SWLA Veterans Day Events

Our vets really deserve a lot of recognition, and there are several events in the area that will give you a chance to go out and thank these great people in person.

Here are some of the SWLA Veterans Day Events. There's bound to be one near you. As you will see, a host of area businesses have special offers to both veterans and current service people.

Lake Charles: Lake Charles Mayor’s Armed Forces Commission will host the City’s annual Veterans Day observance activities at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Civic Center's 2nd Floor Mezzanine.

American Legion Post 551 and Combre Memorial Park will host a Veterans Day Ceremony from 9 a.m - 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at Combre Memorial Park, 2701 Opelousas Street, Lake Charles. There will be a special unveiling honoring Petty Officer Kevin Yokum, who sacrificed his life on the attack on the United States Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.

Sulphur Veterans Day Parade: 9 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 11. The parade begins at the S-Curve then onto W. Cypress Street and ends at the City Courthouse.

Americans United program honoring all who served our country and community, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at Heritage Square, Sulphur. There will be a 'Walk of Honor' at 10 a.m. from Brookshire Brothers on Ruth Street to Heritage Square. There will be live music, food trucks, jump houses, face painting and raffle. All proceeds will go to Friends of Sulphur Police benevolence fund and Louisiana Cajun Navy.

Church Point: A Veterans Day Program will be held on Saturday, Nov. 11. A parade from Church Point High, 305 E. Lougarre Street to Le Vieux Presbytère Museum, 205 Rue Iry Lejeune via Main Street will take place at 11 a.m. Pearl Harbor survivor Joseph Richard will serve as Grand Marshall.

Bishop Nolan Episcopal Day: There will be a Veterans Day program for veterans at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10, at the school gym, 803 North Division Street, Lake Charles. The 3rd, 4th and 5th-grade choir members will perform a variety of patriotic songs.

Our Lady's School: There will be a special Veterans Day Celebration at 2:15 p.m. Friday, Nov 10, at the school hall, 1111 Cypress Street, Sulphur.

Fort Polk Veterans Day Ceremony: 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 9 at Warrior Field. The keynote speaker will be Fort Polk's Chief of Staff, Col. Christopher Moretti. The installation wreath will be laid in honor of all veterans who have served during the many campaigns American's military has waged throughout the country's history. Veterans in attendance will also be honored.

The City of Crowley: A Veterans Day Program will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, at Historic Rice Theatre located on 323 North Parkerson Avenue in Crowley. For more information, call 337-783-0824.

Lake Charles Ward 3 Recreation Center: There will be a program for veterans starting at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 3, at the rec. center located on 3210 Power Center Parkway. The program will include several speakers and refreshments.

The following restaurants and businesses are offering deals and discounts for veterans:

Buffalo Wild Wings is offering veterans a small order of wings and fries at participating Buffalo Wild Wings, with proof of military service Saturday, Nov. 11.

Chili's is offering FREE meals from its special Veterans Day menu from 11 a.m.- close, Saturday, Nov. 11. Dine-in only. The menu items being offered will include the following: Chicken Crispers, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, Oldtimer with Cheese, Classic Bacon Burger and Chili or Soup & Salad.

Chuck E. Cheese is giving a free individual one-topping pizza on Saturday, Nov. 11. Make sure to use offer code 5500.

Cracker Barrel is offering retired and active military a FREE Double Fudge Coca-Cola Cake on Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11, with proof of service.

Gatti’s Pizza is offering free buffet or free medium 1-topping pizza for carryout for veterans and active military members with ID, Saturday, Nov. 11.

IHOP: The Lake Charles IHOP located at 2601 Admiral King Street is giving out FREE red, white and blue buttermilk pancakes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m, Saturday, Nov. 11. Dine-in only.

L’Auberge Casino's Beaucoup Buffet is giving out a free breakfast or lunch from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 10.

Little Caesars is offering a free lunch combo between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. The combo includes four slices of deep-dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi product. Must show proof of service. Order must be placed before 2 p.m.

Logan's Roadhouse is offering a free entree from a special menu. Veterans always receive a 10 percent discount with military ID.

Quaker Steak & Lube is offering a variety of specials at participating locations nationwide on Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11. Veterans and active-duty military members will have an opportunity to take advantage of deals including:

• Free meal from a limited menu
• Vets Eat Free (up to a certain dollar amount — either $10 or $12.99)
• 50% off a meal

O'Charley's: The Lake Charles O'Charley's located at 1780 West Prien Lake Road is showing their appreciation for military members by offering all veterans and active duty service members a free meal from their $9.99 menu on Saturday, Nov. 11.

Olive Garden: The Lake Charles Olive Garden located at 725 W Prien Lake Road is offering FREE meals from 11 a.m.- 11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, from its special Veterans Day menu, and unlimited soup or salad and garlic breadsticks.

Outback Steakhouse is offering FREE Bloomin' Onion and beverage on Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11, with proof of service.

Starbucks is offering a free tall brewed coffee.

Stonefired Pizzeria located at 3710 Common Street in Lake Charles is offering $5 pizzas all day, Saturday, Nov. 11, for all veterans.

Texas Roadhouse: The Lake Charles’ Texas Roadhouse located at 3431 Nelson Road invites veterans and active members of U.S. military to enjoy FREE lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Proof of service includes military or VA card, or discharge papers. Dine-in only.