November 11 is Veterans Day, the national holiday dedicated to honoring all who have served in America’s armed forces. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI.
It was originally known as Armistice Day because the armistice or temporary cessation of hostilities for World War I took effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For a complete history of Veterans Day, visit www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp.
For information on national and regional observances, Veterans Day history, resources for students and teachers or to download the Veterans Day poster, visit www.va.gov/vetsday.
President Donald J. Trump Proclaims November 2018 as National Veterans and Military Families Month.
Governor Dayton proclaims Novermber 11th as Armistice Centennial Remembrance Day
Some Veterans Day pointers from the Department of Defense.
2018 Special Events
The year 2018 marks the 100th end to World War I, there are a couple of special events being held this year.
Sounds of Remembrance 1918–2018
On November 11, 2018, at precisely 11:00 am (local times), buglers and trumpeters from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other countries will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War with a worldwide sounding of Taps and The Last Post, sponsored by Taps for Veterans. Each performer will sound their call at a location of their choosing. Those locations will include WWI monuments, memorials, public squares, churches, and Veterans Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies.
Interested buglers and trumpeters should register at https://tapsforveterans.org/soundsofremembrance/. Any bugler or trumpeter may participate. We invite all military, scouts, professionals, teachers, students, Veteran Service Organizations, community bands, and any group that promotes live bugling. All registered participants will be listed on the event website and included on the interactive world map of the event. The videos they submit of their sounding of Taps or The Last Post on November 11 will also be posted on the website and all participants will receive a commemorative patch from Taps for Veterans following the event. In addition one participant, whose name will be chosen from the registered list, will receive an original World War One era bugle.
Sounds of Remembrance Video https://youtu.be/5gHEgFwxPYI
Bells of Peace
Bells of Peace
On November 11, 2018 @ 11:00am local time…
Americans across the nation will toll bells in remembrance of those who served and sacrificed. Join these great organizations and #TollTheBell
The World War One Centennial Commission – along with the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, the Society of the Honor Guard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the National Cathedral, The American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars – has announced a nationwide bell-tolling on Nov. 11 as a solemn reminder of the sacrifice and service of veterans of the Great War, and all veterans.
“Bells of Peace: A World War One Remembrance” encourages citizens and organizations across the nation to toll bells in their communities 21 times at 11 a.m. local time on Nov. 11. To register your location, go to https://www.worldwar1centennial.org/commemorate/event-map-system/bells-of-peace-a-world-war-i-remembrance.html
Bell of Peace: Participation App – This year you can commemorate the Centennial of the WWI Armistice with you, or a group of people opening the Bells of Peace App before 11am on 11/11. As the built-in countdown timer reaches 11am local, Bells of Peace will toll from every device; together; 21 times; in a remembrance of when the fighting ended on the Western Front. The App is available for iOS & Android mobile devices.
2018 Veterans Day Restaurant, Retail and Travel Deals
Please visit the following websites below for deals of all kinds:
Note: some are located within Minnesota and others are across the county.
Military Benefits: https://militarybenefits.info/veterans-day-discounts-sales-deals-free-meals/
Military.com:
- Restaurants
- Retailers (including Target Stores)
- Travel
The Military Wallet: https://themilitarywallet.com/veterans-day-free-meals-and-discounts/
2018 Veterans Day Events
Note: Some events are not on November 11th.
We suspect there are more events being held around the state. If you hear of any, send the information to webmaster@afsa858.org.
Avon – Blacksmithing for Veterans – Nov 12
This free event is open to all military personnel, past and present. Whether you have never swung a hammer before, have some experience, or have a disability that prevents you from enjoying hobbies like blacksmithing,you are welcome to join for a day in the shop. Blacksmithing can be a form of mental and physical therapy and provide a creative outlet for many people, including disabled veterans and Veterans with PTSD. This event is absolutely free. All you need to bring is a desire to learn, the rest (lunch, beverages, and sweets will be provided.
RSVP at https://www.kensiron.com/blacksmithing-for-veterans
Chaska Veterans Park Dedication – Nov 11
Join us as we dedicate the new Chaska Veterans Park on Veterans Day. We will have representatives from all 5 branches of the Armed Forces along with a guest speaker and an unveiling of the “Chaska Coin Check.” Following the program, we encourage everyone to explore the amenities of the park, which include an honor wall, monuments to the Armed Forces, a revamped shelter, and an archery range. This beautiful park will be a great addition to the community, and we are thrilled to celebrate with veteran organizations like the Carver County Veteran Services, Chaska VFW and Chaska American Legion Post 57. The celebration continues afterward at the VFW for refreshments, chili served by the auxiliary, bounce house & face painting for the kids, and music by the Jason Paulson band 3-6pm.
Chaska Veterans Park 619 Creek Rd, Chaska, MN 55318; Nov 11 2 PM – 2:30 PM
Crookston Veterans Day Wreath Ceremony and Brunch – Nov 11
VFW Post 1902, American Legion Post 20, DAV Chapter 14, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Committee and Stenshoel Houske Funeral and Cremation Services will host a Veterans Day Wreath Ceremony followed by brunch from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 11 at VFW Post 1902 in Crookston, MN. VFW Post 1902 121 N Main Street Crookston, MN For more information call (218) 289-0865.
Dakota County Technical College “My Sailor’s Dream” – Nov 14
Retired Senior Chief and DCTC Student Bruce Kunkel will share his story about his dream to become a Blue Angel and the trials and tribulations he faced on his path to achieve his dream. For more information, contact: Kathy Bachman South Metro Regional Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs 651-423-8274, kathy.bachman@dctc.edu
DCTC 1300 145th St E, Rosemount, Minnesota 55068; Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at 1 PM – 1:45 PM
Eagan High School – Nov 12
The Students, Faculty, and Staff of Eagan High School would like to cordially invite you to our 12th Annual Veterans Day Recognition Assembly, November 12, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. in the main gymnasium. 8:15A.M. – A social hour with coffee, doughnuts and bagels in our Student Commons for Veterans and their families. 9:00A.M.- A 50-minute assembly will be held with military personnel from the United States Armed Services as well as the Eagan High School Student Body. Those planning to attend the assembly but not the Social Hour are requested to arrive at 8:45 for seating before the students enter. Parking is plentiful and will be reserved for veterans in our lower student lot. No RSVP required.
Eagan High School, 4 185 Braddock Trail, Eagan, MN 55123
Fergus Falls Veterans Home – Nov 11
The Veterans Day program at the Minnesota Veterans Home – Fergus Falls will be held on Sunday, November 11th at 2 p.m. in the Dining Room. The guest speaker will be Pastor Wes Moir, a Vietnam, Navy Veteran from Wendell, MN. The Fergus Falls Veterans Home Choir will be singing several patriotic selections. There will be a power point honoring all Veterans at The Fergus Falls Veterans Home. The Fergus Falls American Legion Post #30 and the Fergus Falls VFW Post 612 will be participating. Coffee & cookies will be served following the program. Please join us as we celebrate Veterans Day by honoring and thanking Veterans!
Historic Fort Snelling Visitor Center – Nov 9
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites Veterans, families and community members to celebrate the contributions of unsung women female heroes who made lasting contributions in the efforts of WWI on Friday, Nov. 9. From 5-8 p.m.
This event will include a program with a film screening of “At Home and Over There: American Women Physicians in World War I.” This documentary tells the incredible story of American women physicians who served during the First World War despite widespread discrimination. Driven by patriotism and a desire to serve, these unsung heroines worked in hospitals, dispensaries, canteens, and ambulance units both during the war and in the years that followed. The film is presented by the American Medical Women’s Association and Raw Science Foundation.
Following the screening a panel of five Minnesota Veterans will share experiences of their service in relation to the documentary. Over the course of an hour each of the Veterans will tell well-crafted stories about their experiences serving their country, returning to civilian life, and the challenges that different communities of Veterans face today.
The event is free to attend and open to the public. Registration is preferred and can be done here.
Historic Fort Snelling Visitor Center, 200 Tower Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Hastings Veterans Home – Nov 9
The Hastings Veterans Home’s Veterans Day Program will take place Friday, Nov. 9th, at 2:00 p.m. Speakers will be WWII OSS Hero and Congressional Medal recipient Robert Holmstrom, and VFW National Surgeon Dr. James Tuorila. Flag Ceremony by AMVETS Post 10 of the Hastings Veterans Home. Gathering to follow the program to meet the speakers, refreshments will follow the program.
Hastings Veterans Home, 1200 18th Street East, Hastings, MN 55033
Hibbing – Nov 12
American Legion Post 222-Cobb-Williams-Nehiba, DAV RUSSO-GOLOB #3, VFW Post 1221, AMVETS Post 12, and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon-Hibbing/Chisholm will host a Veterans Day Ceremony Monday, Nov. 12 at 11 a.m. Starting at 11:00 AM. with a 21 Gun Salute by Mid Range Honor Guard, followed by a short program including a student choir, and lunch at Noon.
Hibbing Memorial Building Arena 400 E 23rd St. Hibbing, MN 55746
Inver Grove Heights – State of Minnesota Veterans Day Event – Nov 11
The Official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program is scheduled for 10 a.m. Sunday, November 11 at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites Veterans, families, elected officials and community members to celebrate and honor all Veterans who have served this country. This year’s program will have a special focus on the Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Armistice that ended WWI. This year’s program will conclude with the nation-wide Tolling of the Bell at 11 a.m. In remembrance of those who served and sacrificed, Americans across the nation will ring bells at exactly the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
The program will also feature a keynote address by Nancy O’Brien Wagner, author of “Alice in France: The World War I Letters of Alice M. O’Brien.” Her book focuses on the engaging and revealing letters of her great aunt who, with thousands of others, volunteered for service in World War I Europe.
On display at the event will be the Minnesota Military Museum’s 30 foot WWI America mural depicting 100 notable individuals from the era. Recently completed by local Veteran David Geister, it was inspired by an even larger, century-old painting at the National WWI Museum in Kansas City. Artifacts from WWI will also be on site to view and Freedom Flight, Inc. will have a Prisoners of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) hot air balloon displayed at the event (weather permitting).
A free community breakfast will be served from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. prior to the start of the program at 10 a.m.
Veterans Memorial Community Center, 8055 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights, MN
Knollwood Place Veterans Luncheon – Nov 8
Nothing is American as Hot Dogs, Apple Pie, and our Veterans! Knollwood Place Apartments is hosting its annual Veterans Luncheon. If you are a veteran, you’re invited to a complementary luncheon on us and to honor YOU! Complementary lunch is for veterans only. Others welcome to have lunch for a nominal fee of $5.50.
Knollwood Place Apts 3630 Phillips Pkwy, Saint Louis Park, Minnesota 55426
Luverne Veterans Home – Nov 11
The Luverne Veterans Home will host a Veterans Day Program on Sunday, Nov. 11 at 2:30 p.m. The program will feature Keynote speaker,2nd District American Legion Commander Cindy Brunk. 2:30 p.m.
Minnesota Veterans Home – Luverne Dining Room, 1300 N. Kniss Ave. Luverne, MN 56156
Mankato – Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota – Nov 11
A day of play at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota with free admission for all current and past military service members and their families thanks to sponsorship support provided by Jonny B’s and Rent MSU. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, 224 Lamm Street, Mankato, MN
Minneapolis – Brit’s Clubhouse Room – Nov 11
Twin Cities local and International communities will commemorate Veteran’s Day in Brit’s Clubhouse Room for live music, a color guard and words honoring global Veterans on the 100th Anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War I. The event is scheduled Veterans’ Day, Sunday, November 11, 2018. The doors open at 4 p.m., with a celebration following at 5. Partnership with Brit’s Pub, Alliance Francaise, Italian Cultural Center, Lutheran Social Service, City of Hennepin, Veteran’s for Peace, UMN NROTC. 5 p.m.
Brit’s Pub 1100 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis – Hennepin County Armistice Anniversary Event – Nov 11
Join Hennepin County in recognizing Veterans Day and the 100th anniversary of the World War I armistice. Sunday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m. Flagpole Plaza at 45th Avenue North and Victory Memorial Drive Program will include: Lowering of the flag; Prominent speakers on the war’s local history; Musician Robert Robinson; Moment of silence at 11 a.m. Weather permitting, the flagpole should cast a shadow on the sundial at 11 a.m. based on the way the memorial was designed.
Victory Memorial Drive Trees and monuments along Victory Memorial Drive honor the 568 Hennepin County service men and women who died in World War I. Dedicated to fallen soldiers in 1921 and rededicated in 2011, the drive is located in the northwest area of Minneapolis and the eastern border of Robbinsdale. Victory Memorial Drive is part of the historic 50-mile Grand Rounds Scenic Byway System owned and managed by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. November 11, 2018, will mark the 100-year anniversary of the WWI armistice, which ended fighting on land, sea and air between U.S. allies and their last opponent, Germany. The armistice called for a ceasefire effective at 11 a.m. Paris time on November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month).
Hennepin County is sponsoring this event in collaboration with the City of Minneapolis, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, and City of Robbinsdale. More information available at the Hennepin County website.
Flagpole plaza at 45th Avenue North and Victory Memorial Drive
Minneapolis – MACV Legal Clinic – Nov 13
The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans is hosting a free legal clinic for Veterans November 13, 2018 from 9 a.m to 2 p.m. at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.
Minneapolis – Northrop – Bells of Peace – Nov 11, 11:00 am
The Oratorio Society of Minnesota will be conducting a “Bells of Peace” ceremony on the Plaza of Northrop Memorial Auditorium (U of M East Campus) beginning at 11 a.m. on November 11, 2018, the centenary of the World War I Armistice.
The ceremony is part of a nationwide initiative, sponsored by the United States World War I Centennial Commission, which will be observed throughout the U.S. More details are available at the World War I Centennial website.
There will be a reading the names of each Minnesota solider killed in action as part of the remembrance ceremony. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. and will run through approximately 3:30 p.m. At 4 p.m., there will be an Armistice Centennial concert in Northrop. For details, visit the Northrop event website.
Minneapolis – Northrop – Lest We Forget Concert – Nov 11, 4:00 pm
With the signing of the Armistice, World War I ended on Nov. 11, 1918, at the “eleventh hour on the 11th day of the 11th month.” To commemorate this milestone in world history, this Veterans Day concert will present the Joint United States premiere of composer Patrick Hawes’ The Great War Symphony—a four-movement, hour-long work for soloists, chorus, and orchestra. Additional selections will include arrangements of wartime tunes. Presented in collaboration with the U of M Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost.
Northrop, 84 Church ST SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Minneapolis Veterans Home – Nov 11
The Minneapolis Veterans Home will have a Veterans Day Program Sunday, Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. sponsored by the 7th District VFW. The program will take place in the b19 Community Room, and Keynote speaker will be Col. Ryan Zipf, Army Reserve.
Minneapolis Veterans Home, 5101 Minnehaha Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55417
Nevis – Nov 12
The Star of the North US Marine Corps League Honor Guard will have cookies with the kindergarten students at Nevis Public School. Students have created classroom art projects and letters to soldiers. Posters are hanging in the halls as well as local businesses. The Junior High choir will be singing a song as well as an individual. The band will be playing in addition to a guest speaker. The “Voice of Democracy” essay contest and poster contest winners will also be announced. Veterans Day Program November, 12, 1:20 PM
Nevis Public School, 210 Pleasant Ave., Nevis MN 56467
New Ulm – Cathederal High School – Nov 11
Organized by New Ulm VFW Post 1648, this program will begin at 11 a.m. and will include patriotic music performed by New Ulm Concord Singers, official program and guest speaker.
Cathederal High School, 514 N Washington Street New Ulm, MN 56073
New Ulm – Minnesota Valley Lutheran – Nov 11
Organized by the MVL High School Student Body, this Veterans Program starts at 9, with a full breakfast preceding sat 7:30. Veterans are grouped by branch of service and seated in auditorium. Area school children are bused in for this very moving tribute to all US Veterans. Family members welcome to attend.
Minnesota Valley Lutheran, 45638 561st Avenue New Ulm, MN 56073
Not About Heroes by Stephen MacDonald
November 8, 9, & 10, 2018 @ 7 p.m.; November 11, 2018 @ 2 p.m.; November 15, 16, & 17, 2018 @ 7 p.m.
Why would a soldier hospitalized for shell shock choose to return to the carnage of the trenches? We mark the 100th anniversary of the World War I Armistice with 7 performances of “Not About Heroes,” by Stephen MacDonald. A play about war, truth, and two artists’ evolving self-awareness. Based on letters and memoirs, the play tells of Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen, two British officers who became mutual admirers over their attempts to write poetry that told the truth about war. Enhance your experience: 1. Come early to become familiar with the poems quoted in the play. 2. Stay afterwards to talk with U.S. veterans who have dealt with their wartime experiences in writing or other media. 3. View masks from Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance’s Unmasking Project–a program that has helped veterans and others deal with traumatic brain injury. And help veterans: bring a donation of clothes to be given to Every Third Saturday, an organization that helps homeless veterans achieve stability.
Hero Now Theater (https://heronowtheatre.org/not-about-heroes/)
Venue: Off-Leash Area Art Box, 4200 East 54th Street, Minneapolis MN 55417
St. Paul Capitol at the Vietnam Wall – Nov 11
The 173rd Abn Bde Assn Chapter 15; Special Forces Chapter XX; and Vietnam Veterans Assn Chapter 320 will host a Veterans Day Observation at the Vietnam Wall in St. Paul at 11 a.m. The event will include patriotic music, a speaker, and a rifle volley salute. For more information contact (765) 567-4019.
St. Paul – AMVETS Post 5 – Nov 10
AMVETS Post 5 will host a Veterans Day Remembrance Saturday, Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. This program will include: Outdoors: Posting of Colors; Gun Salute; Welcome; Salute; Pledge. Indoors: Large meeting room re-gather; Introductions; Reading of Vets names who have passed; Moment of silence; Commanders Awards; Lunch; Mix and mingle.
AMVETS Post 5, 179 Robie Street, St Paul, MN
Silver Bay Veterans Home – Nov 11
The Silver Bay Veterans Home will be hosting a Veterans Day Program Sunday, Nov. 11 at 10:30 a.m. The program will include: Pledge of Allegiance; National Anthem; Opening Prayer; My Country Tis of Thee; Keynote Speakers: Friends of the Fourth, Isabella; Moment of Silence; America the Beautiful; Benediction.
Silver Bay Veterans Home, 56 Outer Drive, Silver Bay, MN 55614
Winona – Nov 11
There will be a Veterans Day program at Veterans Memorial Park in Winona organized by the Winona Veterans Council beginning at 11 a.m. The program have a WWI theme, and include a speaker, and volleys of a civil war cannon. Contact (507) 457-6458 for more information.
Veterans Memorial Park, Winona, MN 55987