SCOTT COUNTY, Iowa — Veterans Day is a federal holiday, set aside by the U.S. government as a day to honor those who served in the Armed Forces. It is celebrated annually on Nov. 11, in remembrance of the end of fighting in World War I in 1918.
There are many events taking place around the Quad Cities this year. Some are open to the public, while some are specifically to benefit veterans. If there is an event you would like added to this list, email our newsroom here.
Veterans Day dance at Bally's
The Quad Cities Vietnam Veterans of America Chapters 299, 669, and 776, in conjunction with Bally's Quad Cities casino, invites all veterans and the general public to the 17th annual Welcome Home Veterans Day Dance.
All veterans are welcome. The event is on Friday, Nov. 10 at Bally's Quad Cities in Rock Island. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with a presentation of the colors at 6:45 p.m. Live music will be provided by The Tailfins from 7-10 p.m.
The event is free admission for all veterans and will cost $15 for guests and non-veterans at the door.
Rock Island National Cemetery ceremony
The Rock Island National Cemetery will host a Veterans Day Ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 11, at 1 p.m., at Rock Island National Cemetery, at Committal Shelter 2.
The Veterans Day Ceremony will include a wreath placement as well as an honor salute and taps.
The keynote speaker will be Col. Ronnie Anderson Jr., commander of Joint Munitions Command.
Below is a biography from Col. Anderson, as provided by the Arsenal's Garrison Public Affairs office.
Anderson, the 14th commander of JMC, is a native of Franklin, Indiana. He was commissioned as an ordnance officer from Purdue University in 1996. Anderson has served in several key command and staff assignments including serving a combined 56 months in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait — more than four and a half years. JMC is a tenant organization headquartered on RIA. JMC provides the joint forces with ready, reliable, and lethal munitions at the speed of war, sustaining global readiness. JMC is the logistics integrator for life-cycle management of ammunition and provides a global presence of technical support to combat units wherever they are stationed or deployed.
Bettendorf Veterans Memorial ceremony
On Saturday, Nov. 11 at 2 p.m., a Veterans Day ceremony will be held at Bettendorf's Veterans Memorial Park. The park is located at 1645 23rd St.
The event will feature an opening and closing prayer, a wreath-laying ceremony, and an Honor Guard presentation.
Bettendorf's park serves as a tribute to veterans and those who are on active duty. The design features two pentagons that surround an American flag. The inner ring represents the five branches of service and the outer pillars of black granite bear the names of hundreds of service men and women. If someone would like to add the name of their loved one, comrade, or hero to Bettendorf's Veterans Memorial, click here.
Also, from Monday, Nov. 6 through Friday, Nov. 10, Bettendorf Transit is offering free fixed-route bus rides to all veterans. For more information on routes and schedules, click here.
Davenport Veterans Day parade
The annual Veterans Day parade in downtown Davenport is set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11. Groups gather in the Scott County Administrative Center parking lot at 600 W. 4th St. between 8:45 and 9:45 a.m.
The parade steps off at W. 4th St and Western Avenue, then heads south to W. 2nd St. It heads east to Main Street, where it turns north to W. 4th St, and heads west before returning to the Scott County Courthouse at Western Avenue.
The three Davenport high school marching bands are slated to march in the parade.
Veterans Day ceremony at Hero Street in Silvis
A ceremony will be held at the Hero Street monument area at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11. Hero Street Memorial Park is located at 145 2nd St. in Silvis.
The event will include a presentation of the colors, singing, a 21-gun salute, the playing of Taps, and guest speakers. The featured speaker is Colonel Daniel D. Mitchell, Garrison Commander of the U.S. Army, Rock Island Arsenal.
A meal will be hosted at VFW Post 8890, East Moline, provided by the Women's Auxiliary following the ceremony.
Ridgecrest Village Veterans Appreciation Program
Ridgecrest Village retirement community is hosting its annual Veterans Appreciation program for friends and family of the community. The event pays tribute to all the resident veterans and serves as a memorial to those who have passed.
Ridgecrest Village is currently home to more than 45 veterans representing all branches of the military, including the National Guard.
The program will be held on Friday, Nov. 10 at 1:30 p.m in the community’s Koning Chapel at 4130 Northwest Boulevard, Davenport. The event is co-sponsored by the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities.
American Legion Post 26 is scheduled to present the colors. Organizer Herman Bredar of Ridgecrest Village and Lori Spavin of the Honor Flight QC will serve as Masters of Ceremonies. Music will be provided by the Military Six Band and the Ridgecrest Women's Trio.
Patrick McDonald, Ridgecrest CEO, said “We are so grateful for the opportunity to care for the people who served in our military. Our residents are the best part of Ridgecrest and veterans are a big part of who we are.”
Free breakfast at Hy-Vee for veterans
Hy-Vee will honor Veterans Day on Friday, Nov. 10, by offering all veterans and active-duty military members a free breakfast. A buffet-style breakfast will be offered from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Hy-Vee grocery stores.
Additionally, veterans and active-duty military will receive 15% off their grocery purchases on Friday, Nov. 10 when they shop at Hy-Vee, Dollar Fresh Market, and Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh locations.
Free Coffee at Scooter's
Scooter's Coffee locations are offering veterans free drinks of any size on Saturday, Nov. 11, to thank them for their courage and service.
To receive the offer, veterans need to present their valid military identification at any participating locations. The offer is only valid once per veteran, while supplies last, and is not available for Order Ahead through the Scooter’s Coffee Mobile App.
“This Veterans Day, we pause to express our deepest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our great nation. They exemplify key core values that we take to heart at Scooter’s Coffee, such as Courage, Integrity, and Humility,” said Joe Thornton, President of Scooter’s Coffee.
'Salute to Military' at QC Storm hockey game
The Quad City Storm hockey team is hosting a special "Salute to Military" game on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 7:10 p.m.
Community members were invited to paint the names of their veterans on the ice of the hockey rink on Monday at the Vibrant Arena at The Mark.
This event is in its fifth year and is co-sponsored by QCA Pools and Spas. The event promises "an incredible national anthem" with recognition to continue "throughout the night with the songs of service."
Veterans Trail Ride Giveaway at Shenandoah Riding Center
The Shenandoah Riding Center in the Galena Territory is looking to give away eight trail rides to four veterans and a guest on a date of their choosing.
The riding center is an equine facility that offers trail rides, riding lessons, wagon rides, and more over scenic trails.
To submit a nomination, email the veteran’s name, email address or phone number, a brief biography, and why they would enjoy a trail ride to info@shenandoahridingcenter.com. All nominations must be received by noon on Friday, Nov. 10. Winners will be drawn live on the center's Facebook page at 3 p.m. on Nov. 11 and notified the same day.
“It’s the least we can do to show our appreciation for their service,” said Kristin Cisek, Barn Manager.