Military Appreciation Freebies And Events In Rhode Island For Veterans Day 2016

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the various freebies, promotional offers, and events available to veterans and military personnel in Rhode Island during Veterans Day 2016. The information includes free meals at participating restaurants, complimentary event tickets, and ceremonies honoring veterans throughout the state. Veterans Day 2016 fell on a Thursday, with many events taking place on that day and extending into the following weekend.

Restaurant Freebies for Veterans

Several Rhode Island restaurants offered free meals and special promotions to honor veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day 2016. These offers required proof of military service and were available for dine-in customers at participating locations. As with all promotional offers, it was recommended that customers call ahead to ensure local franchises were participating.

• Applebee's provided all active-duty military, veterans, reserves, and National Guard members with a free, full-sized entrée from an exclusive menu. Additionally, dine-in customers in this group received a $5 gift card good for three weeks and redeemable on their next dine-in, to-go, or delivery order.

• Buffalo Wild Wings offered military personnel and veterans 10 free boneless wings and fries with valid ID. This promotion was good for dine-in and walk-in customers at participating locations.

• Chili's provided veterans and active military members who dined in with a free meal from a select menu.

• Cracker Barrel offered veterans a free sunrise pancake special while supplies lasted. This promotion was available for dine-in customers only and required proof of military service.

• Denny's provided active and retired military personnel with a free Original Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. on Veterans Day.

Free Event Tickets for Veterans

The Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Providence offered free tickets to a sneak peek showing on Sunday, November 13th, 2016, in recognition of all Rhode Islanders who have served. The event was held in honor of USS Arizona survivor Raymond Haerry of Rhode Island and featured content related to Pearl Harbor.

All veterans and current military personnel with proper ID were eligible to receive free tickets, which had to be claimed in person. The showing was part of a commemoration of the events of December 7, 1941, with the tagline "They will always Remember Pearl Harbor."

Tickets were available for purchase online, by phone at (401) 421-ARTS (2787), or at the PPAC Box Office located at 220 Weybosset Street in downtown Providence. However, veterans and military personnel could claim their free tickets in person with proper identification.

Ceremonies and Events on Thursday, November 10, 2016

Numerous ceremonies and events were held throughout Rhode Island to honor veterans on Veterans Day 2016, which fell on a Thursday that year.

In Providence, the Providence VA Medical Center's Voluntary Service hosted a ceremony in the main hospital's fifth-floor auditorium located at 830 Chalkstone Ave. The event featured posting of the colors, opening and closing of the missing-man table, and retiring of the colors by Hope High School JROTC. Guest speakers included Sen. Jack Reed, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Rep. James Langevin, Rep. David Cicilline, Susan MacKenzie (director of the Providence VA Medical Center), Brig. Gen. Christopher Callahan (adjutant general of the Rhode Island National Guard), and Bill Unger (a Providence VA Medical Center psychologist) in a tribute to POWs. The ceremony began at 10 a.m.

Also in Providence on Thursday morning, the U.S. Marine Corps 241st birthday celebration was held at the Rhode Island State House. The event included a cake-cutting ceremony, Marine Corps flag flown over the State House, and a passing from the oldest to youngest Marine present, signifying the passing of the traditions and history of the Corps to the next generation of Marines. All Marines, active and retired were welcome, as well as Fleet Marine Force corpsmen and chaplains. The celebration began at 10 a.m.

In Bristol, the Bristol Veterans Council/Rhode Island Office of Veterans Affairs ceremony was held at the Rhode Island Veterans Home, 480 Metacom Ave., with Governor Raimondo as the guest speaker. The ceremony took place at 11:30 a.m.

In Burrillville (Pascoag), the Allied Veterans Council Memorial Service took place at Veterans Park on Thursday.

Events on Friday, November 11, 2016 (Veterans Day)

On the actual Veterans Day, which fell on Friday in 2016, additional events were held to honor veterans.

Providence hosted a Veterans Day concert and program at the Lippitt House Museum, 199 Hope St. The event featured an evening of live music by Miss Wensday with a focus on jazz popularized during the World Wars. Visitors could learn about the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Red Cross and its connection to the Lippitt family as they explored the museum and a traveling exhibit that commemorated 100 years of service in Rhode Island. The presentation included vintage Red Cross uniforms and a brief history of the unique roles of those who wore them. Advance tickets were available online only, with prices at $15 online by Thursday November 10 and $20 on the day of the event. The program began at 7 p.m.

In Scituate, a parade sponsored by American Legion Scituate Post 19 formed at 10 a.m. at Berkander Field and Institute Lane and stepped off at 10:30 a.m. onto Danielson Pike (Route 6), proceeding west to Silk Lane to Greenville Road (Route 116) to the steps of the Old Historical Congregational Church for ceremonies. In case of rain, ceremonies were held in the North Scituate Community House adjacent to the church.

Seekonk hosted a ceremony conducted by the Seekonk Department of Veterans Services in collaboration with the Friends of Seekonk Veterans Memorial Park Committee at the park, 410 Newman Ave., at 11 a.m.

South Kingstown held a parade that stepped off at 10 a.m.

Weekend Events

The weekend following Veterans Day 2016 featured additional events honoring veterans.

The Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Providence offered free tickets to a sneak peek showing on Sunday, November 13th, 2016, as mentioned earlier. This event was in recognition of all Rhode Islanders who have served and was held in honor of USS Arizona survivor Raymond Haerry of Rhode Island.

Additionally, the Lippitt House Museum in Providence hosted an a cappella concert featuring pop and classic Americana songs in honor of Veterans Day. The event was free, and RSVP was required by calling 275-0682. The concert began at 7 p.m.

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2016 in Rhode Island offered numerous opportunities for veterans and active-duty military personnel to receive free meals, event tickets, and recognition for their service. Restaurants throughout the state participated in offering free meals, while venues provided complimentary admission to special events. Ceremonies and parades were held in communities across Rhode Island to honor veterans and their families. These expressions of gratitude provided meaningful ways for the community to acknowledge the sacrifices made by those who have served in the armed forces.

The events spanned several days, with ceremonies taking place on Thursday, November 10 (the day before Veterans Day), Friday, November 11 (Veterans Day itself), and continuing into the weekend with events on Sunday, November 13. This extended schedule allowed veterans and their families to participate in multiple celebrations and tributes throughout the holiday period.

Sources

1. 2016 R.I. Veterans Day events
2. Veterans Day Deals for Military Personnel
3. WWII Foundation Remember Event
4. Free VA Day