Veterans Day 2011: Events and Military Freebies

Both active and past military service members will be honored in events throughout the United States this Veterans Day, Friday Nov. 11. Here is just a sample of the parades and events happening in major U.S. cities:

Washington, D.C.

Arlington National Cemetery: Arlington National Ceremony hosts the largest event near the nation's capital on Veterans Day. At 11 a.m., a service will be held honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. A wreath laying ceremony will take place at the Tomb of the Unknown. Visitors should arrive at least a half hour early to get seating.

Vietnam Women's Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial: Events will take place at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial between Constitution Avenue and Henry Bacon Drive throughout the day. The Vietnam Women's memorial will hold storytelling by Vietnam-era veterans and their families at the memorial from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and again between 2 - 4 p.m. The Vietnam Veterans will then have speakers and a wreath laying ceremony to pay tribute to all who served in the Vietnam War.

World War II Memorial: At 9 a.m. the World War II Memorial will honor veterans in a wreath laying ceremony. The monument is located between Constitution and Independence Avenues.

New York City

Veterans Day Parade: The annual Veterans Day Parade starts at 11 a.m. at Fifth Avenue at 23^rd Street and travels north along Fifth to 56^th Street. The parade consists of 27 active military units, junior ROTC members, marching bands, and more. This is the 92nd year of the annual parade and it's expected to be bigger than ever.

Veterans Day Block Party:This block party takes place on 53^rd Street between Madison and Sixth Avenues. Hit the pavement for fun and tons of great food. The event starts at 10 a.m.

Veterans Day Ceremony: Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum invites all to join for their annual Veterans Day Ceremony Friday Nov. 11 at 3 p.m. near the traveling Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall. In addition, service member and their families can enter the museum for free on Friday.

Los Angeles

Veterans Day at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library: Bring the family to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library for its annual Veterans Day Event in honor of those who served in the United States Armed Forces. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. with a flyover and live musical performances. New York Times best selling writer and Navy Seal Eric Greitens will give this year's keynote address.

Veterans Day Parade in San Fernando: The San Fernando Valley invites all to join the eighth annual parade Honoring Those Who Served Past and Present. The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. at the corner of Laurel Canyon and San Fernando Mission and continues on Laurel Canyon to the Ritchie Valens Recreation Center.

Restaurants offering free meals

Many restaurants around the United States give free meals to veterans and active military members in honor of their service on Veterans Day. More restaurants than ever are participating this year, so check The Military Wallet for a full list.

Call the individual location before heading out, as many chains only give free meals at participating restaurants. Military identification is required at many of the eateries.

Applebee's: Last year, Applebee's served over a million free meals to veterans and service members, and it's looking to do it again this year. Veterans can chose from one of seven signature entrees like a bacon cheddar cheeseburger or a seven ounce house sirloin.

Chili's: Chili's is offering a free lunch from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in honor of the day. Military members can choose from six different entrees.

Subway: Get a free six inch sub this Veterans Day at Subway.

The Olive Garden: Veterans and active military can chose from a special Veterans menu at the Olive Garden. Each entree is served with garlic bread sticks and a choice of soup or salad.

Happy Veterans Day!