Veterans Day falls on Tuesday, November 11th this year, but many celebrations will take place during the weekend preceding the holiday. If you can’t make it to an event, consider donating to a veteran organization, such as AmVets, that helps serve military veterans and their families. Whatever you do on Veterans Day, be sure to take some time to honor a veteran for his or her service.

Veterans Day Parade in Downtown Boise. (Saturday, Nov 8th @ 9:30am)

The 2014 parade starts at 9:30 AM on Saturday, November 8th in downtown Boise. The parade route is on Jefferson and Bannock Streets between 4th and 11th Streets. Come out and support the parade as a spectator! Or, get involved by either volunteering to work with the parade committee or by making a monetary donation. For more information on the parade, visit the Boise Veteran’s Day Parade website or ‘Like’ their facebook.

Veterans Day Run. (Tuesday, Nov 11th @ 3:00 PM)

Come show your support for our nation’s Veterans and Armed Forces by participating in the annual Boise Veteran’s Day run. The race features an 11K, 5K and 1-mile walk/run. The start line is located in Boise at the Veterans Memorial Park. Awards are given to the top female and male competitors, and the top 3 finishers in each age category. For registration information, visit their website.

Veterans Day Pancake Breakfast in Nampa. (Sunday, Nov 9th @ 8-12pm)

The Warhawk Air Museum is hosting its 11th annual pancake breakfast to honor our veterans. They’ll be serving eggs, hash browns, pancakes, sausage, coffee, juice, and milk. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for veterans, seniors, and children 12 and under. Breakfast is on Sunday, November 9th between 8 a.m. – 12 p.m at the Warhawk Air Museum. For more information, visit the organization’s website here.

Visit a National Park. (Tuesday, Nov 11th all day)

On Veterans Day, all National Parks are waiving admission to all patrons in honor of US Veterans. The battlefields, military parks, and historic sites across our nation will be open to the public to serve as a reminder of the great sacrifice our Armed Forces makes every year to protect and honor our country. See more about how the National Park system is honoring veterans here.

Take Advantage of Free Deals for Veterans. (Days and Times Vary)

There are numerous restaurants and businesses offering free deals to veterans on Veterans Day. Ask your favorite local businesses if they’re offering any specials for veterans. MilitaryWallet.com has a list of great businesses offering deals on Veterans Day. (Hint: Scroll down the page to see the deals without having to download the guide.)

If you’re a veteran reading this blog, the staff at Cody’s Appliance Repair thanks you for your service and sacrifice.