Please enable Javascript to watch this video
KINGSTON, Pa. -- Veterans Day is a day for us to pause and thank those who answered the call, and in Luzerne County, the annual Wyoming Valley Veterans Day Parade honored men and women from all branches of the military.
The parade is one of the most popular in our area. Although the temperatures may have been a bit chilly, that didn't stop people from showing their love and appreciation for veterans. The parade route was jammed for the couple miles from Kingston to Wilkes-Barre.
Our nation's colors were on full display as hundreds gathered along Market Street in Kingston.
"Just proud that I can do this and do it for all our vets," said Ray Samolis, Army veteran.
As always, the parade route from Kingston to Wilkes-Barre was full of floats, motorcycles, and even a massive military tank.
Although the federal holiday fell on a Sunday this year and is being celebrated officially on Monday, that didn't stop people from all across our area from braving the cold to support America's veterans.
"You know what these fellas went through for us, and you can't thank them enough. You know being here shows them at least some respect," said Susan Miller of Dorrance Township.
Those who served in Vietnam tell us Veterans Day is both heart-warming and emotional. When soldiers arrived home stateside back then, they were treated harshly by people. Today's climate is much different.
"The parade is great for the Vietnam vets. When they came home from Vietnam, nobody said a thank you. They actually threw things at us. We march up the street the fans, people are clapping, yelling 'Thank you.' That means a lot to a vet," said Moe Rodzinak, Coast Guard veteran.
"It's heart-warming. It's really nice. It's a good feeling. I wish we had more of it," said James Hudock, Air Force veteran.
One woman was continuously waving an American flag while wiping tears from her face. Her husband was a Vietnam veteran and she said she had to decline an interview because she'd get too emotional.
Veterans also recognize this day is a special one, given it marks the 100 year anniversary of the end of World War I.
"Pride, very proud that I'm in the United States of America and I'm able to say that I was in the Army and I served and I protected for your freedom," said Martine Columbo, Army veteran.
Please enable Javascript to watch this video
AURORA, Colo. — The holidays are often harder without family. For Priscilla Dominguez, this Veterans Day reminds her of her son: Marine Travis Mason.
“I dream about him all the time and I miss him so much,” Dominguez said. “He just came home, you know? Just starting out the next chapter in his life.”
Mason was killed in June 2016 during a dispensary robbery in Aurora. He was working security at Green Heart dispensary on 19005 East Quincy Avenue when police say he was shot and killed. The two suspects have not been found.
“I really want justice so badly and I just kind of feel like it’s slipping away,” Dominguez said. “If I was given the opportunity just to do one, go back and change one thing in my life, I would have been there that night to take the bullet for him so he could live his life. So he could see his kids grow up.”
Mason leaves behind a wife and three children, who have since moved to North Carolina.
“You live every single day hoping your phone is going to ring and you’re going to get some kind of answer,” Dominguez said. “And not knowing just tears me up.”
For Veterans Day, Metro Denver Crime Stoppers are bringing up cold cases involving veterans on social media to help bring in more tips. The reward for information leading to an arrest in Mason’s murder is up to $55,000.
“The victims were veterans, people who served our country, came back here and were murdered,” said Sarah Johnston, who sits on the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers board. “And those cases are still unsolved. Look at those cases, share those posts, share them to any group you can on Facebook. We’re just a tip away from solving them.”
Anyone with information can leave an anonymous tip to the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers tip line at 720-913-7867.
Every year on November 11, Americans honor the 19.6 million active and former U.S. service members who have gone to war.
Veterans Day is marked by parades, speeches and solemn ceremonies offering a nation's appreciation.
Here are ways to go beyond saying "thanks for your service" and truly make a difference in a veteran's life -- on this day and throughout the year.
Volunteer
This online tool identifies volunteer opportunities at local VA offices. You can also join the Volunteer Transportation Network to help veterans get to appointments at VA medical facilities. You can also find ways to help veterans and their families on VolunteerMatch.
Send a care package or a letter
Operation Gratitude has sent more than 2 million individually addressed care package to the military community. The packages go to current military members as well as veterans, wounded warriors and their caregivers. As more American troops return to civilian life, the Operation Gratitude veterans program has been growing. It also has a letter writing campaign encouraging everyone to write handwritten letters of gratitude to veterans.
Support veterans suffering from PTSD
Coping with post-traumatic stress disorder can put stress on not just veterans but also their families and friends. More than a third of all Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have or will experience PTSD. And veterans of past wars are still dealing with the ghosts of their time in the service.
If you know a veteran who might be dealing with PTSD, you can connect them with helpful resources. The VA offers the PTSD Coach Online to help veterans learn to manage symptoms, come up with ways to cope and find professional help. The National Center for PTSD provides a Veterans Crisis Line by phone at 1-800-8255, by text at 838255 and by online chat at this link: Confidential Veterans Chat.
Sponsor a service dog
Service dogs can help veterans living with PTSD and other disabilities regain control, independence and mobility. Freedom Service Dogs of America match highly specialized service dogs with service members needing assistance in their transition back to civilian life.
Puppies Behind Bars is a program in which prisoners train companion dogs for veterans with PTSD. Donors can sponsor a dog and receive updates on the dog's training and life with its veteran.
Donate travel points
The Fisher House operates the Hero Miles Program, using donated frequent flier miles to bring family members to the bedside of injured service members. Hotel points can also be donated to provide hotel rooms for families of the veterans when a Fisher House is not available. The Fisher House Foundation has a network of homes on the grounds of military and VA hospitals around the country. These homes help family members be close during the hospitalization of a loved one for a combat injury, illness or disease.
Help veterans on the streets
A phone call can also make difference in the life of a veteran who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Call 877-4AID-VET, or 877-424-3838, to connect with help at the VA. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Department of Veterans Affairs' Stand Down program is designed to help homeless veterans "combat" life on the streets. Stand Downs are usually one- to three-day events that provide food, shelter, clothing and health screenings to homeless and unemployed veterans. To find a Stand Down program in your community, contact your local VA hospital.
Build a home for severely injured vets
Severely injured veterans often come home needing a place to live that better accommodates their physical disabilities. Building Homes for Heroes builds specially modified homes for veterans that help them live independently. These homes are provided at no cost to the veterans. The organization also provides financial planning services.
Honor the greatest generation
The Honor Flight Network helps veterans of the "greatest generation" make a free pilgrimage to the World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington. You can volunteer to escort these men and women on the flight to see this memorial. Honor Flight also helps terminally ill veterans who served in any conflict visit memorials to those wars in Washington as well.
Share their stories
So many veterans' stories have been left untold, but the Library of Congress is collecting the tales from veterans of every war through the Veterans History Project. If you are related to a veteran or know one who has a story to tell, the Library of Congress wants to hear it. Help veterans share their stories before it's too late.
Let them know they matter
By telling a veteran how much you appreciate their service, you are letting them know their decision to serve our country makes a difference. It's a simple gesture, but it can make an impact. And so many veterans have never heard the words "thank you." If you know a veteran or see someone in a military uniform, say something. It may make his or her day and yours.
Bethany Hines contributed to this report.
AlertMe
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) -- As a salute to Veterans Day, a number of local businesses are offering discounts and free items to veterans, active military and their families this weekend.
Whether it's a free admission to popular exhibits or lunch on the house, there are a number of great opportunities for veterans hoping to celebrate the day without breaking the bank.
Many of the deals require a valid military ID to qualify, so make sure to bring that along -- and call the place of businesses ahead of time if you have any questions about the promotion.
Country Music Hall of Fame
Nashville, Tenn.
The Country Music Hall of Fame has an entire weekend of programming for veterans and their families to enjoy. Events will be held from Saturday, Nov. 10-Monday, Nov. 12. All active duty and retired armed service members and their immediate family will receive free admission (max. four admissions per family) as well as 10% off purchases at Circa, the Museum Store and Hatch Show Print Retail Store. For a full schedule of events, click here.
The Nashville Zoo
Nashville, Tenn.
Active military, veterans and their families will get into the Zoo for free on Sunday, Nov. 11. Visitors must show their military ID, veteran organization ID, discharge papers or other official military identification to be given free admission.
Nashville Zoo also offers discounts throughout the year of $1 off each admission for military personnel and their families.
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
Nashville, Tenn.
Cheekwood is offering free admission and parking to all military personnel, first responders and their immediate families on Sunday, November 11 in honor of Veterans Day.
Additionally, Cheekwood will be implementing a new Military Mondays initiative this holiday season to offer half-priced admission to Holiday LIGHTS. Military Mondays begin Monday, Nov. 26 and will end Monday, Dec. 24. For more information on Cheekwood’s year-round military discount opportunities, click here.
Andrew Jackson's The Hermitage
Hermitage, Tenn.
Throughout Veterans Day weekend, 1,000 American flags will cover Victory Field at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage as a part of a Field of Honor® display paying tribute to the men and women who have served or are now serving in the U.S. military. The Field of Honor will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, Nov. 9, through Monday, Nov. 12 with a closing ceremony at 1 p.m.
The Hermitage always offers free admission to active duty military and half-price admission to veterans. All veterans will receive free admission for Veterans Day weekend, Saturday, Nov. 10 - Monday, Nov. 12.
Dancing Lights of Christmas
Lebanon, Tenn.
Dancing Lights of Christmas exhibit opens in Lebanon The Dancing Lights of Christmas will make its official debut in Wilson County on Friday.
The 9th Annual Dancing Lights of Christmas is giving free admission to all military personnel from Nov. 18-21. Just show proper military ID at the ticket window, and the entire carload will get to drive through the show for free. Outside of this window, Military personnel will receive $3 off admission any night .
The general public can also receive $5 off your carload's admission on Monday and Tuesday nights, from Nov. 19 - Dec. 11 if you bring at least three cans of non-perishable food items for the Second Harvest Food Bank.
Last year, The Dancing Lights of Christmas admitted approximately 4,000 military personnel and their families for free and collected roughly 3,000 pounds of food for Second Harvest Food Bank.
APSU Military Appreciation Football Game
Clarksville, Tenn.
This November, Austin Peay State University will continue their tradition of spotlighting student veterans on billboards around Clarksville and by hosting a special Military Appreciation football game at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17, at Austin Peay’s Fortera Stadium.
One thousand tickets for free admission to the game against Murray State are available to military service members, veterans, and family members who are ID card holders, thanks to a generous gift by retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Joe Maynard and his wife, Andrea. A pregame exhibit will feature two Humvees, and a flyover will occur after the national anthem.
Jack Daniel's Distillery
Lynchburg, Tenn.
As a small thank-you and salute to Veterans Day, Jack Daniel’s is offering complimentary tours of its distillery on Nov. 11 and 12 for all current and former military service members with a valid ID. For more information, click here.
Mint Julep Experiences
Nashville, Tenn.
In honor of Veterans Day, Mint Julep Experiences - Nashville is offering a “bring a vet for free" buy-on-get-one offer on its Tennessee whiskey distillery tours. Purchase a gift certificate for one tour at $159 and you’ll get an additional $159 value to use on one ticket for a veteran or active military friend free. You can then use that gift certificate on any weekday (Wednesday, Thursday or Friday) between Nov. 11 and March 31, 2019. Veterans Day deal only available Nov. 9-12, 2018, and must be redeemed for a weekday “Legends” Tennessee whiskey tour by March 31, 2019. To purchase, click here.
In addition, Mint Julep offers $10 off admission year-round to active military and veterans.
Rutherford County P.A.W.S.
Murfreesboro, Tenn.
For veterans and active military looking for a furry friend, look no further than Pet Adoption and Welfare Services (PAWS) of Rutherford Co. They are honoring active and veteran military by waiving pet adoption fees for those with military IDs this weekend, Nov. 9-11. All available animals are already up-to-date on vaccinations and spayed or neutered. In addition, adopters receive an adoption folder with helpful info for new adopters, special veterinary and training offers, and receive a courtesy bag of pet food while supplies last.
Those without military IDs may take advantage of the $10 dog adoption fees, and “Name-your-own-price’ cat adoption fees. For more information contact PAWS or visit the PAWS of Rutherford County Facebook page. PAWS is located at 285 John R. Rice Blvd. in Murfreesboro.
Shoney's
All locations
The iconic all-American restaurant is thanking our nation’s veterans and troops with a free All You Care To Eat, Freshly Prepared Breakfast Bar on Monday, Nov. 12 (when Veterans Day is observed), from open – 11 am. Veterans can enjoy freshly-prepared items, including scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, gravy, fresh fruit and other breakfast favorites,
White Castle
Participating locations
White Castle is recognizing Veterans Day by offering a free Combo Meal to all veterans and active military members who dine in or visit the drive-thru. All past and current members of the U.S. military receive a free Combo Meal (#1 – 6) or any Breakfast Combo Meal on Sunday, November 11, and Monday, November 12, at participating White Castle restaurants. No purchase is necessary to claim the offer, simply provide your military ID.
Harley Davidson
Participating locations
Veterans who want to hit the open road in style, should swing by the nearest Harley-Davison store this weekend. They're offering free H-D American Flag hats with all purchases over $100 as well as 20% off licensed products for veterans, active or retired with ID
Academy Sports + Outdoors
All locations
Whether you’re stocking up for hunting season, gearing up for cold weather, preparing for a big Thanksgiving meal, or getting a jump on your holiday shopping, Academy Sports + Outdoors has veterans covered this weekend. The store is offering veterans 10% off their entire purchase from Oct. 31 to Nov. 11 both in store and online at academy.com. All you have to do is present a valid military ID at checkout or verify military status at academy.com/military.
