Veterans Day is a time for us to pay our respects to those who have served and, on this day, we stand united in respect for our veterans.

This holiday started as a day to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country’s service and was originally called Armistice Day. It fell on Nov. 11 because that is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. However, in 1954, the holiday was changed to “Veterans Day” in order to account for all veterans in all wars.

We celebrate and honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Schools throughout the community will be holding ceremonies on Monday to honor and celebrate our veterans. Those ceremonies are as follows:

• Celebrate America at Bell County High School at 12:30 p.m.;

• Pineville Veteran’s Day Celebration at 1 p.m.;

• Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical Program on Campus at 11 a.m.;

• Middlesboro Program at the Arts Building at 10 a.m.;

• Veterans Day Dinner at Cumberland Gap Convention Center at 6 p.m.

On Tuesday, First State Bank of the Southeast is holding a Veterans Day program at Middlesboro Community Center at 4:30 p.m.

Military veterans and current service members are eligible for free meals and other special deals at many restaurants and other businesses nationwide for Veterans Day 2019. Below is a list of those discounts:

Restaurants

Applebee’s — Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal from a limited menu;

Chili’s — Veterans and active military service members get a free meal from a select menu;

Chop House — Active-duty and retired service members get 50% off any dine-in lunch or dinner entrée;

Connors Steak & Seafood — Active-duty and retired service members get 50% off any dine-in lunch or dinner entrée;

Cracker Barrel — Veterans get a complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake or a Pumpkin Pie Latte;

Golden Corral — Golden Corral Restaurants’ Military Appreciation Night free dinner will be available from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Military retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reserves are all welcome;

IHOP – All active-duty and retired veterans are invited enjoy a “free” breakfast. Visit www.operationmilitarykids.org/ihop-military-discount for details;

Little Caesars – Veterans and active military members receive a free $5 HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.;

O’Charley’s — Active-duty military and veterans can enjoy a free meal;

Subway — Veterans with receive a free six-inch sub at select locations. Call or visit your nearest location for details;

Texas Road House — Veterans and active military receive a free lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at all Texas Roadhouse locations. Visit the Texas Road House website for details;

TGI Fridays — Military guests will be treated to a free lunch menu item up to $12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. They will also receive a $5 coupon for their next meal at Fridays. Call your local TGI Fridays for details.

Retail

Dollar General — Veterans and families receive an 11% discount on qualifying items in store and online;

Lowe’s — Veterans and military personnel receive a 10% military discount on most items every day;

The Home Depot — Veterans and military personnel receive a 10% military discount on most items every day;

Walgreens — Military members, veterans and their families receive 20% off their purchases, Walgreens also provides free flu shots for Department of Veterans Affairs-enrolled veterans. Visit www.walgreens.com for details;

Kohl’s — Active and former military receive a 30% discount (double the regular discount) on in-store purchases Nov. 7-11;

Target — Veterans, military personnel and their families receive a 10% discount on in-store and online purchases Nov. 3-11.Visit www.target.com/military for more information.

Automotive

Goodyear Auto Service & Just Tires — Active and retired military members receive free car-care checks and free tire installation (a value of at least $25 per tire) Nov. 8-11.

Take time this weekend to thank a veteran and remember all who have served our country.