Concerts, service and meal deals celebrate VETERANS DAY
Americans annually honor veterans on Nov. 11 — recognizing all who have served their country during times of war or peace. The day is not to be confused with Memorial Day, which remembers those who gave their lives for their country, This year, Veterans Day is unique in that it also marks the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day. World War I officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919. However, the actual fighting ended about seven months prior, when the Allies and Germany put into effect an armistice on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. For that reason, Nov. 11, 1918, was largely considered the end of WWI. In 1926, Congress officially recognized it as the end of the war, and in 1938, it became an official holiday.
However, after World War II and the Korean War, Congress amended the commemoration by changing the word “armistice” to “veterans” so Nov. 11 would honor American veterans of all wars.
Here are some ways veterans will be honored this weekend.
VETERANS DAY SERVICE
› Where: Chattanooga National Cemetery, 1200 Bailey Ave.
› When: 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11 › Admission: Free › For more information: 423855-6590
This service is coordinated by the Chattanooga Area Veterans Council. American Legion Post 95 Band will play, and the Choo Choo Chorus will sing. Judi Davenport, president-elect of the Retired Officers Association, will b the featured speaker.
U.S. AIR FORCE JAZZ ENSEMBLE
› Where: Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St. ›
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9 ›
Admission: Free ›
For more information: 423-267-8538
The CTC will host “Flying Home: A Celebration of Chattanooga Veterans,” presented by the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America’s Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble.
The Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble is a group of 1 enlisted musicians who play traditional big-band jaz bebop, swing and modern jazz. The program feature instrumental and vocal soloists, as well as compositions and arrangements by the band’s own talented members.
ALHAMBRA SHRINE LADIES DINNER SHOW
› Where: Alhambra Shrine Auditorium, 1000 Alhambra Drive › When: 5:30 p.m. dinner, 7 p.m. program, Saturday, No 10
› Admission: $10 per person
› For more information: 423-875-9736
The Alhambra Shrine women’s auxiliary is hostin a “fun-raiser” that is themed to the old “Hee Haw” TV show. Dennis Massengale will emcee this show tributes to country legends by local performers Ala
Tedders, Harley Dodd, Sandra Lewis, Billy Gadston, Will Sims and Anthony D’Andrea.
Gospel music will be sung by Robert Cothran, Grant Bledsoe and Delen Wright. Ryan Stinson, Gene Hodge and Just Us Gals also will perform.
And before the night is over, the program will include a special “Sa-a-a-lute!” to all veterans.
Proceeds from the Hee Haw party go to the Alhambra Shrine Ladies Helping Hands, who give scholarships to previous Shrine Hospital patients.
VETERANS DAY CONCERT
Where: Memorial Auditorium, 399 McCallie Ave. When: 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11
Admission: Free
For more information: 423-757-5580
The Chattanooga Music Club and Chattanooga Symphony & Opera are partnering to present this free concert on Sunday afternoon, emceed by David Carroll.
“We are joining forces to observe an important milestone in world history,” says Jim Bailiff, CMC president. “On Nov. 11, 1918, the armistice to end WWI was signed at 11 a.m., bringing an end to the ‘War To End All Wars.’
“The 100th anniversary of this historic event will be recognized around the globe. Part of the Scenic City’s remembrance will be this concert in the very building that citizens of Chattanooga built to recognize the heroic efforts of those in the Tennessee Valley whose lives were lost or who valiantly served their country during that conflict.”
As is tradition at a CMC concert, there will be a military color guard and all veterans will be recognized. Rear Adm. Vance Fry will speak about the military’s involvement in “The War To End All Wars” and the significance of the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day.
Guest organist Ken Double, organist for Atlanta’s Fox Theatre, will play popular music in vogue 100 years ago at the end of World War I. Vocalist Daniel Mata of Nashville will join him for some selections.
The CSO, conducted by Kayoko Dan, will play iconic patriotic works such as “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America.” The CSO numbers also will include “Chattanooga Choo-Choo” and “Shenandoah.”
WORLD WARS AT CHICKAMAUGA AND FORT OGLETHORPE
› Where: Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center, 3370 LaFayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia
› When: 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11 › Admission: Free › For more information: 706-866-9241
On the 100th anniversary of the armistice ending World War I, join a park ranger for this car caravan tour exploring how the battlefield continued President Abraham Lincoln’s “unfinished work.”
THE GREAT WAR IN SONG
› Where: UTC Fine Arts Center, 752 Vine St. ›
When: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12 ›
Admission: Free ›
For more information: 423-425-4371
This concert concludes a series of events held on UTC’s campus in observance of the Armistice Day centennial, coordinated by Dr. Jonathan McNair and a committee of about 20 staff and faculty. Its program features music and composers of the World War I era.
The UTC Women’s Chorale will sing a medley of popular songs of that decade; Dr. Perry Ward, baritone, will perform a selection of songs composed by musicians who fought in WWI.
A student Dixieland combo will play “How Ya Gonna Keep ‘Em Down on the Farm,” while student Will Lowrey tap-dances to the tune. The Jericho Brass will wrap up the program with music from the “teens of the 20th century, both patriotic and pop,” says its director Frank Hale.
Other weekend events part of this centennial series at UTC include:
Tonight, Nov. 8: Dr. Chad Williams, African-American scholar and WWI historian, speaks in the UTC University Center auditorium at 5 p.m. Free.
Friday, Nov. 9: The “Taps” project begins at 9 a.m. Trumpeters from UTC and the community will be spaced from the campus to downtown. The first trumpeter on campus will play “Taps.” As he finishes, the next will play the refrain, and so on and so on as the melody ripples from campus to downtown.
Saturday, Nov. 10: Military Appreciation Day at the Mocs’ 1 p.m. football game vs. Mercer.
RESTAURANTS SERVE THOSE WHO SERVED
Almost every restaurant will thank veterans with some type of discount, free meal or deals. In fact, there are so many that the list is too lengthy to print.
Not all restaurants offer these specials on Veterans Day; some begin before Sunday, others will continue on Monday. To find which restaurants are participating in your neighborhood, when and what they are offering, check this link: https://militarybenefits.info/ veterans-day-discounts-sales-deals-free-meals.