Array of Veterans Day Celebrations Dot Area

World War I officially ended in June 1919 when the Treaty of Versailles was signed; however, the fighting had stopped seven months earlier — on Nov. 11, 1918.

In the following November, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11, 1919, as the first commemoration of Armistice Day, now more popularly known as Veterans Day.

The national holiday honors American veterans for their patriotism and willingness to serve and sacrifice for their country.

In honor of these brave men and women, Patch has compiled a list of Veterans Day celebrations happening in the area this weekend.

Doug Kuhn, commander of American Legion Post 415, said there aren't any events in Hartland and encouraged area residents to attend events in surrounding communities. He said the post doesn't have an event because there are so many long established ones nearby in Howell, Brighton and Milford.

Ongoing This Week

Portrait of a Veteran, ongoing through Tuesday

Photographs of local veterans from the Spanish-American War to the present will be on display at the Howell Carnegie District Library, 314 W Grand River Ave, in Howell. Call 517-546-0720 for more information.

Veterans Day Salute from Outback Steakhouse, ongoing through Friday

In celebration of Veterans Day and as an expression of Outback Steakhouse’s appreciation to veterans and active-duty military, a free Bloomin’ Onion and a beverage will be available to them at every Outback in the country through Friday. The 7873 Conference Center Drive. Call 810-225-2109 for more information.

Thursday

Great Lakes National Cemetery Program, 7 p.m.

Rick C. Anderson, director of the Great Lakes National Cemetery, will share the history, eligibility, services, military honors and ceremonies — including the annual laying of the wreaths — at the 544-acre site approximately 20 miles from Hartland in the Holly area. The program will be held in the Meabon Room at Howell Carnegie District Library, 314 W Grand River Ave, in Howell. Use the Clinton Street entrance. Call 517-546-0720, ext. 106, for details.

Friday (Veterans Day)

Veteran Appreciation at Applebee's restaurants, all day

For the third year, local Applebee's Neighborhood Grill restaurants will offer military veterans with military ID or proof of service a free meal. Veterans will be able to choose one of Applebee's signature entrées. For more information, visit Applebee's online or call your closest location.

Veterans Day Fish Fry, all day

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1224,8891 Spicer Rd., in Green Oak Township, will offer free dinner for veterans during its regular fish fry from 5-8 p.m. Veterans should bring their VFW or American Legion membership card or a copy of DD-214. Call 810-231-1224 for more details.

Veterans Appreciation Day at Kensington Metropark, all day

Veterans get free entry and boat launching at Kensington Metropark, located at 2240 W Buno Rd. Call 800-477-2757 for more information.

Veterans Day assembly, 8:30 a.m.

Local veterans are invited to Howell High School, 1200 W. Grand River Ave, in Howell, for a special Veterans Day assembly in the auditorium. Refreshments will be provided at 8:30 a.m., and an assembly will begin at 9 a.m. Veterans who plan to attend should call 517-548-6208.

Holiday Mail for Heroes, 10 a.m.-noon and 2-6 p.m.

The American Red Cross Livingston County Chapter will decorate cards to send to American armed forces stationed stateside and overseas at its office, 1372 W Grand River Ave, in Howell. The card-decorating party is open to the public and will include snacks, desserts, music and punch. Donations of unused holiday cards, construction paper, stickers, markers, crayons, etc., for creating cards are also needed. Call 517-546-0326 for more information.

Veterans Salute, 11 a.m.

The American Legion Devereaux Post 141 and the Marine Corps League Murnighan Detachment present the 31st annual Veterans Day Salute at the Veterans Memorial outside the historical Livingston County Courthouse, located at 200 E. Grand River Ave. in Howell. The ceremony will include a 21-gun salute, flag-raising and the playing of taps. An invocation will be given by the Rev. George Lewis of First United Methodist Church of Howell. Ken Stokes will honor veterans with an armed forces medley. David MacDonald will play "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes. The event is open to the public, but organizers ask that  parking spaces on State Street be left open for the handicapped.

Veterans ceremony, 11 a.m.

The color guard from the American Legion Post 215 holds a ceremony at Central Park in downtown Milford.

Veterans luncheon, noon-2 p.m.

The American Legion Devereaux Post 141 Ladies Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion and Village Manor Retirement will hold a free luncheon for veterans at the post, 3265 W Grand River Ave, Howell Township. Call 517-546-2534 or 810-632-6200 for more information.

Saturday

Veterans of Foreign Wars Open House, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

VFW Post 6464, 215 Veterans Drive, in Fowlerville, will hold an information open house for veterans. Call 517-223-9842 for more information.

Veterans Appreciation Dinner, 5 p.m.-midnight

Howell Elks Lodge 2168, 2830 E Grand River Ave, in Genoa Township, will host free dinner and dancing for veterans and active U.S. military personnel at the lodge. Veterans are welcome to bring one guest who will be admitted free. Additional seating is available for $15 per person. The event includes a color guard and prizes. Reservations are required. For more information, call 517-546-4941.