A list of Veterans Day events and freebies across Utah
Nov 11, 2024, 12:11 PM | Updated: Nov 18, 2024, 12:18 pm
SALT LAKE CITY — There are almost 140,000 veterans and 16,700 active duty, National Guard and Reserve members in Utah, according to the state Department of Veterans and Military Affairs.
So it makes sense why Veterans Day, which will be celebrated Monday, is such an important event across the state to remember living veterans. The holiday began as Armistice Day, celebrating the World War I cease-fire observed on the eleventh hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, seven months before the official Treaty of Versailles was signed in June 1919.
In 1954, after World War II, the word “Armistice” was changed to “Veterans,” so that, in the words of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, “all veterans, all veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose.”
This weekend, groups from across the state are celebrating veterans through flag ceremonies, parades, song and performance. Local business and national chains are offering many free products and services to thank veterans. Here is a list of some happenings and freebies:
Monday
- 11 a.m. service at Bountiful Veterans Park.
- 11 a.m. program at Southern Utah University in Cedar City.
- 12 p.m. lunch at Post 3586 in Salt Lake City.
- 1:30 p.m. commemoration event at Utah Tech University in St. George.
- 7 p.m. Utah National Guard concert at the Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City.
Local deals and Veterans Day freebies
- Free meal at HandleBar SLC for veterans and active duty military members.
- Free haircuts for veterans and active military members at the Fellas Barbershop locations.
- Free admission for veterans and their guests to the Natural History Museum of Utah, Saturday – Monday.
- Free admission to Utah’s Hogle Zoo for active service members, veterans, families of fallen soldiers, military-benefitted family members, and immediate family.
- Free dental services for veterans at Treehouse Dental in Highland (schedule in advance).
- Free breakfast at McDougal Funeral Home in Salt Lake City.
- Free admission to national parks for all.
- Free 16 oz. coffee at Black Rifle Coffee Company.
