Veterans Day events across the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry

CHATHAM CO., GA (WTOC) - Wednesday, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day across the country, and we at WTOC would like to honor and salute the men and woman, past and present, that have and continue to protect the citizens of the United States of America. WTOC will be livestreaming the Savannah Veterans Day Parade online and on-air on Wednesday beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Click here or here for a list of free meals and discounts for veterans on Veterans Day.

Here is a list of events to celebrate Veterans Day across the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry.

Richmond Hill, GA: City of Richmond Hill will observe Veterans Day at J.F. Gregory Park on Wednesday at 11 a.m. The ceremony will honor those who served and continue to serve our country, including police, firefighters and other emergency workers. The event will feature guest speakers, Color Guard from Fort Stewart, 21-gun salute and the laying of the wreath.

Tybee Island, GA: City of Tybee Island and the American Legion Post #154 will host 100 military families at its second annual Tybee Salutes Heroes event from Nov. 13-15. Active and former military personnel are invited to bring their families. Weekend highlights include the Tybee Salutes Heroes Parade at 1 p.m. on Saturday, with a ceremony to follow Memorial Park. Families are also invited to the Military Family Celebration at American Legion Post #154 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. with children's gams, potluck and a cash bar.

Pooler, GA: JCB will celebrate employees who have served in the military with a special ceremony on Wednesday. The Savannah JCB facility has strong military ties, acting as the manufacturing center for the High Mobility Engineer Excavator used by the U.S. military and other NATO aligned nations. The celebration will include a presentation in JCB's theater by the company's Vice President of Marketing. Veteran employees will be called on stage and be given a token of appreciation.

Springfield, GA: A Veterans Day Ceremony will be held at the Veterans Park of Effingham County in Springfield at the intersection of Highway 21 and First Street starting at 11 a.m. The program will recognize members of the Georgia Air National Guard's 165th Airlift Wing as well as honor all U.S. Veterans. Everyone is invited to attend.

Hinesville, GA: Veterans Day Parade in downtown Hinesville, hosted by the East Liberty County American Legion Post 321. It will begin at 4 p.m. at Bradwell Institute Parking and follow the parade routes down West General Screven Way, West Hendry Street, South Main Street and West Court Street back to Bradwell Institute.

Beaufort, SC: The Beaufort County Department of Veterans Affairs is hosting a Veterans Day Parade and ceremony on Nov. 11. It will begin at 9:30 a.m. and follow a route through downtown Beaufort, beginning on Rodgers Street. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. in the new section of the Beaufort National Cemetery, with parking available in the old section. The Parris Island Marine Band will perform during the ceremony.

Beaufort, SC: Beaufort National Cemetery will hold a ceremony on Wednesday at 11 a.m. to celebrate and honor all military members who have served or are currently serving our nation. The keynote speaker will be retired Gen. Dan McNeill, and will also feature three and four year olds from Beaufort Christian Academy to open the celebration with the pledge of allegiance.

Beaufort, SC: Robert Smalls International Academy will hold a Veterans Day ceremony on Wednesday to recognize nine veterans for the service to our country. The Parris Island Marine Corps Band will also perform.

Savannah, GA: The 2015 Savannah Veterans Day Parade will begin at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday from the corner of Abercorn and Gwinnett streets. If you want to see it you will need to go down and get your spot before 10 a.m. to ensure you get a good seat. Roads will be closing early throughout the downtown area in preparation for the parade. Get full details by clicking here. Remember, if you can't make it out to the parade route, then you can watch it all live on WTOC-TV and live streaming on wtoc.com. Our coverage will begin at 10:30 a.m.

Savannah, GA: Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-1) will present World War II veterans with letters of appreciation at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church during an honorary breakfast. The event begins at 8 a.m. on Wednesday.

Savannah, GA: A Veterans Day concert will be performed at Emmet Park at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10.

Savannah, GA: In honor of Veterans Day, Old Fort Jackson will be free of charge to all active duty and retired military on Wednesday, Nov. 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a valid military ID.  There will also be a special Veterans Day program titled Guardians of Savannah, which will celebrate the many individuals and units in the American, British, Confederate and Union armies that served at Fort Jackson.

Savannah, GA: After the parade, the Ryan Capelli Band is playing at the American Legion on Bull Street.

Bloomingdale, GA: The American Legion will be hosting a Veteran's Recognition Observance at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at the Veterans Monument on U.S. Highway 80.

Claxton, GA: Nov. 11 - Veteran's Appreciation Day, Claxton High School, 9 a.m. Over 500 is expected to packed the Gymnasium. Dr. Eddie T. Ball (retired MSgt of Air Force) will be the guest speaker.

Bluffton, SC: Students at St. Gregory the Great Catholic School will celebrate their second annual Blue Mass on Friday, Nov. 13  at 8:30 am in the main church.  A Blue Mass is a Mass in which all first responders, both active and retired, are honored and prayed for.  Local firefighters, police, military and others associated with our safety have been invited and plan to be in attendance.

The following restaurants are also offering free deals for veterans and active duty military:

• Applebees: Free Applebees Signature Entree.
• California Pizza Kitchen: Free Entree.
• Chili's: Free Entree.
• Denny's: Free Grand Slam breakfast.
• Golden Corral: Free dinner between 4pm - 9pm. on November 12.
• Einstein Bros Bagels: Free Coffee.
• Famous Dave's: Free One Meat Salute.
• Golden Corral: Military Appreciation Night Free Dinner.
• Hooters: Choose from free menu items.
• Little Caesars: Free $5 Hot-n-Ready Lunch Combo.
• Max & Erma's: Veterans Eat the Free Best Cheeseburger in America.
• Olive Garden: Free meal from special menu.
• Outback Steakhouse: Free Bloomin Onion appetizer and beverage.
• Sizzler: Free Lunch and beverage.
• Texas Roadhouse: Free Lunch.
• Dairy Queen: Free Ice Cream cone to all veterans, past and present.
• Tijuana Flats: free entree for veterans at all locations, no purchase necessary.

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