Veterans Day is a day set aside to show honor and gratitude to those who have served our country. This year, there are plenty of events going on in the Beaumont area to honor veterans, and even special discounts & freebies.
Veterans Day ceremonies open to the public:
7th Annual Veterans Day Memorial & Ceremony
November 11, 11:00 am
Ben J. Rogers Regional Visitors Center
5055 IH-10 South
Beaumont, TX 77705
The 7th annual Veterans Day Observance will be held at the Ben J. Rogers Regional Visitors Center on Wednesday, November 11. Veterans and their families, along with the general public are invited to this patriotic event. Vietnam Veterans Chapter 292 will host the event with a raffle benefiting their chapter. In addition, Doug Porter with Military Memories will exhibit a display of Vietnam era military service uniforms. Tip: Due to construction, we recommend using S. Major Drive or Fannett Road to access the visitor center.
West Brook High School Ceremony
November 10 (the day before Veterans Day), 1:15 pm
West Brook High School
8750 Phelan Blvd
Beaumont, TX 77706
A ceremony to honor veterans will held in the auditorium of West Brook High School.
Lamar University Ceremony
November 11, 11:00 am
Lamar University
4400 S MLK Jr Pkwy
Beaumont, TX 77710
Lamar University will honor veterans with a ceremony in the quadrangle of the campus, near the Setzer Student Center.
Calderwoods Veterans Day Ceremony
November 11, 3:00 pm
Calderwoods Senior Living Center
7080 Calder Ave
Beaumont, TX 77706
In honor of Veterans Day, Calderwoods Senior Living Center will have full military honors, a 21 gun salute, flag ceremony and music to honor veterans.
Nederland Veterans Park Dedication
November 11, 10:00 am
Nederland Veterans Park (next to City Hall)
207 N 12th St
Nederland, TX 77627
Special guest speaker, Congressman Randy Weber (Texas 14th District), will speak at the dedication of Nederland Veterans Park on November 11. Veterans Park honors all past and present military personnel. The new park also incorporates the memorial which was relocated from Tex Ritter Park. Learn more about Nederland Veterans Park here.
Dining Discounts for Veterans on November 11th:
Rao's Bakery: Rao’s Bakery and Coffee Café will be honoring all Veterans with free hot coffee and a mini cinnamon roll to any veteran that visits one of the five Rao's locations wearing a veterans cap, earned medals and badges or in uniform. Rao's opens at 6:00 am and the offer is good all day at any location.
Amelia Farm and Market: On Veterans Day, Amelia Farm and Market will offer a free glass of fresh squeezed lemonade for all veterans. Amelia is open from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm.
IHOP: From 7:00 am to 7:00 pm on Veterans Day, IHOP restaurants will once again honor the 22 million veterans currently living in the United States and more than 1.3 million Armed Forces members currently serving in the military by offering them a free stack of red, white & blue pancakes on Veterans Day.
Golden Corral: The 15th Annual Golden Corral Military Appreciation Dinner is available to any person who has ever served in the United States military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to participate in Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Dinner 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm on Veterans Day.
Olive Garden: Veterans and active duty military receive a free entree at Olive Garden with proof of service. Family members also receive 10% off. The restaurant is open from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm on Veterans Day.
Outback Steakhouse: Outback Steakhouse is honoring America’s military veterans by offering active duty military and veterans a free bloomin’ onion and a non-alcoholic beverage. This offer is available to military personnel and veterans with ID. Veterans also receive 15% off purchases from November 12 through December 31, 2015. The Beaumont location is open 11:00 am - 10:00 pm on Veterans Day.
Texas Roadhouse: A free lunch to honor the men and women of our armed forces. Veterans can choose from one of 10 free meals, plus sides and a soft drink, coffee, or tea. Offer good for all veterans – including all active, retired or former U.S. military. ID is required.
Other Freebies:
Clifton Steamboat Museum Free Tours for Veterans
November 11, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Clifton Steamboat Museum
8727 Fannett Rd
Beaumont, TX 77705
The Clifton Steamboat Museum will offer free tours to veterans from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm on Veterans Day. The museum’s art galleries bring to life the Wars fought in Southeast Texas and Louisiana, as well as the Steamboat era, World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.
Village Creek State Park Free Entry
November 8 (the Sunday before Veterans Day), 8:00 am - 10 pm
8854 Park Rd. 74
Lumberton, TX 77657
In honor of both veterans and active military, day-use entrance fees for all visitors will be waived at Village Creek State Park (and all Texas State Parks) on November 8, the Sunday before Veterans Day. Update: Due to flooding, trails and creek is closed. Contact the park for the latest information.
Ways to show your appreciation to Veterans:
You can write letters to veterans, send care packages or just be a companion for a military member who needs your help. Below are a few organizations that can connect you with a veteran.
Operation Gratitude
A Million Thanks
Veterans United
Operation We Are Here
Side note:
Flu season is approaching. The Beaumont location of the Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center has flu shots available for veterans. Check the website for more information, or call the center at 409-981-8550.
