JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Veterans along the First Coast will be honored in many ways for Veterans Day, and one way we’re showing gratitude for their service is with some special events, deals and discounts.
There are events in Florida and Georgia to highlight veterans that are welcome to civilians and military families.
Events
If you want to celebrate Veterans Day early, Vet Fest in Fleming Island kicks off Sunday at noon, raising money to assist local veterans.
Florida’s largest Veterans Day parade is being held here in Jacksonville Monday morning. Starting at 11 a.m. on Bay Street in downtown Jacksonville will be packed with patriotic parade floats, marching bands and of course active and retired members of the military.
The Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair is offering free admission to active-duty and retired service members and veterans with a military ID on Monday. Up to three family members can also get in for free.
In the afternoon, the Clara White Mission will host a special tribute for African American World War I and World War II veterans at the Pinehurst Cemetery on Moncrief road.
The Veteran's Council of St. Johns County is holding a Veterans Day Ceremony Monday morning. Keynote speaker Sheriff Robert Hardwick will kick off the main ceremony, which starts at 11 a.m. The event will be hosted at Anastasia Baptist Church located at 1650 A1A South.
And for those who live in Georgia, the Kingsland Veterans Day Parade starts at 10:30 a.m. in downtown Kingsland.
Deals and Discounts
We’re on your side with businesses that are going out of their way to put the spotlight on veterans.
In honor of Veteran's Day, all military veterans and active-duty service members get a free ticket to the Jacksonville Zoo when they buy online.
Waters Carwash in Orange Park along with all the Gate Express Car Washes in Jacksonville and St. Augustine are taking car of veteran's cars for free.
Restaurants like Applebee's, Bob Evans and Chilis are offering a free meal from a select menu all of Monday.
Other places like Joe’s Crab Shack, Longhorn and Metro Diner are giving veterans and active-duty military discounts on their bill.
Click here to see a full list of participating restaurants.
Now for veterans or active military members to receive VIP treatment, they must bring Military ID so the business can honor the discounts.