OHIO — Across the nation, the public will honor U.S. military service members on Veterans Day on Friday.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Day came to be on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Originally, the holiday was called Armistice Day. That’s because World War I officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919.
But the fighting stopped “seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
It was officially recognized as a national holiday in 1938 by Congress.
Then in 1954, the holiday’s name changed to Veterans Day to be more inclusive of all wars military members served in.
In order to honor veterans, there will be some closures, as well as discounts at restaurants across the state.
Closures
- Post offices will be closed and there will be no mail delivery
- Federal, state, county, city and other government offices will be closed
- Some university campuses will be closed while others will remain open; check their websites for more information
- Some local libraries will be closed while others will remain open; check their websites for more information
Discounts
- Applebee’s: Active military, veterans, Reserves and National Guard members can get a free meal off of a specific menu
- Bob Evans: Past and active military members can get a free meal
- Chili’s: Past and active military members can pick a free meal based off of a list of options
- Golden Corral: Military members can get a free meal on Nov. 14 at 5 p.m.
- IHOP: There will be free red, white and blue pancakes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Red Lobster: Veterans and active duty members can get a free fried shrimp meal with French fries and coleslaw
- Starbucks: Members can get a free hot, tall brewed coffee
Check with local restaurants to see if they are offering discounts as well.
