In honor of their service to their country, the community will show gratitude by offering free meals and honors to veterans and service members.

ETSU will host a meal on Monday, Nov. 13, at ETSU’s Dining Hall from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. It is open to ETSU employees, students and community members. Veterans can pick up a free meal ticket at Military and Veteran Services at 125 Yoakley Hall, ETSU Army ROTC at 206 Brooks Gym and Office of Equity and Inclusion at 109 Burgin Dossett Hall.
This will be a part of the ETSU Veterans Day program on Monday, Nov. 13. The ceremony starts at the Quad at 10 a.m. where Command Sgt. Maj. Jay F. Lovelace will speak. The University School Choir and ETSU Ensemble will perform. The ETSU ROTC Cadets and Color Guard will participate in a memorial, as well as taps.

(Contributed/ETSU)

“Your courage, commitment and sacrifice shape the very fabric of our nation and our ETSU community,” said President Brian Noland.

ETSU’s Director of Veteran and Military Affairs Col. Dan Bishop talked to President Noland about the importance of Veteran Affairs and benefits of campus conversations.

“The transition process where you are leaving the uniform and reentering into the civilian world just frankly is not …none of the services … handle it very well. It’s not a smooth handoff,” said Bishop. “We do, every once in a while, run into a veteran that’s dealing with some PTSD issues or some other just challenges in general. And being able in there and speak to your fellow veterans about those challenges.”

The town of Jonesborough will celebrate on Saturday, Nov 11. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Main Street and at the Washington County Courthouse. There will be an appearance by the Daniel Boone High School ROTC, Jonesborough Repertory Theatre, members of ETSU ROTC, Boys Scouts of America and Appalachian Express Chorus. State Rep. Rebecca Alexander R-Jonesborough will be the guest speaker at the event. There will be a free hot dog lunch for veterans and their families provided by Main Street Cade and Catering and Ingles of Jonesborough.

At Kings Mountain Post 24 at 9 a.m., the American Legion’s Veterans Day Ceremony will be celebrated on Veterans Day at Johnson City’s Memorial Park Community Center

Erwin will celebrate Veterans Day at Veterans Memorial Park.

The Starbucks on campus will offer a free tall brewed iced or hot coffee to veterans, military service members and military spouses on Veterans Day. This is also offered at other corporate Starbucks around the community.

IHOP will offer Red, White and Blueberry Pancakes for veterans and active-duty military members on Veterans day from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Military proof is required.

Olive Garden will offer a special Veterans Day menu, which includes the Never-ending soup, salad and breadsticks, Cheese Ravioli, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Fettuccine Alfredo and Chicken Parmigiana with valid military identification to all veterans and active-duty members.

Applebee’s Grill and Bar, for their 16th consecutive year, will offer a free meal to all veterans and active-duty military including Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, 6 oz. Top Sirloin, Chicken Tenders Platter, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne. In addition, they will also give a $5 Bounce Back Card, which will be eligible for three weeks for future visits.

Bob Evans will offer a free meal to veterans and active-duty members at the Bob Evans Restaurant on Veteran’s Day.

Chili’s will also offer a free meal to veterans and active-duty members on Veterans Day only in—restaurant for select items on Veterans Day only.

Golden Corral will host a Military Appreciation Night on Monday, Nov. 13, from 5 p.m. to close with a free meal from their buffet. Military I.D. is required for all veterans and active-duty members.

Hooters will offer a free meal to veterans and active duty on Veterans Day.

The East Tennessean wants to offer their gratitude to all those who have and are serving in the military. We thank you for your service!