From community celebrations to free breakfasts, coffee and meals, there are plenty of ways McLean County is showing appreciation for those who’ve served ahead of and on Veterans Day next week.
On Monday, Nov. 10, Heartland Community College will host a celebration honoring veterans and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps at 11 a.m. in the Workforce Development Center atrium. Retired Maj. Gen. John L. Borling, a distinguished Vietnam veteran and former POW, will deliver a keynote address titled, “Legacy of Service and Honor for All Veterans.”
The event will include a ceremonial cake-cutting, remarks from Heartland president Keith Cornille, and an opportunity for military-connected students to explore the Penn Family Student Veterans Center, a supportive hub for more than 150 veterans and active-duty members.
On Veterans Day — Tuesday, Nov. 11 — the Livingston County Veterans Appreciation will host a lunch and outreach at the Pontiac Elks Lodge. The long-running tradition draws hundreds of veterans and family members and representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans of Foreign War posts and other local organizations.
Carle Health will hold flag-raising ceremonies at all eight of its hospitals this year. Each event will feature remarks by a Carle Health veteran team member, a flag-raising and participation by color guards from the American Legion or VFW.
Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Normal will begin its ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 11. Those planning to attend any of the flag-raising ceremonies are encouraged to RSVP through the Carle Health website.
At 10:30 a.m., the VFW Post 454 in Bloomington has scheduled ceremonial rifle shots to begin at 10:49 a.m., followed by an array of WWII planes flying over Bloomington-Normal.
The McLean County veteran’s ceremony will begin inside the hall at 11:10 a.m.
Free meals
On Nov. 11, several Bloomington-Normal restaurants are offering specials to veterans and those currently serving in the military.
Hy-Vee has breakfast covered from 6 to 10 a.m., offering a free buffet-style meal at all local stores for veterans and active-duty military. Veterans also can receive 15% off groceries and enjoy in-store memorial displays honoring service members.
Circle K and other national chains are offering free coffee to veterans.
IHOP is serving free stacks to veterans and active-duty personnel, and Denny’s is dishing up a free Original Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. to noon.
Bob Evans is offering one free menu item from a select list to veterans at any of its restaurants, while at Wendy’s, veterans can pick up a free breakfast combo.
Pizza Ranch in Bloomington is offering a free buffet for veterans and active-duty military from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 4 to 8 p.m. Chicken Salad Chick will serve a free meal with a side and drink to veterans on Nov. 11.
