Every day is an opportunity to be thankful for the men and women who’ve served our country, and the families and loved ones who’ve supported them. However, on Wednesday, Nov. 11, it’s a national holiday. In Bend, there are a few events and offerings to celebrate Veteran’s Day.
At 11am, the 25th Annual Bend Veteran’s Day Parade gets underway with a Civil Air patrol flyover. The Rolling Thunder motorcycle group will lead the parade, which begins on Bend’s NW Harmon Blvd. and crosses the Veterans Memorial Bridge, also known as the Newport Avenue bridge. The parade then heads south on Wall Street through the downtown area, turns west on Franklin Avenue, and follows Riverside Blvd. around Drake Park before returning to NW Harmon Blvd. via NW Galveston. There’ll be floats, lives music and vehicles carrying veterans along with many walking the route.
Central Oregon Veterans Outreach, with support from the High Desert Eagles of the Oregon Veterans Motorcycle Association, are producing this year’s parade. The grand marshal is Sgt. Major Joseph W. Sharpe, a 101-year-old World War II veteran and Bend resident who served 28 years in the U.S. Army.
The cities of Redmond and Prineville are holding Veteran’s Day parades, also at 11am. In Redmond, once the parade ends, VFW Post 4108 is hosting a hamburger, hot dog and chili feed for veterans and their families. Additionally, on Wednesday, from 1-2pm at the Sisters Public Library, there’ll be a presentation on “Unsung Heroes: Birds and War.” Inspired by her grandfather’s service in the trenches of the Western Front in World War I, Sevilla explores some roles birds have played in armed conflicts. This program offers a birds-eye perspective on some feathered heroes who accompanied our veteran heroes on the front lines.
National parks are free on Nov. 11 for all U.S. residents, while veterans can get in free all day at the High Desert Museum. Additionally, on Veteran’s Day, some local businesses are offering specials to honor veterans and their families, including:
- Americana: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free OG burger with ID at both of its locations.
- Applebee’s: The Redmond location of Applebee’s is offering a special free meal to veterans and active-duty military, with a choice of several popular entrees.
- iHOP: The Redmond location is offering a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo with two buttermilk pancakes topped with strawberries and blueberry and whipped toppings. The combo includes two eggs, hash browns, and the choice of bacon or sausage links.
- K1 Speed: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free race with the purchase of a two-race package. Must show a qualifying military ID, VA-issued ID card or Veterans ID card when purchasing a two-race package, and your third race will be on the house.
- Pine Tavern Restaurant: Veterans receive a free meal on Veteran’s Day.
- Red Robin: Veterans and active-duty service members can enjoy a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with bottomless fries. Community members also can support veterans by donating a gift card through Red Robin’ Buy a Veteran a Gift Card program.
- Starbucks: Veterans and their spouses can enjoy a free 12-ounce brewed hot or iced coffee. Most Bend stores are participating, although kiosks inside grocery stores might not.
25th Annual Bend Veteran’s Day Parade
Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 11am
Downtown Bend
https:/covo-us.org/event/veterans-day-parade/?mc_cid=c77ecb08bd&mc_eid=7886c662e5
Free
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