How To Honor War Heroes On Veterans Day In Montgomery County

ROCKVILLE, MD — Veterans Day, a federal holiday that honors U.S. service members past and present, is held yearly on Nov. 11.

Celebrations in Montgomery County will look different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But there are still plenty of ways to honor our military and veterans on Wednesday. Take a look:

• The 12th Annual Tribute to America's Veterans Concert — 6 p.m.
  • Live blues music with Memphis Gold and Stacy Brooks
• Virtual Veterans Day Celebration — 11 a.m.
  • Message from Mayor Bridget Donnell Newton and councilmember and Navy veteran David Myles
• Gaithersburg's Virtual Veterans Day Observance — 11 a.m.
  • Mayor Jud Ashman will deliver opening remarks, Young Artist Award honorable mention vocal winner Chloe Jackson will perform the National Anthem, and the Gaithersburg High School Jazz Band will perform a military medley over a video montage of images of those who have served
• Veterans Day Event — 11 a.m.
  • Veterans and their families are invited for a time of celebration and fellowship
  • Silver Spring Vet Center and Rosensteel Counsel #2169 Knights of Columbus
    • Veterans Park on Fern Street, Wheaton
• Veterans Day Ceremony — 11 a.m.
  • There will be a gathering with a speaker and wreath laying. After the ceremony folks can pick up a bag lunch
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars 2562 with American Legion Posts 268 and 41
    • Veterans Park on Fern Street, Wheaton
• Veterans Day Celebration — 2 p.m.
  • Selling hamburgers and hot dogs, cutting cake at 5 p.m.
    
  • American Legion Post 86
    • 2013 Veirs Mill Rd., Rockville

SEE ALSO: VIRTUAL TRIBUTE TO MONTGOMERY COUNTY VETERANS

Originally called Armistice Day, the holiday was created at the end of World War I to recognize those who fought in "the war to end all wars," according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Its origin is tied to the armistice, a temporary end of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany signed in France on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

It became Veterans Day in 1954, shortly after the end of the Korean War and less than a decade after World War II, after various veterans service organizations urged Congress to encompass veterans of all wars in their honor.

Veterans Day is somewhat related to, and sometimes mistaken for, Memorial Day, the federal holiday on the final Monday of May that is dedicated to those who have died while serving the United States in war.

With some ceremonies, parades, and presentations either canceled or altered in 2020 due to the coronavirus crisis, restaurants and other businesses will continue to show their appreciation for veterans and active military members.

Applebee's, Bob Evans, and Chili's Grill and Bar are among the national restaurant chains offering free or discounted meals for veterans on Nov. 11, and 7-Eleven is offering a free cup of coffee or Big Gulp.

Other places, such as Golden Corral and Eat'n Park, have offers extended throughout November.