A variety of events are planned in Phoenix this month to honor veterans, in recognition of Veterans Day. Many are free and all are open to the community.

This year’s Phoenix Veterans Day Parade theme is “No Longer Forgotten: Honoring Our Korean War Veterans.” The parade is set for 11 a.m. Nov. 11, departing from North Phoenix Baptist Church at 5757 N. Central Ave., the heading south on Central, east on Camelback Road, south on 7th Street, and ending at Steele Indian School Park. If you would like to make a financial contribution to support the parade, visit https://honoringazvets.org/parade-details.

Pueblo Grande Museum, 4619 E. Washington St., hosts the 16th Annual Veterans Day Gourd Dance 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 11. This annual event held at the museum honors the memory of all the men and women who have served our nation. Gourd dancing starts at 11:30 a.m. and is conducted by the Arizona Territory Gourd Society, a nonprofit group of American Indian United States War Veterans and their families who celebrate and support the local Arizona veteran community. Bring your favorite potluck dish to share during the break between dances. This event is free and open to the public. In honor of the Veterans Day holiday, museum admission is free. For more information visit pueblogrande.com or call 602-495-0901.

The Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., hosts a Veterans Day Sunset Tribute and Dinner Sunday, Nov. 8. Join veterans groups, color guards, performers and speakers at the American Indian Veterans National Memorial on the grounds of the Heard Museum for a special sunset tribute to all those who have worn America’s uniform in the nation’s armed services. Ceremony is free and open to the public and begins at 5 p.m. After the tribute, starting at 6:30 p.m., the public is invited to a dinner at $20 per person. Tickets available online at www.heard.org.

Paradise Valley Community College, 18401 N. 32nd St., hosts a variety of events during its Veterans Appreciation Week. There will be a Flag Raising Ceremony 9-9:45 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, outside of the A Building, followed by a Veterans Resource Fair from 3-5 p.m. in KSC 1000A. The fair is for current or potential veteran students, dependents, spouses, and community veterans. The campus will be closed on Nov. 11. On Nov. 12 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., the PVCC Veterans Club will present its Annual BBQ Fundraiser in the KSC Courtyard. Cost is $5 donation; veterans eat free.

Fast casual pizza and salad concept Fired Pie is saying thank you to those who are currently serving or have served our country. On Wednesday, Nov. 11, all active or retired military will receive a free entrée. This offer is limited to one pizza or salad per person. All they need to do is show proper military ID or be dressed in uniform. There is no purchase necessary. Locations include Park Central Mall, 3110 N. Central Ave., and the Collier Center, 201 E. Washington St., #111. Visit www.firedpie.com.

Great Clips offers veterans a free haircut on Nov. 11. In addition, any customers who come in for a service on Veteran’s Day get a free haircut card to give to a veteran, redeemable through the end of 2015. Limit one card per customer. The free haircut cards are redeemable by veterans at any U.S. Great Clips through Dec. 31 with proof of service. The promotion applies to veterans only. To find a location near you, visit www.GreatClips.com.

IHOP® restaurants will once again honor the 22 million Veterans currently living in the United States and more than 1.3 million Armed Forces members currently serving in the military by offering them a free stack of Red, White & Blue pancakes on Veteran’s Day. Participating IHOP restaurants throughout the United States will serve a stack of Red, White & Blue pancakes – buttermilk pancakes crowned with glazed strawberries, blueberry compote and whipped topping – free for Veterans and Active Duty Military on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Locations include 2000 W. Northern Ave. and 2508 N. Central Ave. To find all locations in Arizona, visit www.ihop.com.

From Nov. 2-16, AARP will offer a discounted membership rate up to 20% off for veterans, their families and anyone interested in joining or renewing. A portion of the member dues will be used to help support various Veteran’s organizations in local communities across the country that provide vital support services to courageous American heroes.

Individuals who sign up through the Thank a Vet campaign will also have the opportunity to write a personal thank you note to be shared with veterans throughout the country. This is an additional way for AARP members to share their support and appreciation for the brave men and women who have served their country.

For more information or to take advantage of this limited-time discount on AARP memberships, call 888-744-3332 or visit www.aarp.org/thankavet.

In honor of all those who serve our great nation, Pollack Tempe Cinemas, located at McClintock Road and Elliot Road in Tempe is offering FREE admission to all active military and military veterans.

Pollack Tempe Cinemas Veteran’s Day movies include the 1986 Tom Cruise classic, “Top Gun,” at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.; the 1995 Academy Award winner for Best Picture, “Forrest Gump,” at 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.; “The Hurt Locker,” at 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.; and “Lone Survivor,” at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Guests seeking to take advantage of this offer just have to show a military ID card or veterans ID card at the cinema’s ticket booth.

Now in its new digital format, all of the cinema’s theaters feature state-of-the-art digital video and surround sound. 1,432 plush high-back theater seats have also been newly installed across all theaters, providing a relaxing and comfortable ambiance for guests. For more information, visit http://pollacktempecinemas.com.

Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant offers a buy one, get one free adult entrée on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, with the purchase of two regular beverages. Veterans and active duty military simply show proof of military service, and a copy of the coupon either printed out or on their smart phones. To view the coupon, click here. Dine-in only, one coupon per table per visit. Not valid with any other offer, discount or coupon. To find a location near you, visit http://www.garciasmexicanrestaurants.net.

Applebee’s offers a free meal Nov. 11 for military veterans and active-duty service members. There will be 7 entrees to choose from, beverage and gratuity not included. Some proof of military service must be provided. To view the menu, visit: http://www.applebees.com/VeteransDayMenu.

In recognition and appreciation of U.S. veterans’ service to the country, Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (MCACC) will waive veterans’ adoption fee through its “Pets and Vets” program beginning Nov. 4.

“Pets and Vets” benefits veterans by waiving their adoption fees for all animals at any of MCACC’s three valley locations or offsite adoption events. Adopters will be responsible for paying the $17 licensing fee for adopted dogs (there is no licensing fee for cats). Adopters will also have the option to pay for additional services such as microchipping, additional diagnostic tests, etc.

The program will offer services upon verification of veteran, reservist or active duty status. Verification documents must show veteran status as honorable, general, general under honorable conditions or discharged and released under conditions other than dishonorable. MCACC will accept the following verification documents:

• Military ID
• DD214 Military Discharge Certificate, or;
• Honorable Discharge Certificate, or;
• Letter for the U.S. Military Center in St. Louis, Missouri, or;
• Letter from the Maryland Veterans Administration Service Program

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs up to 30% of returning soldiers suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).The VA acknowledges that owning a pet can reduce stress and aid in mood lifting making pets a great option for anyone, including returning soldiers, or those with PTSD.

The waived adoption fee for veterans will be available at the West Valley Care Center, 2500 S. 27th Ave., and any MCACC off-site events. All pets are spayed and neutered, and dogs over three months of age are rabies vaccinated and go home with their County dog license.

The items below have not been verified; call your local restaurant to confirm offer and hours on Nov. 11.

Chilis: Free meal Nov. 11 – includes any lunch combo or your choice from a select dinner menu. This is open to veterans and active duty service members.
Denny’s: Free Build-Your-Own-Grand_slam Nov. 11, from 5:00 a.m. to noon. This deal is offered to active, inactive and retired military personnel.
Olive Garden: Free Entree for veterans and active-duty military on Nov. 11. Guests dining with a veteran will also receive 10% off their bill.
Outback Steakhouse: Free Bloomin’ Onion and non-alcoholic beverage for active-duty military and veterans on Nov. 11. There is also a 15% discount four military members and veterans from Nov. 12 – Dec. 31.
Red Lobster: Free appetizer or dessert from a select menu available Nov. 9 – 12.
Olive Garden: Free Entree for veterans and active-duty military on Nov. 11. Guests dining with a veteran will also receive 10% off their bill.

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