With this year marking the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, organizations are doubling their efforts on Veterans Day to celebrate and commemorate those who serve and have served in the armed forces. Here are some metro Atlanta events and restaurant deals dedicated to saluting veterans and active-duty military personnel.
Events
The American Legion and Great Clips' Buzz Cut Challenge. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 7. Suggested $10 donation. 921 Gresham Ave. NE, Marietta, (770) 427-5900. Great Clips will offer buzz cuts to anyone who wants to participate as a way to honor the troops. Donated money will support Post 29 of the American Legion.www.legion.org/buzzcut/events
11th annual Marietta Veterans Day parade. 11 a.m. Nov. 11. Free. 774 Roswell St., Marietta. Marietta's parade will include drill teams, floats and military vehicles. High school bands and ROTC groups will also represent schools in Cobb County and Marietta.www.marietta.com/veterans-day-parade.
Atlanta History Center's Veterans Day events. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Nov. 11. Free. 130 W. Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta. (404) 814-4000.This annual gathering will feature a speech from Command Sgt. Major Benny Adkins, who received a medal of honor for his service in the Vietnam War. www.atlantahistorycenter.com/program/veterans-day-program.
34th annual Atlanta Veterans Day parade. 11:11 a.m. Nov. 7. Free. 300 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. The long-running Atlanta Veterans Day parade will feature Vietnam War veteran Lt. General Claude M. "Mick" Kicklighter as its grand marshal and keynote speaker. Those who arrive early can find seating to watch the parade near Centennial Olympic Park. www.gavetsdayparade.org
Douglas County Veterans Day lighted parade. 7 p.m. Nov. 7. Free. 8705 Campbellton St., Douglasville. Douglas County's mile-long parade is free to any participant, so long as they salute the flag or veterans. The parade is generally made up on military groups, JROTC organizations. www.celebratedouglascounty.com
Atlanta Opera's Soldier Songs. 8 p.m. Nov. 11-14. 3 p.m. Nov. 15. Rialto Center for the Arts, 80 Forsyth St. N.W., Atlanta. This multimedia performance follows a man through his youth, service in the military and life as an elder. The play is based on interviews with veterans of five wars and incorporates opera, rock music and animation. www.atlantaopera.org Learn more about navigating the opera for beginners.
Emory's annual flag-raising ceremony. 10:55 a.m. Nov. 11. Free. 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta. (404) 727-6123. Emory continues its tradition of hosting a military flag-raising in honor of Veterans Day. news.emory.edu
Veterans Day restaurant deals around Atlanta
Krystal. Krystal will offer all active and retired military members a free chicken or sausage biscuit before 11 a.m. Nov. 11. From 11 a.m. to close, Krystal will offer $0.50 Pups and Corn Pups to all customers. Multiple locations around Atlanta. krystal.com
Der Biergarten. Active and retired military personnel with ID will receive 50 percent off their bill Nov. 7 and Nov. 11. 300 Marietta St, Atlanta. derbiergarten.com
HOBNOB. Veterans and their guests will receive 20 percent off their bill during lunch or dinner Nov. 11. 1551 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta. www.communitashospitality.com
Johnny's Hideaway. Active and retired military personnel will receive $11 off their bar tab. 3771 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta. www.johnnyshideaway.com
Ray's Restaurants. Current or former military personnel will receive a 20 percent discount, which can apply to one guest. Multiple locations around Atlanta. www.raysrestaurants.com
Revival. Active or retired service members will receive 25 percent off their bill. 129 Church St, Decatur. www.revivaldecatur.com
Saltwood Carcuterie & Bar. Current or former military personnel will receive 25 percent off their bill. Discount applies to one guest. 1065 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta. www.saltwoodatlanta.com
Smokebelly BBQ. Active and retired service members can receive a complimentary appetizer with the purchase of an entree. 128 E Andrews Dr NW, Atlanta. smokebellybbq.com
The Big Ketch. Active and retired service members can receive a complimentary appetizer with the purchase of an entree. 3279 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta. thebigketch.com
Tin Lizzy's Cantina. Veterans will receive 50 percent off their food. 1136 Crescent Ave NE, Atlanta. www.tinlizzyscantina.com
White Oak Pastures. Current or former military personnel will receive 15 percent off their purchases. 22775 Highway 27, Bluffton. www.whiteoakpastures.com
Willy's Mexicana Grill. Veterans and active military can receive 50 percent off their meal. Multiple locations around Atlanta. www.willys.com.
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks. Veterans can receive a complimentary lunch or dinner entree at any participating restaurant. 190 Marietta St, Atlanta. www.mccormickandschmicks.com
