Veterans Day 2015 closures and events

The following offices and services will be affected by Wednesday’s Veterans Day holiday:

County and federal offices will be closed, as will the city of Spokane Valley and the city of Coeur d’Alene. Most banks will be closed.

City of Spokane offices and libraries will be open as usual.

Garbage pickup will proceed on a normal schedule for customers of the city of Spokane, Waste Management and Sunshine Disposal and Recycling.

Parking meters don’t have to be plugged on Wednesday.

Veterans Day events Wednesday:

Welcome Home! A Community Tribute to All Veterans - The program is open to all and will pay tribute to all veterans, veterans organizations and their families. Col. Charles McDaniel, USAF, Wing Commander Fairchild AFB, and the Honorable 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 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. Felts Field, Historic Northwest Airlines Hangar, 6105 E. Rutter Ave., Spokane Valley. Free. (509) 325-8206.

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

Free Meals for Veterans - 2015 - The following businesses are offering a meal to veterans and active-duty service members with military ID. Check with participating restaurants for their offer good on Nov. 11: 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 through Nov. 12), Red Robin, Texas Roadhouse (lunch), Starbucks (coffee), Krispy Kreme (donut and coffee) and IHOP.

Operation Spokane Heroes Fundraiser - Dutch Bros. will celebrate the opening of its newest location by offering all 16-oz. drinks for $1, with proceeds benefiting Operation Spokane Heroes. 5 a.m.-10 p.m., Dutch Bros., 20 N. Pines Road, Spokane Valley.

Military Display - Nativeteran will display a collection started by Vietnam veteran Arnie Holt, featuring military memorabilia including artifacts and weapons used during wars. Many of the objects were donated by local veterans. Visit www.nativeteran.com. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Pavilion Room at Northern Quest Casino and Resort, 100 N. Hayford Road, Airway Heights. Free. (509) 633-3140.

United We Stand - Students of Valley Christian School will perform “United We Stand” to honor soldiers currently serving and those who have served in the past. 10:30 a.m., Dishman Baptist Church, 315 N. Argonne Road, Spokane Valley. Free. (509) 924-9131.

D&D Dogs - Veterans eat free. All donations from all sales will go to Spokane County Veteran Services and VA Health Care for Homeless Veterans. 11 a.m.-1 p.m., D&D Dogs, in front of Spokane County Courthouse.

Veterans Day Ceremony - Spokane Arena - Dedication of Illuminating Courage, a post-9/11 Fallen Heroes Military Memorial, honoring all those who served or who are serving. Spokane Mayor David Condon, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, members of the Gold Star Families and many other distinguished guests will be involved in the program, which will include a blessing of the site by the Spokane Tribe. Visit www.IlluminatingCourage.org. 11:30 a.m., Spokane Arena, southeast plaza, 720 W. Mallon Ave. (509) 321-9614.

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

Veterans Day at Chinese Lantern Festival - Veterans receive free admission with their military ID on the evening of Nov. 11. The festival will also be open to the public from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. that day to allow access to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial statue in the park, which is located within the festival site. Visit http://www.spokanelantern festival.com/. 5-10 p.m., Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. (509) 625-6601.

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

Saturday: National Veterans Day Run - Third annual run with the start/finish line in the Clocktower Meadow. The race will offer three distances: an 11K, 5K and a one-mile family and supporter walk/run. Packet pickup at 7 a.m., running times vary beginning at 8 a.m. Both the 11K and 5K will be professionally timed. There will be a pre-race ceremony honoring veterans. All runners/walkers will receive a race goody bag at packet pickup, commemorative finishers pin, medals for 11K and 5K, finisher ribbons for one-mile and refreshments at the finish line. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. Advance: $11/veterans and active duty, $25-$35/general. Day of race: $20-$30/veterans and active duty, $30-$60/general, $10-$20/youth. (509) 625-6601.