To Do in RI: (Updated) Local Veterans Day events, discounts, restaurants – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer on veterans issues

Veterans Day (originally known as Armistice Day) is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. It began, and now coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, which are commemorated in other countries, marking the anniversary of the end of World War I. Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the Armistice with Germany went into effect.

At the urging of major U.S. veteran organizations, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954. Veterans Day is distinct from Memorial Day, a U.S. public holiday in May: Veterans Day commemorates the service of all U.S. veterans, while Memorial Day specifically honors those who have died while in military service.

The whole month of November is National Veterans Month – and National Veterans and Military Families Month (NVMFM), a time to honor military families and transitioning veterans. The month recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of military families, and acknowledges the challenges they face.

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VETERANS DAY EVENTS AND DISCOUNTS IN AND AROUND RHODE ISLAND

NOTE: If we missed an event, we will be updating this listing on an ongoing basis – just write to us at: [email protected].

On Monday, November 11th, numerous national and local chains offer freebies and discounted items to active duty, veterans, and dependents.

How a Veteran can eat for FREE on Veterans Day –

RINEWSTODAY veteran contributor will start his day off with a FREE coffee at Starbucks. After Starbucks, he will head over to Dunkin Donuts for a FREE donut, and finish off breakfast by going to IHOP for FREE Red, White, and Blue stack of pancakes. After IHOP, he will travel to ROMA in Federal Hill for a slice of FREE pizza. From ROMA, he will head over to Perella’s Ristorante on Metacom Ave, in Warren, RI for a takeout macaroni and meatball lunch.

To include his wife, and taking her to lunch, she will bring a few bags of clothes with her to Perella’s for a clothing bin setup from 11:00 to 4:00 to donate. Donated clothing will benefit the Italian American War Veterans LeaveNoVeteranAlone Veteran Christmas Program. All drive up customers with a bag of clothes, will also receive a FREE macaroni and meatball takeout lunch. After lunch, he will travel to Texas Roadhouse for a $20 certificate Veterans will receive, and can redeem on Veterans Day or up until May of 2025.

Time – and appetitemight allow RINEWSTODAY contributor to stop at 1 or 2 other locations for FREE lunches being offered at other locations such as Applebee’s, Ninety Nine, Chili’s, Red Robin, Little Caesar’s, Chick-Fil-L, Olive Garden, Buffalo Wild Wings.

In between lunch and dinner, he will shop at Ocean State Job Lot to receive a 40% gift card of the total purchase of items.

Immediately getting up on Tuesday, he will be calling Awaken180 weight management program in Seekonk to sign up and take advantage of Awaken180’s 20% veteran discount being offered.

To access all the above and below discounts, be sure to have proof of being a veteran (RI license, VA card, veteran organization membership card, etc.) (If you don’t have an ID identifying you as a veteran, see how to obtain a FREE VA ID card – down further in this article)

MORE DETAILS ON FREEBIES AND DISCOUNTS AND OTHERS:

Veterans Day Freebies/ Discounts 2024 – see events under EVENTS section, below:

RIPTA Bus – Free service on Veterans Day to all Rhode Island veterans with proof of eligibility. All passengers are reminded that RIPTA services will operate on a Sunday/Holiday schedule on Veterans Day.

Awaken180 20% discount for all active duty, veterans and spouses. RINEWSTODAY contacted AWAKEN180 to confirm PROMO for veterans first heard on WPRO Tara Granahan’s show, CEO Paige Lopez, Awaken180Weightloss.com responded the promo is 20% veteran discount is at all locations.

Cardi’s Furniture 50% off delivery charge for all veterans throughout the month of November.

Ocean State Job Lot 40% gift card During our Military & Veteran Deal Days – Thursday, November 7 through Wednesday, November 13, 2024 – all active-duty, National Guard, and reserve military service members; all military veterans; and their immediate family members and dependents are eligible to receive a Crazy Deal Gift Card equal to 40% of their purchase when they spend $20 or more at Ocean State Job Lot.

A valid photo ID is required. Acceptable forms of ID include: American Legion ID, Blue Star Mother’s ID, CAC IDDD-214/Military Discharge Papers, DOD Active/Retired Military Dependent/Family ID, DOD Active/Retired Military ID,Gold Star Family Members (DD Form 1300), State-issued License with Military or Veteran Designation,USAA Membership Card, VA Medical ID, VA ID, VFW ID, AMVET, or Italian American War Veterans of US.

Target is offering a 10% military discount from October 27 through November 11 to all active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families.

Restaurants Freebies and Discounts

Applebee’s offering veterans and active duty a free meal  from a limited menu, dine in only and only on November 11th.

Aroma Joe’s – November 11th – FREE 24-ounce beverage of any kind for all veterans.

Buffalo Wild Wings – on November 11th, 10 free boneless wings and fries to veterans and active-duty service members with valid ID. Available for dine-in or, if ordering from a Buffalo Wild Wings GO location, available for walk-in/orders placed at the counter only.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill – November 11th – Veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary dine-in appetizer or dessert paired with a soft drink

Chelo’s – November 11th – 1 free meal from Veterans Day menu with military ID

Chili’s looks forward to once again showing their gratitude with a FREE* Veterans Day meal from select menu as a small way to honor your service and the sacrifices you’ve made for our country.

Chick-Fil-A – November 11th – It’s up to the discretion of the individual franchises, so you’ll need to check with your nearest restaurant to see if they’ve got anything planned. Show your military or veteran ID or a copy of your DD-214 when you ask for a military or Veteran’s Day discount. 

Denny’s – Nov. 11th – All active & retired military personnel get a free Original Grand Slam, 5am to noon, (dine-in only).

Dunkin’ – Nov. 11th – Veterans and active-duty military get a free doughnut of their choice (in-store only).

Iggy’s – 885 Oakland Beach Ave., Warwick – FREE BREAKFAST at Iggy’s Boardwalk for all veterans and their family members. Call the restaurant at (401) 737-2895 to reserve your table! (401) 737-2895

IHOP – Nov. 11th – Veterans and active-duty military get free Red, White, & Blueberry Pancakes or Pancake Combo from 7 am-7 pm

Little Caesars – In keeping with its tradition of giving back and honoring U.S. military personnel, Little Caesars® is offering veterans and active-duty military members a free HOT-N-READY® Lunch Combo at participating locations across the country this Veterans Day from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – four slices of Little Caesars signature Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage. “We are deeply grateful to all veterans and military members for their service,” said Little Caesars President and CEO, David Scrivano. “This year holds special significance for us and our veteran community, as we are opening a new Little Caesars restaurant at Pearl Harbor, where our founder, Mike Ilitch, was stationed in the U.S. Marine Corps from December 1950 to August 1951. Mr. Ilitch’s military experience at this iconic base laid a solid foundation for his future business success.

IHOP – on November 11th – veterans and active duty a FREE order of Red, White, and Blueberry Pancakes for dine-in-service , Valid ID and proof of being a veteran is required.

Ninety-Nine Restaurant – FREE lunch on Veterans Day menu with the purchase of any entrée from opening to 5:00 p.m.

Old Grist Mill – November 11th – Free meal to all veterans on Veterans Day. “It’s a small way for us to say thank you for the sacrifices you’ve made. Join us at any Red Oak Hospitality location, and let us serve you as a gesture of our appreciation. Bring a military ID or other proof of service.

Olive Garden – Dine-in on November 11th, for a complimentary entrée from a special menu, featuring favorites like Chicken Parmigiana and Fettuccine Alfredo. As always, entrees come with unlimited breadsticks and soup or salad. Guests can find their closest restaurant at OliveGarden.com.

Perella’s Ristorante – Nov. 11th – 311 Metacom Ave, Warren – FREE Veterans dine in lunch from noon to 3pm. Macaroni and Meatballs, salad and dessert. From noon to 4pm – Clothing Drop Off in parking lots. All patrons who drop off clothing will received a FREE take out macaroni and meatball lunch.

Dave & Buster’s – Nov. 11th – Veterans get a free entree (up to $20) and a free $10 Power Card

Red Robin Dine in at Red Robin – November 11th – FREE* Red’s Big Tavern Burger featuring our NEW thicker, juicier burger, topped with Red’s Secret Tavern Sauce, American cheese, lettuce and tomato on a toasted brioche bun — served with Bottomless Steak Fries!

ROMA – November 11th – Atwells Ave, Federal Hill, Providence FREE – one slice of pizza from 11am to 4pm for all veterans ; sponsored by Italian American War Veterans of RI

Smokey Bones – Nov. 11th – Active duty and retired military personnel, free Create Your Own Combo

Sonic – November 11th – 50% off Classic or Masters Shake and more on Veterans Day.

Spumoni’s – Nov. 11th – Pawtucket – Annual tradition of giving free meals to Veteran’s on Veteran’s Day. Special veterans menu – valid with military ID; no substitutions or add ons; not available for take out.

Starbucks – November 11th – Veterans, active-duty military personnel and their spouses, free 12-ounce hot or or cold brewed coffee

Subway – Veterans and active duty service members can receive a free 6-inch sub or 10% discounted sub sandwich. Subway is independently owned. Inquire through your local store to see if participating in deals.

Toast N Tap, 45 Quaker Lane, West Warwick – FREE meal from special menu for Veterans on Veterans Days.

Texas Road House – November 11th – At participating Texas Roadhouse locations, for all active and retired military or current military veterans, you can dine in or receive a meal voucher from 11am to 2pm with form of military ID. These vouchers are good for dine in or carry out at a later time. Vouchers can be redeemed through May 31, 2025, for one of 10 entrees, including a 6-ounce sirloin and two made-from-scratch sides plus a choice of any Coca-Cola product, sweet tea/iced tea or coffee. If you choose to dine in on November 11th, there will be a specific menu to select from.

Wendy’s – November 11th – Veterans and active duty service members can receive a free small breakfast combo.

Retail/Other Veteran Freebies or Discounts

Target is offering a 10% military discount from October 27 through November 11, 2024 to all U.S. active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families. The 10% discount can be used on two separate transactions, in store or online.

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EVENTS

Trout stocked for Veterans – by Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is honoring veterans by stocking ponds across the state with trout for fishing, providing an opportunity for veterans and families to enjoy the outdoors in tribute to their service.

In no particular order!

Find an event near to you and just show up, salute a military veteran and participate in the spirit.

Monday, November 11, 10am to 5pm – Newport Car Museum, Newport, RI. Year-round discounts for veterans and active-duty military in appreciation of their service. Tickets online and at the door (no rsvp necessary): $17

Monday, November 11, Rucking for Roofs, 24 Mile Ruck. A walk to raise funds to house Veterans. Starts at Newport Elks lodge and ends at East Providence Elks Lodge.

November 11, 9-11am – Smithfield’s American Legion Post 64 will be honoring our local veterans with free coffee and donuts. Veterans Memorial, Deerfield Park, rain or shine. All veterans are welcome.

November 11, 9:30am – Westerly, Pawcatuck Parade, starts at Pawcatuck Shopping Center

November 11, 10am – East Greenwich Veterans Day Parade featuring a procession through the historic district, a wreath-laying ceremony at the World War II Memorial, and a flyover by the Rhode Island Air National Guard (weather permitting).​

November 11, 2pm – RI Veterans Home, Bristol –  Governor Dan McKee, Veterans Services Director Kasim Yarn, members of Rhode Island’s Congressional Delegation, and state and local leaders will honor the selfless service of our veterans during a special ceremony. Rhode Island student Seth Fontenault, the 2024 Patriot’s Pen essay winner, will share his exceptional work.  Attending: Veteran residents along with Gov. Dan McKee – Director Kasim J. Yarn, Veterans Services – Sen. Jack Reed – Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse – Congressman Seth Magaziner – Congressman Gabe Amo – Secretary of State Gregg Amore – Treasurer, James Diossa – Speaker Joseph Shekarchi – Senator Walter Felag (District 10, Bristol, Tiverton, Warren) – Representative Samuel Azzinaro (District 37, Westerly) – Major Gen. Christopher Callahan, Adjutant General RI National Guard  – 88th Army Band – RI Army National Guard  Seth Fontenault, student winner of the 2024 Patriot’s Pen essay.

November 11, 3pm to 6pm – RI Veterans Home, Bristol – Local Teamster 251 sponsoring a veteran owned food truck at RI VETERANS HOME. Portuguese food, hamburgers and saugy dogs, lasagna… FREE for all veterans at the veterans home and their family.

November 11, 10am – East Providence, Garden of Flags, Squantum Woods, laying of wreaths, singing national anthem, dignitaries to speak

November 11, 11am – Town of Middletown and VFW Post 4487, Ceremony at Paradise Valley Park

November 11, 9am – North Kingstown – Wreath laying, parade, Veterans Memorial Park

November 11, 10am – Scituate – Parade starts at Institute Lane, ends at Congregational Church

November 11, 11am – Pawtucket – ceremonies at Pawtucket City Council Chambers

November 11, 11am – Woonsocket – observance, Veterans Park

November 11, Dusk – WaterFire Salute to Veterans, downtown Providence. Features a Veterans Resource Fair and a torch-lighting ceremony on the river. Military vehicle displays, memorial dedications, and a solemn “Ring of Fire” torch procession on the river.

AFTER TODAY – YOU CAN STILL PARTICIPATE!

November 12 – Veteran Appreciation Breakfast & Awards Ceremony , 9 to 12:00 AM at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Warwick

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm , RISD Museums Metcalf Auditorium in Providence RI. 4^th Annual Veteran Voices. Organized by Providence Clemente Veterans Initiative and Trinity Repertory Company

November 15, 9:00 AM – 4:00PM – North Kingstown Veterans Resource fair and Blood Drive, Cold Spring Community Center, 30 Beach St., North Kingstown RI.Requesting Christmas & Holiday Cards for Active-Duty Military, Reservists & National Guard, and Veterans. Call for Christmas & Holiday cards for Active-Duty Military, Reservists & National Guard, and Veterans. The cards will be collected at the Veterans Resource Fair & Blood Drive being held 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at the Cold Spring Community Center, 30 Beach Street, North Kingstown, RI, 02852. All Christmas and Holiday cards are welcomed. Hand-made cards by school children are always a big hit.

Saturday, Nov. 16, 9:30 a.m. – Rhode Island Model Rocketry Association invites all veterans and
serving military to participate in a tree Rocket launch at the RI Peckham Farm Field in West Kingston. Rockets provided for veterans, or you can can bring a rocket you built yourself. Just show your veterans or military ID. Veterans will have access to the low-power pads (A-D motors). For access to mid-power and high-power pads, veterans will need to be NAR members (nar.org/join-nar/). To register, email Lucy DIMase at [email protected]. The general public may watch the launch at no charge.

November 17th – Coventry-West Greenwich Elks #2285 Tribute to Our Veterans, Free luncheon for veterans, Social Hour: 1:00 p.m. Luncheon 2:00 p.m. Veterans are FREE, all other guest are $15.00.

Tickets are limited, must reserve or purchase tickets by November 8, 2024. For more information, contact Donald Swanson, 401-871-8612

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November 20th – a social dining opportunity for Veterans 60+:

November 23 , 2024 – Island Aviation Hall of Fame announces 2024 honorees who will be recognized at November 23 dinner. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this dinner. Tickets cost $65 each and can be obtained by emailing [email protected], or logging in to our website at www.riahof.org. For further information, please call 401-831-8696. The RI Aviation Hall of Fame will induct five new members and honor four others with special recognition awards as part of their 22nd class of honorees. The Hall of Fame will also announce a new initiative involving a scholarship program and present a special recognition to the RI Airport Corporation. The ceremony and dinner will take place at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center in Cranston Saturday evening, November 23rd. Reception is at 5:30PM; dinner and awards will follow. Guest of Honor Vice Admiral Peter Garvin, US Navy, President of the National Defense University in Washington, DC. An Annapolis grad, he is a career Naval Aviator who served until August as President, US Naval War College in Newport. Special Guest Domenic Giarrusso of Cranston, who served for 28 months as a B-24 flight engineer and mechanic in North Africa and Italy during WWII. He will be 102 years old in January. Robert M. Magown/Edward F. Roberts Scholarship FundOn March 9, 1966, a twin engine aircraft returning to RI from South Carolina crashed in Virginia, killing Colonel Robert M. Magown, CO of the 143rd Air Commando Group and Lt Col Edward F. Roberts, Operations Officer of the Group. After their deaths, the Magown-Roberts Scholarship Fund was established with the Rhode Island Foundation to provide educational assistance to Air Guard members and their families. RI Aviation Hall of Fame will be working with the Fund and the Foundation to expand eligibility for scholarships and promote their availability.

Thursday, November 28, 2024, 1 to 4pm – Thanksgiving, FREE Thanksgiving dinner, Perella’s Ristorante, 311 Metacom Ave, Warren RI (please, do not call Perella’s to make reservations) to all veterans and their one guest – and children of veteran. Additional guests will be asked to make donations to sponsor a veteran gift for Christmas, if they are able to. 1:00pm and 4:00pm reservations are open, call the host organization Italian American War Veterans of the US/ Dept. of Rhode Island. (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]/. Walk-ins are welcomed. November is National Veterans Month – and National Veterans and Military Families Month (NVMFM), a time to honor military families and transitioning veterans. The month recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of military families, and acknowledges the challenges they face. – Volunteers are welcome in the kitchen, serving, delivering to shut in veterans (last year over 200 meals were served. Donations and sponsors are welcomed, checks made out to ITAM, mailed to Italian American War Veterans of US, 18 Winchester Ave, North Smithfield, note in remarks ‘THANKSGIVING RESTRICTED FUND”. Tax deductible as allowed by IRS regulations. “The more donations and sponsors, the more will spend on the event. For example, we add additional desserts and other side dishes,” said John Cianci, ITAM Commander, “this is not a buffet, sit down with waitress or waiter service in a five star Ristorante.” 

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VETERANS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Italian American War Veterans of US (ITAM) Volunteer Opportunities:

Leave No Veteran Alone Program – Monday and Saturday, ITAM seeks volunteers to meet up at designated nursing homes to meet and socialize with veterans living at the facility. We schedule the facilities 30 to 60 days in advance. Volunteers socialize with veterans and TRY TO SPOIL them with refreshments we provide.  Point of contact, Wendy Cianci, assistant (401) 677-9838.

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Discounts for Veterans 

Services 

No Problem Plumbing and Heating LLC 15% military discount, ask for Ron Gaynor, (401) 568-6666. Veterans must provide proof of eligibility with a VA Card, VA ID Card, or RI State license with veteran identification. 

Restaurants 

Applebee’s – Military Discount. With more than 2,000 locations, Applebee’s is a family grill restaurant. Applebee’s gives 10% off for active duty and veteran. Last verified 07/31/2022. 

Badger’s Pub – 530 Broadway, Pawtucket is now offering a free meal to veterans every first Friday of the month at the bar. Veterans can partake in a variety of activities during the week, including bingo on Mondays, darts on Tuesdays, high-lo jack on Wednesdays, indoor cornhole on Thursdays, and Karaoke on Fridays and Saturdays, Badger said. The bar also hosts poker on Saturdays and Sundays.

Denny’s – Hartford Ave, Johnston offers 10% discount for veterans and active duty. Denny’s is a table service diner-style restaurant chain. Last verified 07/31/2022. 

Outback Steakhouse – 10% Discount to active and veterans. Last verified 07/28/2021 

99 Restaurant & Pub – The 99 Restaurant & Pub offers a 10% military discount to members of Veterans Advantage. Available at select locations only. Bring valid military ID.

Retailers 

Advance Auto Parts – 10% for Active Duty, Veterans, and families. Last verified 07/28/2021 

Bass Pro Shops – Offers a 5% discount to active-duty military, reservists, and National Guard. Sign up and verify your status online or bring your military ID when you shop at your nearest Bass Pro store (source). 

BJs Wholesale – Reduced membership fee. BJ’s offers all military personnel over 25% off their Membership. Last verified 07/28/2021 

Lowes – Enroll in the Lowe’s Military Discount Program to activate your 10% discount – “Our way of saying Thank You” to our active duty, retired and military veterans and their spouses with a 10% discount on eligible items. Verification of your military status is fast and easy through our partner

GameStop – is offering a 10% in-store military discount on all pre-owned products, collectibles, and select new products. Available to current and former military members who bring any valid proof of service or when they verify through  ID.me 

Home Depot – Offers a 10% off military discount on regularly priced merchandise for in-store purchases for active duty, retired military, and reservists at participating locations. Customers are required to show a valid government-issued military ID card to redeem this offer. 

Kohls – 15% discount offers for active military, veterans, retirees, and their immediate family members a 15% discount on purchases made on Mondays, in store only. In order to receive the military discount, eligible customers must present proper identification along with any tender type. 

Jiffy Lube – HONORING VETERANS ALL DAY EVERY DAY! – We didn’t want to wait for Veteran’s Day to express our appreciation and gratitude for your service. That’s why every Team Car Care owned and operated Jiffy Lube® service center is offering our BEST discount of 10% OFF as a “Thank You” to the men and women of our Armed Forces for their service to our country. *Disclaimer*- I.D. required. No coupon is required. Excludes batteries and brakes, alignment, and diagnostic services. Available only at 3 select locations: Tioque Ave, Coventry RI – Bald Hill Road, Warwick RI – Park Ave, Cranston RI 

Michaels – offers a 15% off military discount on the entire in-store purchase including sale items for active duty, retired military, guard, reservists, veterans, and family members. How to get: 1. Create an account. Log in to Michaels Rewards. 2. Get verified. Provide your military information to get verified, instantly. 3. Go shopping! To use your discount online and in store, just sign into your account or provide your Michaels Rewards phone number at checkout. 

O’Reilly Auto Parts – 10% discount on in store items for Active Duty, Veterans and families. Last verified 3/4/21. 

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If you are a retailer and or a veteran aware of a business not listed above, please forward to: [email protected]:  the business’s name, location, and military and veteran discount offered.

If you have an event, meeting, other pertinent veteran information, or email questions or help needed, contact the Italian American War Veteran Service Officer, John A Cianci, [email protected], ITAM Office 1-(401)677-9VET(9838)  

To read all columns in this series go to: https://rinewstoday.com/john-a-cianci/  

John A. Cianci is a Veteran Service Officer. Retired, U.S. Army MSgt., Persian Gulf War and Iraq War combat theater.

Cianci, a combat disabled Veteran, served in Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His awards include Bronze Star, Combat Action Badge, Good Conduct, and others.

Cianci belongs to numerous veterans organizations – Italian American War Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War, and many more organizations. He is an active volunteer assisting veterans to navigate federal and state benefits they have earned. He is Department of Rhode Island Department Commander Italian American War Veterans and Veteran Service Officer.

He is a graduate of Roger Williams University (BS Finance), UCONN business school* (Entrepreneur Bootcamp for Veterans), Solar Energy International Residential, Commercial and Battery Based Photovoltaic Systems certificate programs, numerous certificates from the Department of Defense renewable energy programs, including graduate of the Solar Ready Vets Program.