Did you know the first National Veterans Day Celebration took place in Alabama? Raymond Weeks of Birmingham, Alabama, organized an Armistice Day parade for that city on Nov. 11, 1947, to honor Veterans for their loyal service. Later, U.S. Representative Edward H. Rees of Kansas proposed legislation changing the name of Armistice Day to Veterans Day, to honor all Veterans who have served America.

This week we honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

LOCAL SPECIALS:

This year, several local businesses in the Gulf Shores and surrounding areas offering specials and events to honor those who have served. Here are some of the Veterans Day specials available in the community:

Shrimp Basket: Veterans can enjoy a free Full-Size Shrimp Basket at Shrimp Basket locations across Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi. Participating locations include Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Foley, and more. Veterans simply need to visit any participating Shrimp Basket location on Veterans Day to receive their complimentary meal. Click here to visit their website.

The Hangout: The Hangout in Gulf Shores is expressing appreciation for veterans by offering a complimentary Hang 10 burger on Veterans Day. This offer is available for dine-in only, and veterans are required to present a valid military ID to enjoy this tasty special. Click here to visit their website.

Bubba's Seafood House: Bubba's Seafood House is offering veterans 20% off all menu items along with a $5 discount on half or a full dozen of baked, grilled, raw, or steamed oysters. These offers are available on November 10th and 11th, giving veterans and their families an opportunity to enjoy some delicious seafood over the holiday weekend. Click here to visit their website.

Wolf Bay Restaurants: Wolf Bay Restaurants are offering veterans and active military members a complimentary meal from their special Veterans Day menu on Monday, November 11th. Veterans can choose from dishes like Fried Gulf Shrimp with Baked Potato, Beef Medallions & Gravy with Baked Potato, or Fried, Grilled, or Blackened Whitefish with Baked Potato. Proof of service or a military ID is required for this offer, which is available at all Wolf Bay locations. Click here to visit their website.

CoastAL - Orange Beach: CoastAL in Orange Beach is offering veterans a 10% discount on Veterans Day. Veterans can enjoy a beautiful meal with a view while taking advantage of this special offer. Click here to visit their website.

The Gulf: The Gulf in Orange Beach is expressing appreciation for veterans by offering a complimentary burger on Veterans Day. This offer is available for dine-in only, and veterans are required to present a valid military ID to enjoy this tasty special. Click here to visit their website.

LOCAL STORES:

Office Depot - Veterans, active duty and retired military personnel, reservists, and their dependents receive 25% off qualifying regular and sale-priced purchases in Office Depot and OfficeMax stores nationwide November 9 through 11.

Target - is offering a 10% military discount from October 27 through November 11 to all active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families.

Academy Sports & Outdoors - Academy will give a discount to military and first responders. Take 10% off your entire purchase online or in-store from 10/20/2024-11/11/2024.

CITY GOVERMENT INFORMATION:

City of Gulf Shores Veterans Day Closures and Schedule

In honor of Veterans Day, the City of Gulf Shores will have the following facility closures and changes to regular hours of operation:

• Gulf Shores Police Department, Gulf Shores Fire Rescue, and other emergency services will remain open to ensure public safety and health. 
• Administrative offices for the City of Gulf Shores will be closed on Monday, November 11. Regular operations will resume on Tuesday, November 12, at 8 a.m. 
• The Gulf Shores Public Library will be closed on Monday, November 11. Regular hours of operation will resume on Tuesday, November 12.
• The Gulf Shores Museum will be closed from Saturday, November 9, to Monday, November 11. Regular hours of operation will resume on Tuesday, November 12.
• The David L. Bodenhamer Recreation Center will remain open on Veterans Day from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• The George C. Meyer Tennis Center will be closed on Monday, November 11. Outdoor tennis courts will remain open for public use. Regular hours of operations will resume on Tuesday, November 12.
• The pickleball courts located at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex will remain open and available for public use. 
• The Cultural Center will be closed on Monday, November 11. Regular hours of operation will resume on Tuesday, November 12. 
• The City Store will be closed on Monday, November 11. Regular hours of operation will resume on Tuesday, November 12. 
• Republic Services Garbage will run as scheduled, and the Drop-Off Recycling Center will remain open.⁠
• The City Council Meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 12, at 4 p.m.

For more information or general questions, please contact Gulf Shores City Hall at 251-968-2425.

ORANGE BEACH:

City offices closed for Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 11th

In observance of Veterans Day, non-essential city offices will be closed on Monday, November 11th. Trash and recycling will not be affected. All routes will run as normal. A sincere “Thank You” goes out to all of our veterans. We are free because of the brave.

On Veterans Day - Monday, November 11th at 6 p.m. as part of the Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival, the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach will host Nashville hit songwriters from the Freedom Sings USA organization. The music presented will include songs created with military Veterans during Freedom Sings music therapy workshops, plus all the hits from the award-winning songwriters. Don't miss this special concert. Tickets are $15 and on sale now at the Coastal Arts Center. Doors open at 5:30. Call 251-981-ARTS (2787) for more information.

FOLEY:

The city of Foley will celebrate Veterans Day with its annual parade and commemorations. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. at Max Griffin Park and conclude at the park near the city Veteran's Memorial on South Alston Street.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the commemoration is a way to recognize the service of all community veterans. “We honor our veterans,” Hellmich said. “It's always a great parade. It’s a way to give back to the community and it's a way of honoring our veterans.”

• 
  Most Foley city offices will be closed Monday, Nov. 11, in recognition of Veterans Day.
• Offices will reopen for regular hours on Tuesday. Closings will include Foley City Hall, Senior Center, Public Library and most city offices.
• The Foley Welcome Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• The Foley Railroad Museum and Holmes Medical Museum will be open during their regular hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 11.
• The Graham Creek Nature Preserve will be open Nov. 11, but the Interpretive Center at the site will be closed that day.
• The collection of recyclable materials usually scheduled for Mondays will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 12. 
• The collection schedule for the rest of the week will not be affected by the holiday. 
• The collection of limbs and yard wastes will resume Tuesday, Nov. 12. All routes begin at 6 a.m.