Centre County groups set services, businesses offer deals for vets

Veterans Day is observed annually on Nov. 11 in the United States, and is intended to honor military veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces. It coincides with holidays in other countries, such as Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I.

The Armistice with Germany went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. Originally, the U.S. observed Armistice Day; however, it was renamed to Veterans Day in 1954.

There are several local services and events in the Centre County region on Nov. 11, including:

•             Services at the Pennsylvania Military Museum, 51 Boal Ave., Boalsburg. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission for veterans and families.

•             Proclamation at Centre County Courthouse, 11 a.m. to noon on Nov. 11. Guest speaker is U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson. Commissioners will be present.

•             State College Municipal Band annual Veterans Day concert, 3 p.m. on Nov. 11 at the State College Area High School Auditorium.

•             Bellefonte Elks Lodge 1094 will host services at noon on Nov. 11.

•             Services will be held at the Howard Area Veterans Memorial beginning at 2 p.m. on Nov. 11.

•             American Legion Nittany Post 245 will hold ceremonies beginning at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11.

•             American Legion Post 5825 in Pine Grove Mills, American Legion Post 1600 in Bellefonte and American Legion Post 5622 in State College will hold services. Call ahead for times.

•             Centre County VFW Post 321 in State College has scheduled Veterans Day services. Call 237-3329 for more information.

Several area businesses are also offering specials and discounts to veterans on Veterans Day:

•             Applebee’s will offer special meals and dishes to veterans on Nov. 11.

•             The State College Elks will host a veterans meal beginning at 6 p.m. on Nov. 11.

•             The fire company in Rebersburg will host a turkey and ham dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 11.

•             Outback Steakhouse will offer free “Bloomin’ Onion” to veterans on Nov. 11 and 12.

•             Texas Roadhouse will offer a free lunch to veterans on Nov. 12.

•             Home Depot will offer a 10 percent discount to all veterans on Nov. 11.

•             Lowe’s will offer a 10 percent discount to all veterans on Nov. 11.