 p.m. Monday at the Pinehurst Cemetery at 3230 Moncrief Road. The event will feature a tribute to African American veterans who served with honor in World War I and World War II -- even while they faced segregation and discrimination -- and are interred at Pinehurst Cemetery. For more info contact Clara White Mission at 904 612-8758.
- Vet Fest (Clay County): Vet Fest, held on Nov. 10 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 1824 Town Center Blvd in Fleming Island, stimulates a day of unity with engaging music, games, enormous raffles, and a comfortable cigar spot for serene relaxation. Besides attending this philanthropic event assisting local veterans, the entry fee also entails an assorted barbecue, a bottle of prime bourbon, exclusive coin, and permits access to sensational art exhibitions. Click here for more info.
- Orange Park Veterans Memorial (Clay County) - 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 at Magnolia Cemetery in Orange Park: “The Historical Society of Orange Park and the Town of Orange Park invite you to join us at Orange Park Veterans Memorial, which is located just inside the gates of the town’s historic Magnolia Cemetery, 1040 Kingsley Avenue. We welcome all to be a part of this moving, patriotic ceremony that pays tribute to those who bravely served our country. The program for this year’s recognition will include a presentation of the colors by the Orange Park High School NJROTC Color Guard, and musical performances by Kiley Taylor and the First Coast Highlanders. The program features inspiring words from Winette Sandlin, Vice Mayor of the Town of Orange Park, Judy Sweep with the Daughters of the American Revolution, and keynote speaker Kimberly Anding, USAF, Ret., Honor Flight Program Director. Also featured will be local students who will present the winning essays in the 2024 Veterans Day Essay Contest, participation by the American Legion Post #250 Riders and a flyover by the Dreamland Squadron from Haller Airfield. Seating is limited so attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs. There will be NO parking in the cemetery. Parking is available in the First Baptist Church lot one block west of the cemetery at 1140 Kingsley Avenue. Refreshments will be provided following the ceremony. More info
- Inaugural Veterans Council Veterans Day 5K race (Clay County): “Join us at Oakleaf Community Park on Saturday, November 9, 2024, starting at 8:00 AM as we celebrate our veterans with an inaugural Veterans Council Veterans Day 5K race, a pick-up wiffle ball game to follow shortly after the 5K awards ceremony! This is walker and runner-friendly. All participants will get a finisher medal. Sign up for $22 before prices go up on race day! The event will include music, food trucks, organizations supporting veterans, and more. All ages are welcome. This event is a joint collaboration between Veterans Council Clay County Florida and the Clay County Board of County Commissioners. To sign up for the race, click here.”
- Veterans Day at the Camp Blanding Museum (Clay County): “Join Clay County officials in honoring our veterans on November 11 at 11 a.m. for Veterans Day at the Camp Blanding Museum. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. followed by lunch at WWII prices! For more information, call the Museum at (904) 682-3196.”
- Cross The Line Veterans Day 5K (Nassau County) Nov. 9, 2024: Downtown marina parking lot A. 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. The annual 5K begins at marina parking lot A and will continue on Centre Street/ Atlantic Ave and finish back in lot A.
- Veterans Day Parade (Nassau County) Nov. 11, 2024 -Traditional parade route 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Annual Veteran’s Day Parade begins at Central Park and follows the traditional parade route.
- Kingsland Veterans Day Parade (Camden County): On Nov. 11 at 10:30 a.m., the annual Veterans Day Parade in Southeast Georgia will be held in Downtown Kingsland. Click here for more information.
Deals & Discounts (Most offers require military ID)
- Free carwash for Veterans at GATE Express Car Wash: GATE Express Car Wash will be offering free car washes to Veterans on Monday, Nov 11 at all Jacksonville and St. Augustine Locations. Simply show your military ID or wear your uniform.
- Free carwash for veterans at Waters CarWash in Orange Park: Active duty, reserve, retired and veteran military members are eligible for a free car wash from Nov. 9-11 at Waters CarWash at 1785 Wells Road in Orange Park. Just bring your military ID.
- Free admission to the Jacksonville Zoo: “In honor of Veteran’s Day, all military veterans and active-duty service members are invited to reserve one (1) free General Admission ticket valid on Monday, November 11, 2024. Tickets must be reserved online, in advance. Military or Veteran ID required and will be verified upon entrance.”
- Pilot Flying J - On Nov. 11, any ID.me verified active, retired, or veteran service members and their families can enjoy a free meal up to $12 through Pilot’s myRewards Plus app at participating Pilot, Flying J, and One9 Fuel Network travel centers. More info
- Applebee’s – Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal from a select menu on Nov.11 at participating locations. Dine-in only.
- Bob Evans: On Nov. 11, Bob Evans will be offering veterans and active duty military a free meal from a select menu (dine-in only).
- Bonefish Grill: Active-duty service members and veterans get a complimentary order of Bang Bang Shrimp with a soft beverage on Nov.11 with a valid ID. Visit the Bonefish Grill website for locations.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans and active-duty service members get a free order of 10 boneless wings and fries on Nov. 11, with the offer being available for dine-in or takeout.
- California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans and active U.S. military can get a complimentary entrée and beverage at all participating CPK locations nationwide on Nov. 11.
- Chili’s: Veterans and active-duty military members get a free meal on Nov. 11 at all participating restaurants. Available in-restaurant only for select items. Military ID required to redeem offer.
- Scooters Coffee: Scooter’s Coffee is offering a special thank-you to veterans and active-duty military members in honor of Veterans Day. On Monday, Nov. 11 anyone with a valid Military ID is invited to stop by any location nationwide to receive a free medium drink. Offer is good for one medium drink at any Scooter’s Coffee location with a valid Military ID. Mobile order ahead is not available for this promotion. Limit one redemption per customer only on Monday, Nov. 11.
Click here for more freebies and deals from restaurants.
If your community is having a parade or event that is not on this list, let us know. Email webteam@wjxt.com.