NOTE: The City is sharing this information on behalf of Councilman Pickett.

This is from Councilman Pickett's monthly newsletter, which residents can sign up for at: www.cityofpsl.com/newsletter

November 2024

Welcome to the Veterans' View

From Armistice Day to Veterans Day

American effort during World War II saw the greatest mobilization of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force in the nation’s history (more than 16 million people); some 5.7 million more served in the Korean War.

In 1954, after lobbying efforts by veterans’ service organizations, the 83rd U.S. Congress amended the 1938 act making Armistice Day a holiday, striking the word “Armistice” in favor of “Veterans.” President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the legislation on June 1, 1954. From then on, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

The next development in the story of Veterans Day unfolded in 1968, when Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which sought to ensure three-day weekends for federal employees—and encourage tourism and travel—by celebrating four national holidays (Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Columbus Day) on Mondays.

The observation of Veterans Day was set as the fourth Monday in October. The first Veterans Day under the new law was Monday, October 25, 1971; confusion ensued, as many states disapproved of this change, and continued to observe the holiday on its original date.

In 1975, after it became evident that the actual date of Veterans Day carried historical and patriotic significance to many Americans, President Gerald Ford signed a new law returning the observation of Veterans Day to November 11th beginning in 1978. If November 11 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the federal government observes the holiday on the previous Friday or the following Monday, respectively. Government offices are closed on Veterans Day.

FlagShip

Source: Click here

Veterans Day Traditions

In the United States, an official wreath-laying ceremony is held each Veterans Day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, while parades and other celebrations are held in states around the country. I will attending the National Ceremony at Arlington this year.

Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day—a common misunderstanding, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Memorial Day (the fourth Monday in May) honors American service members who died in service to their country or because of injuries incurred during battle, while Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans—living or dead—but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.

Did you know? Red poppies, a symbol of World War I from their appearance in the beloved poem "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae, are sold in Canada and the United Kingdom on Remembrance Day to raise money for veterans or worn in the lapel as a tribute.

Port St Lucie will celebrate Veterans Day on November 11^th, at 11 a.m. The ceremony will take place at Veterans Memorial Park, 2200 SE Veterans Memorial Parkway. The guest speaker will be George Landry. We look forward to seeing you there.

History.com. January 31, 2024

Source: Click here

Friends of Fisher House West Palm Beach

On December 5th, Friends of Fisher House will host their annual "Honor the Brave" Holiday Open House for guests and our supportive community. Please come out to support the Friends of Fisher House and learn about our mission. The Friends of Fisher House are grateful to YOU for the opportunity to serve our Military, Veterans, and their families. YOU make it possible to fulfill our mission with the help of your generous donations and support.

The Fisher House hosted 302 families and provided 1,183 nights of lodging from March to the present, saving our Military, Veterans, and their families a remarkable $199,927 in accommodation, food, and fuel costs. In addition, they provided 331 hotel nights, saving them $55,939 when the Fisher House was at capacity. The Fisher House is more than just a place to stay; it fosters a sense of camaraderie, support, and love among the guests who become each other's support system while staying at the Fisher House.

Veterans Day Deals

Are you looking for Veterans Day restaurant discounts for 2024? This list highlights some local places offering deals for veterans. Don't forget to bring proof of service, like an active duty/retired ID or a copy of your DD 214.

Applebee's -- Veteran and active-duty military receive a free meal from a select menu on November 11 at participating locations. Dine-in only.

Bob Evans -- Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from a select menu on November 11. Dine-in only.

Bonefish Grill -- Active-duty service members and veterans get a complimentary order of Bang Bang Shrimp with a soft beverage on November 11 with valid ID.

Buffalo Wild Wings -- On November 11, veterans and active-duty service members get 10 free boneless wings and fries with valid ID. Available for dine-in or, if ordering from a Buffalo Wild Wings GO location, available for walk-in/orders placed at the counter only.

Carrabba's -- From November 8 through 10, order an entrée when you dine-in and take home another entrée of equal or lesser value for free. Then on November 11, order a complimentary dine-in appetizer or dessert paired with a free nonalcoholic beverage. Veterans and active-duty military are asked to show a service ID.

Chili's -- Veterans and active-duty military members get a free meal on November 11 at all participating restaurants. Available in-restaurant only for select items. Military ID required to redeem offer.

Cracker Barrel -- On November 11, veterans and active-duty service members get a complimentary Sunrise Pancake Special at all locations, available for dine-in guests. And from November 1 through 11, Cracker Barrel will offer 25% off military-themed apparel in-store and online.

Dave & Buster's -- Veterans get a free entree (up to $20) and a free $10 Power Card with a valid veterans ID card on November 11.

Denny's -- Veterans and active-duty military personnel receive a free Original Grand Slam on November 11 from 5am to 12pm. Must show valid Military ID or DD214.

Duffy's Sports Grill -- Veterans get a free meal on November 11 from 11am to 4pm. Dine-in only with ID. Limit of one free meal per veteran, maximum value $15.

Firehouse Subs -- On November 11, active-duty military and veterans get a free medium sub with the purchase of a medium or large sub, chips, and a drink. Must show military ID.

Hooters -- On November 11, retired and active-duty military who present proof of service or a military ID, with purchase of a beverage, may order one free meal from the Hooters Veterans Day Menu. This offer is valid to for dine-in only at participating locations.

Hurricane Grill and Wings -- Veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary entree from a select menu on November 11. The offer is valid for dine-in only at participating locations and an ID must be shown, or you need to wear a military uniform.

IHOP -- Veterans and active-duty military get a free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo on November 11 from 7am to 7pm. Dine-in only, at participating restaurants.

Olive Garden -- To thank members of the military for their service, Olive Garden is offering those that dine-in on November 11 a complimentary entrée from a special menu.

Pilot Flying J -- On November 11, any ID.me verified active, retired, or veteran service members and their families can enjoy a free meal up to $12 through Pilot’s myRewards Plus app at participating Pilot, Flying J, and One9 Fuel Network travel centers.

Red Lobster -- Veterans, active-duty military and reservists get free Veteran’s Shrimp & Chip – featuring six Walt's Favorite Shrimp, served with cocktail sauce and ketchup, as well as crispy French Fries and Coleslaw – on November 11. Show a valid military ID or proof of service to redeem this dine-in only offer.

Starbucks -- Starbucks is honoring those who have served with a free tall (12-ounce) brewed coffee (hot or iced) for veterans, military service members and military spouses at participating U.S. stores and licensed locations on November 11.

Wendy’s -- Veterans and active-duty military get a free Breakfast Combo, no purchase required, during breakfast hours on November 11 at participating locations. It cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Not valid for digital, delivery or kiosk orders.

Military.com

Source: Click here

Upcoming Events

Visit our events calendar

Local Veterans Organizations

To learn more about resources for veterans, please visit any of the following links:

Quick Links to VA Pages

With eBenefits, service members and Vets can directly access their

personal benefit information safely and securely, as well as download a

DD214, check claims status, and more.

VA Cemetery Factsheet on Weekend Burial (PDF)
VA Digital 2017 Benefits Book
VA Publishes Final Regulation to Aid Korean War Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange (PDF Posted 1/30/11)
VA NCVAS (National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics) View Veterans Statistics for all states!
VA List of Hospitals & Medical Centers
VA List of Veterans Service Organizations (Chartered)
VA List of Veterans Service Organizations (Non-Chartered)
VA Online Gravesite Locator (Search for burial locations of veterans and their dependents in VA National Cemeteries, state veterans cemeteries and various other Department of Interior and military cemeteries.)
VA my Health e Vet - refill your VA prescriptions and view your VA prescription history online!
Veteran Data "Pocket Card" (PDF)
U.S. GOV. All In One Link
U.S. Military Veteran Locator
Mental Health Support...
PTSD and some ways to treat and recognize it
RehabCenter.net - Info on how to Help a Veteran with Addiction
Mesothelioma Guide - (Their website states: "Mesothelioma Guide is your trusted ally in the fight against asbestos-related cancer. Our mission is to guide mesothelioma patients to better health care options and to find a cure.")

Note: the KWVA does not in anyway recommend or endorse this site for

anything other than a source of information for those who might need

Mesothelioma information.

Mesothelioma Center - Asbestos.com: ("An organization devoted to assisting veterans through their application processes for VA benefits, and helping them obtain the maximum benefits for which they are entitled")

Note: the KWVA does not in anyway recommend or endorse this site for

anything other than a source of information for those who might need

Mesothelioma information.

Military.com
Military Connection.com (Government Jobs; US Military Jobs; Employment; Military School Loans; Scholarships)
Military Medals and Awards
National Alliance of Families POW/MIA
National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) - Request copies of DD-214 and other military records.
National Purple Heart Hall of Honor
National Purple Heart Hall of Honor Enrollment Form (PDF)
National Resource Directory (Connecting Wounded Warriors, Service Members, Veterans & their families with those who support them.)
National Terror Alert Resource & Information Center
National Veterans Legal Services Program

Burn Pit Registry

VA established this registry in 2014 to put data to work for Veterans and help us better understand the potential health effects of exposure to airborne hazards during military service. By joining the registry, you can provide information that will help VA provide better care to all Veterans. To learn more, click the button below.

Learn More