In an era of constant disagreement, it’s generally agreed upon that our veterans and first responders deserve recognition daily, rather than a single Veterans Day. That notwithstanding, Houston always honors our heroes with downtown events and ceremonies, plus a host of dining and hospitality deals.
Sadly, the Houston Salutes American Heroes Veterans Day Parade scheduled for 11 am Saturday, November 11 has been canceled due to inclement and potentially hazardous weather conditions. However, the indoor event at City Hall is still open to invited guests and participants. The public is encouraged to watch the live streaming on Houston Municipal Television at 10 am Saturday, November 11 on the HTV Website and HTV Facebook pages. This televised celebration will include distinguished guests, a moment of silence in honor of the signing of the WWI Armistice, and keynote speaker Dr. Quindola Crowley, Lt. Colonel (Ret.) U.S. Army.
Photo courtesy of City of Houston/Mayor's Office of Special Events
Houston salutes our heroes with a host of deals this weekend.
Also on Veterans Day, The Lone Star Flight Museum hosts the Jet Setter’s Ball ’23 as it pays tribute to Robert L. Waltrip, the museum’s founder in the museum’s Heritage Hangar (11551 Aerospace Avenue at Ellington Airport). The Monte Carlo-themed, elegant affair honors the late Robert L. “Bob” Waltrip whose passion for aviation and World War II aircraft led him to establish the Lone Star Flight Museum in 1985. The gala program will also recognize Veterans Day and those who have bravely served our country, including the esteemed Lieutenant General Douglas H. Owens (Ret.), the museum’s CEO. More information can be found at the museum site.
The Lone Star Flight Museum will honor veterans past and present at its Jet Setter’s Ball ’23.Image courtesy of Lone Star Flight Museum
Those interested in assisting our heroes every day can look to organizations ranging from K9s For Warriors, which helps pair veterans with service dogs, to Dress for Success Houston, which helps local women who have served their country with personal and professional tools for success in their post-military ops through its Women Veterans Program.
Other Houston-area and surrounding-area nonprofit organizations, such as the Huntsville-based Operation Red Wings Foundation (which scores a 4-star rating at the independent Charity Navigator site), assist those who served our nation but need assistance healing invisible scars by way of treatment, support, family retreats, engaging activities, and more.
More help comes via METRO, which will provide free rides for veterans and active service members on Saturday, November 11 via bus, METRORail, METRORapid, curb2curb, and METROLift services.
Meanwhile, a host of local restaurants and hospitality are offering deals and specials for our veterans and first responders. A respectful reminder: picking up their tab, or just a simple handshake and thank you, goes a long way with those who protect our nation and residents.
Here are some of the Houston-area businesses participating in veterans Day specials. (Listings compiled by Craig D. Lindsey and CultureMap restaurant/bar editor Eric Sandler.)
7 Brew Coffee is bringing out the full red, white, and blue with two exclusive drinks. Ocean Breeze 7 Energy and Patriot Punch 7 Energy. Veterans are supported year-round and receive a 10 percent discount on every drink.
Andiron, the Montrose steakhouse, will serve veterans a free 16-ounce New York strip. (Eric Sandler recommends pairing it with their Pommes Anna.)
Bombshells Restaurant & Bar will provide free entrees for veterans. Families accompanying veterans, and active service members and their accompanying families, will receive a 20 percent discount on entrees and other items.
Candente, the Montrose Tex-Mex draw, will offer a free enchilada plate of choice, while The Pit Room, its sister restaurant next door, will offer a free brisket sandwich to all veterans.
Comfort Foodies is extending a heartfelt tribute to veterans and active military personnel by offering veterans a free signature beef, chicken, or spinach empanada. Veterans and military service members need only to present their valid military ID.
Dish Society, as well as Daily Gather, its sister concept in CityCentre, offers veterans, active duty military, and first responders 20 percent off every day at all Dish Society/Daily Gather locations.
Dish Society and its sister concept Daily Gather offer veterans, active duty military, and first responders 20 percent off — every day — at all locations.Photo by Dragana Harris
Feges BBQ, owned and operated by Iraq war veteran/Purple Heart recipient Patrick Feges, will celebrate veterans by providing free meals all day for vets. This year’s program is supported by community members who have made donations to Feges to help cover each meal.
Freebirds World Burrito is offering a free burrito to any active military member or veteran who visits their local Freebirds. All that’s needed to redeem this special offer is a valid military ID.
Holocaust Museum Houston will open its doors and halls with free admission to veterans and active duty service members all day.
Home Run Dugout will have their first annual Veterans Day Chili Showdown. Tickets are $15 for all-you-can-eat chili. Proceeds will directly benefit the Katy VFW Post 9182. All veterans and active members with a valid ID will receive a free entrée.
Home Run Dugout will host its first annual Veterans Day Chili Showdown.
Photo courtesy of Home Run Dugout
Island Fin Poke Co. will express its deep gratitude to all veterans and active members by offering them a free poké bowl. To redeem the free bowl, veterans and active military members are kindly requested to present their military ID, veteran ID or DD-214 form.
Juice It Up! in Pearland will be offering veterans and active service members a free, medium classic smoothie. The offer is available in-store only and requires proof of service.
Lotus Seafood is honoring veterans and active military service members with a free lunch. They are invited to indulge in a delicious, complimentary lunch featuring a choice of either two fish filets and fries or six shrimp and fries.
McDonald’s will honor military servicemen and servicewomen with a free breakfast combo meal or regular combo meal. Veterans and current members of the military are invited to enjoy their free meal by showing their military ID.
Money Cat will take 20 percent off all veterans’ bills (excluding alcohol) with proper ID.
Phat Eatery is offering veterans and service members who show their military ID a 30-percent discount on their bill (excluding alcohol). Promotion valid for dine-in and takeaway service (not valid for online orders) on Veterans Day.
Quad HTX Restaurant & Sports Lounge is honoring veterans and active members with an exclusive “Heroes Hour.” This will feature happy hour specials with buy one, get one free appetizers, 50 percent off all signature cocktails, $3 beer, and $5 premium drinks. Veterans are also invited to check out the premium cigar lounge all weekend.
Raising Cane’s will donate $250,000 to Wounded Warrior Project, an organization dedicated to meeting the growing needs of wounded veterans, their families and caregivers. Cane’s will also offer service workers a 10 percent off “Hero Discount” for those with a valid ID.
Right Choice Urgent Care will offer veterans and active military service members free flu shots. No appointment is necessary to receive a flu shot, veterans and service members need only show their military ID.
State Fare Kitchen & Bar invites veterans to come enjoy a free meal at any of their three locations. The meal offer includes any single item from the menu for dine-in only. Active duty military and veterans must show proof of service.
Enjoy a free meal at State Fare Kitchen & Bar.
Photo by Julie Soefer
Taste Kitchen + Bar is showing their appreciation for the dedication and service of retired and active military personnel with a free breakfast. Military service members will be treated to a complimentary breakfast menu.
Twin Peaks will be honoring veterans with a free lunch at all of their restaurants. Retired and active military members are invited to order a complimentary lunch entrée from an exclusive menu.
Twin Peaks is picking up veterans' (past and present) lunch entrées.Twin Peaks Webster/Facebook
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Email any Veterans Day events or activities we missed to houston@culturemap.com.
