Veterans Day observed in New Mexico: Events, specials, statements

In 1918, World War I service members were honored on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. The annual November 11 tradition, once known as Armistice Day, has carried on as Veterans Day since then.

Several programs took place to observe the time-honored tradition in the Albuquerque metro, including in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and Los Lunas:

Some places will be closed for the day, including city and state offices, post offices, some schools and most banks, but trash and recycling will be picked up as usual.

The City of Albuquerque detailed what of its facilities are open and closed for Veterans Day.

Some restaurants offered special meals for veterans, service members and their families:

Kap’s Diner, 5801 Central Ave NE Albuquerque, NM 87108, is doing a free meal for veterans, active military, first responders and their families from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Nick & Jimmy’s, 5021 Pan American West Fwy NE Albuquerque, NM 87109, and El Patron’s New Mexican Restaurant, 10551 Montgomery Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87111, also released details about their special veterans’ meals:

According to Military.com, the following chain places with Albuquerque locations are offering deals for U.S. veterans and service members on Veterans Day:

Chili’s — Veterans and active-duty service members get a free meal from a select menu on November 11. Available for in-restaurant only.

Cicis Pizza — Active and retired military personnel get a free adult buffet on November 11. The offer is valid for dine-in only and it does not include a drink.

Cracker Barrel — Veterans get a complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake in-store or online on November 11.

Denny’s — On November 11, Denny’s offers a complimentary Grand Slam to all active, non-active and retired military personnel. The offer is valid for dine-in only at participating locations from 5am to noon with a valid military ID or DD 214.

Dunkin’ Donuts — Veterans and active-duty military get a free donut of their choice on November 11 at participating locations. Offer available in-store only. Not available for orders placed using On-the-Go Mobile Ordering through the Dunkin’ Mobile App.

Einstein Bros. Bagels — Veterans and active-duty military get a free hot or iced coffee (any size) with a purchase in-store on November 11. 

Golden Corral — Golden Corral is hosting their Military Appreciation Night on November 14 from 5pm to close. This includes a free “thank you” meal when dining in.

Hooters — Active-duty military and veterans get a free entrée from the Hooters Veterans Day Menu with the purchase of a beverage on November 11. Dine-in only.

Krispy Kreme — Veterans get a free coffee and doughnut on November 11 at participating locations.

Main Event — On November 11, active and retired military receive a classic double cheeseburger and 30 minutes of gameplay at zero cost by showing their military ID.

Outback Steakhouse — Veterans, active-duty service members and spouses get a free Bloomin’ Onion with any Coca-Cola beverage for dine-in on November 11.

Red Lobster — Veterans, active-duty military and reservists get a free Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, Fries, and Coleslaw on November 11. The offer is available for dine-in and To-Go orders placed in-restaurant between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm local time.

Red Robin – Veterans and active-duty military get a free Red’s Tavern Double when dining in on November 11. This classic burger also comes with free refills of Bottomless Steak Fries.

Schlotzsky’s — Veterans and active-duty service members with a valid military ID get free chips and a small drink with an entree purchase November 11 through 30 at participating locations, in-store only.

Texas Roadhouse — Veterans and active-duty military receive a meal voucher on November 11, from 11 am to 2 pm. These vouchers are good for dine-in or carry-out and can be used until May 30, 2023. There will be a specific menu to select from. 

Wendy’s — Active-duty military and veterans get a free breakfast combo on November 11 at participating locations from 6:30 to 10:30 am.

While today is a day for veterans to be honored with all sorts of specials, veterans in New Mexico are entitled to a plethora of benefits. New Mexico military veterans and Gold Star Families, like other veterans and Gold Star Families in other states, can also obtain a free lifetime Military Pass to enjoy public lands and waters, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and forests.

Yearround specials for veterans

A free annual Military Pass is available for current U.S. military members and their dependents, including those in New Mexico.

If you’re looking to get away for a bit, some bed & breakfasts are offering special deals to military members, past and present, and their families.

Statements on Veterans Day from elected officials

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham

“Today I offer my profound and sincere thanks to all those who have served our great country. New Mexico is home to over 130,000 armed forces veterans, one of the highest rates of any state. I am so proud to lead a state where so many of our citizens answered the call of duty.

From those who served abroad to those who served right here in their own backyard – thank you. I hope you will join me in saying thank you to a veteran today, because the men and women who served our nation, who protected our state and our country, who sacrificed to help their fellow Americans and create a more perfect union, deserve our thanks. May God bless our service members and their families.”

U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan

“On Veterans Day, we take time to recognize and thank the courageous men and women who’ve selflessly served our nation and sacrificed for our freedom. To veterans in New Mexico and across this nation, you are, without a doubt, American heroes.

Here in New Mexico, the commitment, bravery, and valor of our service members helped shape the modern world. In turn, it is our responsibility to make sure every veteran and their family has the support they need when they return home and start their next chapter. This means ensuring veterans have access to robust health and mental health care services, job training resources, and the means to keep a roof above their heads. It is my honor to fight for our veterans here in Congress, all of whom have sacrificed greatly to create a better world and future for us all.”

Outgoing Congresswoman Yvette Herrell

To the Veterans of New Mexico, and all who serve our great country, thank you for your skills, your strength, and your sacrifices, which have kept America safe. Thank you for the invaluable role you continue to play as patriotic pillars of our community.

104 years ago, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the guns of World War I finally fell silent, and Armistice Day was celebrated throughout the Western World. This was the first great conflict where citizens of the brand-new state of New Mexico would fight for their country – but it would not be the last. In the following century, the courageous people of New Mexico would be on the front lines fighting for liberty and the safety of the folks back home. And in time, Armistice Day became a celebration of American service members of every era: Veterans Day.

If you have served, I thank you. And if you know someone who has served, please thank them. Today’s observance is about bravery, duty, and sacrifice, but I believe it is about gratitude most of all.

It has been an honor and a privilege to represent New Mexico’s veterans and their families in my time in Congress, and you will forever be first in my heart. God bless you all, and may God bless America.”

Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury

“From the Navajo Code Talkers to the veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, New Mexicans have a long and proud tradition of service that extends throughout our communities. Today and every day, we take the time to honor our veterans in New Mexico and across the nation for their service and sacrifice to defend our democracy, our freedoms, and the ideals that we strive for as we work to form a more perfect union.

“As we express our deep gratitude to our veterans for their service, we must act to fulfill our sacred obligations to those who have served. It is humbling to serve our veterans and their families. I will continue to work hard supporting our veterans by passing meaningful legislation to expand access to health care and PTSD care, dedicated housing support, and economic opportunities that take advantage of the important skills our veterans bring home with them.”