Free entry to national parks Wednesday

Wednesday, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day, when all Americans remember those who have served their country.

In our family, we remember my mother’s brother, who died in World War II, one nephew in Iraq and his brother who has just returned from Iraq. My father served in the Army, but he was lucky enough to serve in peacetime and have the job of booking entertainment for troops at Fort Knox, Ky. There he met my mother, who was a music teacher, and here I am.

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In honor of Veterans Day, the National Park Service is offering free admission to all national parks for everyone on Wednesday. Other federal agencies also are offering free entry to public lands. The Park Service also has information on sites tied to the nation’s military history, and some parks plan special events.

Several stores and restaurants are offering special deals to veterans:

• Past and present military personnel with proof of military service can get a free entrée from participating Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar locations on Wednesday.
• Anyone who has served in the U.S. armed forces can get a free meal from Golden Corral from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16.
• Veterans can get a free lunch or dinner entrée from a special menu at McCormick & Schmick’s 11th Annual Veterans Appreciation Event on Sunday, Nov. 8. Reservations are required.
• Uno Chicago Grill is offering a free entrée or individual pizza Nov. 11 to veterans and active-duty personnel who show up in uniform, bring a photo of themselves in uniform or bring military ID.
• Veterans and active military personnel can get one free doughnut Nov. 11 at participating Krispy Kreme stores.
• Lowe's Companies is offering all active, reserve, honorably discharged, retired military personnel and their immediate family members a 10% discount on in-store purchases up to $5,000 Nov. 6-11. To qualify, individuals must present a valid military ID or other proof of service.
• Home Depot is offering all active duty personnel, reservists, retired military, veterans and their families a 10% discount on purchases up to $2,000 Nov. 6-11.

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