Lots going on to commemorate Veterans Day, including free admission to lantern festival

A number of events and special offers are planned to commemorate Veterans Day, some starting this week, some taking place next week on Wednesday:

Thursday

Dinner to Honor Veterans - Col. Brian Newberry, former commander of Fairchild AFB, is the keynote speaker and emcee is Col. Chuck Lehman, retired Air Force. A full military color guard will present the colors, recognizing each branch of the Armed Forces. Entertainment will be provided by Pages of Harmony. All veterans receive a free dinner. Reservations requested. 5:30 p.m., Southside Community Center, 3151 E. 27th Ave. $15/general. (509) 535-0803.

Sunday

November Military Month at YMCA - YMCA of the Inland Northwest is offering a two-week guest pass at all three locations (North, Downtown and Spokane Valley) from Sunday Nov. 8 through Nov. 21 to show appreciation for active military members, veterans and their families. The guest pass is free and joining fees are waived upon enrollment. For information, call (509) 777-9622, ext. 444.

Monday

Veterans Day Concert - Shadle Park High School band and jazz band present their annual salute to veterans. Big Band-era swing turns and patriotic pieces will be featured. A reception follows in the lobby. 7 p.m., Shadle Park High School auditorium, 4327 N. Ash St. Free. (509) 354-6735.

Veterans Day

The Washington State Chinese Lantern Festival Honors Veterans - This festival in Riverfront Park will offer free admission to veterans who have military ID from 5-10 p.m. Wednesday. Earlier that day, the festival will be open to the public, with no admission charge, so people can visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Statue in Riverfront Park. The statue is located within the festival site. Those hours are 11 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information, visit spokanelanternfestival.com.

“A Christmas Carol” - Christian Youth Theater North Idaho presents the Broadway musical based on the classic Dickens tale, with a free performance on Wednesday for veterans, active-duty military families or retired military. Qualifying families will receive up to four complimentary tickets. Valid ID must be shown at the door and families are asked to call (208) 762-9373 to reserve their tickets. Salvation Army Kroc Center, 1765 W. Golf Course Road, Coeur d’Alene. (208) 277-5727.

Welcome Home! A Community Tribute to All Veterans - The program is open to all and will pay tribute to veterans, veterans organizations and their families. Col. Charles McDaniel, USAF, wing commander Fairchild AFB, and David Condon, mayor of Spokane, are this year’s guest speakers. The keynote address will be delivered by Pfc. Harry Goedde (retired U.S. Army), a decorated World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge and served in the 3rd Army under Gen. George Patton. He shares his view of war and life after war as seen from the foxhole. Gates will open at noon; the formal program will begin promptly at 1 p.m. with military marches, period music, presentation of the colors and Pledge of Allegiance; the program will conclude at 2 p.m. with the benediction for fallen comrades, and the playing of “Taps.” Felts Field, Historic Northwest Airlines Hangar, 6105 E. Rutter Ave., Spokane Valley. (509) 325-8206.

Veterans Free Day at Kroc - All active and retired military members can enjoy a day at the Salvation Army Kroc Center free of charge. 1765 W. Golf Course Road, Coeur d’Alene. (208) 667-1865.

Free Meals for Veterans - The following businesses are offering meals or other special items to veterans and active-duty service members with military ID. Check with participating restaurants as to specific offers: Applebee’s, Chili’s, Denny’s (5 a.m.-noon), Golden Corral (5-9 p.m.), Little Caesars (11 a.m.-2 p.m.), MOD Pizza, Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse (Bloomin’ Onion and beverage), Red Lobster (free appetizer or dessert, Nov. 9-12), Red Robin, Texas Roadhouse (lunch), Starbucks (coffee), Krispy Kreme (donut and coffee) and IHOP.

Military Display - Nativeteran will display a collection started by Vietnam veteran Arnie Holt featuring military memorabilia, artifacts and weapons. Many of the objects were donated by local veterans. It will also feature music from the ’60s era, videos of Bob Hope entertaining the troops during the Vietnam War and the documentary movie titled “In the Shadow of the Blade.” Visit www.nativeteran.com. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Pavilion Room, 100 N. Hayford Road, Airway Heights. Free. (509) 633-3140.

Nov. 12

A USO Salute - A concert featuring the North Idaho Cardinal Vocal Jazz and the North Idaho College Jazz Ensemble with special guest Nicole Lewis. Thursday, Nov. 12 , 7:30 p.m., North Idaho College, Schuler Performing Arts Center, Boswell Hall, 1000 W. Garden Ave., Coeur d’Alene. (208) 769-7764.