MOLINE, Ill. — Veterans Day, the annual celebration honoring those who have served in the U.S. military, is just around the corner.
The federal holiday on Monday, Nov. 11 is linked to the end of World War I and wasn't officially called Veterans Day until 1954.
Why is Veterans Day on Nov. 11?
During World War I, the fighting ended on Nov. 11, 1918, when an armistice went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
Nearly twenty years later, legislation passed on May 13, 1938, officially making Nov. 11 of each year a federal holiday, originally known as "Armistice Day," the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs explains on its website.
The holiday was first created to honor veterans of World War I, but then in 1954, the original legislation was amended to change the holiday's name to Veterans Day, to honor American veterans of all wars.
Veterans Day events in the Quad Cities region
Know of an event we're missing? Let us know by emailing news@wqad.com
QC Veterans Festival
A brand new Veterans Day event is coming to Davenport and it's raising money for local veterans suicide prevention.
The inaugural 'QC Veterans Festival' will be from 3-8 p.m. at Davenport's LeClaire Park on Monday, Nov. 11. There will be food trucks, fireworks, music from a live DJ, a 5K, vendors and wrestling from Honor Among Wrestling, a combat veteran owned business in Bettendorf. Proceeds from the event will go to Uncommon Valor, a Quad Cities nonprofit dedicated to veteran suicide prevention.
News 8 spoke with the festival's organizer, Michael Burke, on The Current. You can find that full interview in the video above.
Veterans Day parades, ceremonies
Davenport Veterans Day Parade
When: Monday, Nov. 11 at 10 a.m.
Where: Starts at the corner of 4th Street and Western Avenue in Davenport (map of route below)
Rock Island National Cemetery Veterans Day Ceremony
When: Monday, Nov. 11 at 1 p.m.
Where: Rock Island National Cemetery, Shelter 2 (visitor passes not required for entry onto Rock Island Arsenal as this is a special event)
Bettendorf Veterans Day Ceremony
When: Monday, Nov. 11 at 2 p.m.
Where: Bettendorf's Veterans Memorial, located inside Veterans Memorial Park at 1645 23rd St.
Aledo Veterans Day Parade
When: Monday, Nov. 11 at 10:45 a.m.
Where: Starts at the old Northside School and goes down College Avenue before ending at the VFW's Veteran's Memorial
Veterans Day deals
Applebee's - Veterans and active duty military personnel can receive a free meal from a select menu by dining in at a participating location on Nov. 11.
Chili's - The restaurant chain is offering free meals to veterans at participating restaurants. To redeem, just show a valid military ID.
Denny's - Veterans can get a free Original Grand Slam on Nov. 11 from 5 a.m. to noon by presenting their valid military ID or DD214.
Dunkin' - Want a donut? Dunkin' is offering active and retired military personnel a free donut on Nov. 11, with a limit of one per guest while supplies last.
Golden Corral - All current U.S. service members, retired military and veterans, will receive a free buffet and drink from 4 p.m. until close at all Golden Corral locations on Monday, Nov. 11.
Hooters - All 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 a special Veterans Day menu. The offer is valid for dine-in only at participating Hooters locations.
Little Caesars - Veterans can snag a free Lunch Combo, which includes four slices of deep dish pizza and a 20-oz drink, anytime between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Nov. 11.
Red Robin - The burger chain is offering veterans and active duty military members a complimentary "Red's Big Tavern Burger" and a bottomless side when dining at participating restaurants on Nov. 11.
Starbucks - Veterans and military spouses can go to any participating Starbucks location on Nov. 11 for a free tall coffee, either brewed or iced.
Wendy's - Veterans and active duty military personnel can get a free Breakfast Combo on Nov. 11 during the restaurant's breakfast hours at participating locations.