Veterans Day is a significant occasion in Rhode Island, marked by ceremonies, events, and various offers designed to honor those who have served in the armed forces. For consumers in the state, this day often brings opportunities to access complimentary meals, services, and event admissions. The year 2016 featured a range of specific activities and promotions available to military personnel and veterans, particularly in the Providence area and surrounding communities. Information regarding these offers was disseminated through local news outlets and official announcements, providing details on how eligible individuals could participate.
The events scheduled for Veterans Day 2016 in Rhode Island included official ceremonies, cultural celebrations, and commercial deals. Many of these opportunities required proof of service or specific identification for access. For instance, the Providence VA Medical Center hosted a ceremony featuring remarks by state officials and a tribute to prisoners of war. Simultaneously, local restaurants and national chains offered free meals to active-duty members and veterans. Additionally, cultural institutions provided complimentary tickets for performances, and medical service providers designated specific days for free consultations. These offerings collectively represent the types of freebies and appreciation gestures available during that period.
Official Ceremonies and Community Events
Official ceremonies served as the cornerstone of Veterans Day observances in Rhode Island, offering structured opportunities for the public and veterans to participate in tributes. The Providence VA Medical Center organized a significant event on Thursday, November 10, 2016, at its main hospital auditorium. This ceremony included the posting of colors, a missing-man table ceremony, and remarks from prominent political figures such as Senator Jack Reed, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, and Representative James Langevin. It also featured participation from the Hope High School JROTC. This event was open to the public and represented a formal recognition of service.
In addition to the Providence event, other communities held their own observances. The U.S. Marine Corps celebrated its 241st birthday with a cake-cutting ceremony at the Rhode Island State House. This event was specifically welcoming to active and retired Marines, as well as Fleet Marine Force corpsmen and chaplains, emphasizing the passing of traditions to the next generation. On Friday, November 11, a ceremony was held at the Rhode Island Veterans Home in Bristol, featuring Governor Raimondo as a guest. Further west, the Allied Veterans Council in Burrillville (Pascoag) held a memorial service at Veterans Park. These events provided localized venues for honoring veterans.
Cultural and educational components were also part of the 2016 observances. In Providence, the Lippitt House Museum hosted a Veterans Day concert and program featuring live jazz music popularized during the World Wars. This event included an exploration of the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Red Cross and a display of vintage uniforms. While this event required a ticket purchase (ranging from $15 to $20), it offered a specific cultural experience related to military history. In Scituate, a parade sponsored by the American Legion Scituate Post 19 formed at Berkander Field and proceeded through the town to the Old Historical Congregational Church for ceremonies. A similar parade occurred in South Kingstown. These parades offered visible community participation in the holiday.
Restaurant and Dining Promotions
Commercial establishments, particularly restaurant chains, historically offer free meals to veterans and active military personnel on Veterans Day. The 2016 landscape in Rhode Island included several national chains participating in these promotions. Applebee’s offered a free, full-sized entrée from an exclusive menu to active-duty military, veterans, reserves, and National Guard members. Dine-in customers in this group also received a $5 gift card valid for three weeks on subsequent orders. It was noted that customers should call ahead to verify participation by local franchises.
Other participating restaurants included Buffalo Wild Wings, which provided 10 free Boneless wings and Fries with a valid ID for military personnel and veterans. This offer was valid for dine-in and walk-in customers at participating locations. Chili’s extended a free meal from a select menu to veterans and active military members dining in. Cracker Barrel offered a free sunrise pancake special, while supplies lasted, for dine-in customers who could provide proof of military service. Denny’s also provided a free Original Grand Slam breakfast to active and retired military personnel, available from 5 a.m. These dining offers provided practical and accessible freebies for eligible individuals.
Cultural and Entertainment Offers
Beyond dining and ceremonies, cultural venues offered specific freebies for veterans in 2016. A notable example was the sneak peek showing of a production at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium on Sunday, November 13, 2016. This event was held in recognition of all Rhode Islanders who have served and specifically honored USS Arizona survivor Raymond Haerry. Tickets for this event were free for all Veterans and current Military Personnel with proper ID, though they had to be claimed in person. This provided a distinct entertainment opportunity for the military community.
The Lippitt House Museum in Providence also offered a musical event, described as an "a cappella versions of pop and classic Americana songs in honor of Veterans Day." While this event required a ticket purchase, it was listed among the specific Veterans Day activities for 2016. These cultural offers complemented the more traditional ceremonies and dining deals, providing a varied selection of ways to observe the holiday.
Medical and Service Provider Offers
In the realm of health services, a specific free offer was available from B&B Medical Marijuana Evaluation Center (B&B Consulting, LLC) in 2016. The center designated two days, May 21 and May 23, 2019, for its third annual "Free Veterans’ Day," offering free follow-ups, initial, and renewal appointments. While this event took place in 2019, the announcement noted that the program began in 2016, coinciding with the addition of PTSD as a qualified condition under the Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Program. This offer was available to veterans who could provide recent medical records to prove they were being treated for a qualifying condition. The event was held at their Pawtucket office.
It is important to note that while some sources mentioned events or offers in years other than 2016, they provided context regarding the types of freebies typically available or recurring programs. For instance, a 2018 article listed various events across the state, and a 2019 press release detailed an inaugural Veterans Appreciation Breakfast and Awards Ceremony held by Representative Seth Magaziner. However, the primary focus of this overview is the specific landscape of 2016.
Conclusion
In 2016, Rhode Island offered a diverse array of Veterans Day freebies and events, ranging from official state ceremonies and military celebrations to complimentary meals at national restaurant chains and free cultural tickets. These opportunities required varying levels of identification and participation, with specific details provided by local news sources and official announcements. Consumers looking to access these offers needed to verify participation with local franchises and claim tickets or services in person where required.