The Daily Flockby the locals, for the locals · Nashville, TN
The Coop

Wednesday, Nov 11 · Veterans Day in Nashville

Wednesday, Nashville says thank you

The parade, the free meals, what's closed, and the one thing that matters more than all of it.

Built by a veteran, for everyone who raised their right handWhether you're active, reserve, guard, a veteran or retired, we thank you. Home, deployed or on a TDY, this one's yours.

Wednesday at 11:11 in the morning, Broadway does something it almost never does: it gets quiet enough to hear a drumline.

That time isn't random. The fighting in World War I stopped at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Every Veterans Day since, this country has stopped at the same minute to say thanks to everybody who signed up.

If you served: lunch is on a lot of people Wednesday. Bring your ID, sit down, and let somebody say thank you without waving it off. You earned the Grand Slam.

If you didn't: you don't need a parade to say it, but you should go to one anyway. Get to a curb between 1st and 5th by 10:30, clap louder than feels normal, and stick around for the music after.

Schools are out, the mail isn't moving and Metro offices are closed, so plan around that.

And if a veteran you love has gone quiet lately, call them. Not text. Call.

— Hank 🐔

The schedule

  1. Through Sat, Nov 14Field of Honor at the HermitageAndrew Jackson's HermitageFlags in formation across the grounds.
  2. Wed, Nov 11 · 9:00 AMParade festivities startBroadway, downtownPre-parade gathering along the route.
  3. Wed, Nov 11 · 10:00 AMGoodlettsville Veterans Day ParadeMoss-Wright ParkCeremony follows at 11 at the Historic Bowen Campbell House.
  4. Wed, Nov 11 · 11:00 AMFranklin Veterans Day ParadeMain Street, downtown Franklin
  5. Wed, Nov 11 · 11:11 AMNashville Veterans Day ParadeFreeBroadway, 13th Ave down to 1st AveThe main event. Steps off at 11:11.
  6. Wed, Nov 11 · 12:30–5 PMCommunity Day at Ascend AmphitheaterFreeAscend Amphitheater, downtownLive music, military vehicle displays, family activities. Free; RSVP on Ascend's site.
  7. Wed, Nov 11 · all dayFree admission for service membersFreeCountry Music Hall of Fame and MuseumActive-duty and retired, plus up to three immediate family. Bring military ID; reservations recommended. Postcard-writing for troops 10 AM–noon.
  8. Thu, Nov 12 · from 3:30 PMVeterans & Military Family NightFreeAdventure Science Center, 800 Fort Negley BlvdFree hands-on exhibits and planetarium shows, with Operation Stand Down Tennessee.

The parade, the local way

Steps off
11:11 AM, Wednesday, Nov 11
Route
Broadway from 13th Avenue down to 1st Avenue, toward the river
Where to stand
Curb spots between 1st and 5th Avenues fill first. Be there by 10:30.
Getting there
Broadway closes for the parade. Park a few blocks off (SoBro or the Gulch) and walk in, or take WeGo. Downtown parking guide →
After
In past years several Broadway honky-tonks have kept the music going after the parade.
Why 11:11
11:11 on 11/11: the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, when the fighting in World War I stopped in 1918. That's why the day exists.

Free for veterans

🪪 Bring proof: military ID, VA ID card, a veteran ID on your driver's license, or your DD-214. Most free meals are dine-in only and at participating locations, so call ahead.

Nashville spots

🎟️ Vet Tix ↗Free tickets to games, concerts and shows for veterans and service members, year-roundFree to join; verified through ID.me. Small delivery fee per order.
  • Country Music Hall of Fame and MuseumFree admission Wed for active-duty and retired service members, plus up to three familyMilitary ID; 10% off at the Museum Store and Hatch Show Print
  • Hugh-Baby's BBQ & Burger Shop20% off dine-in for service members on WedNashville-area locations
  • Pancake PantryHas a Veterans Day offer for vetsCheck their post for this year's details and proof-of-service rules
  • Adventure Science CenterFree veterans & military family night, Thu Nov 12 from 3:30 PM
  • Cheekwood Estate & GardensHalf off Gardens & Mansion or Gardens Only tickets, year-roundActive-duty and retired, up to five people with valid ID; not for special events

Chains with Nashville locations (Wednesday)

  • Denny'sFree Original Grand Slam, 5 AM–noonDine-in, ID
  • Golden CorralFree buffet, Military Appreciation NightDine-in
  • Red RobinFree Red's Big Tavern Burger + bottomless friesDine-in, ID
  • Ruby TuesdayFree entrée + Garden Bar + drinkDine-in, participating, proof of service
  • Applebee'sFree entrée from a Veterans Day menuDine-in, proof of service
  • Chili'sFree entrée from a select menuDine-in, participating, ID
  • Bob EvansFree meal from a special menuDine-in, ID
  • Texas RoadhouseFree meal for veterans and active militaryCheck your local store
  • Red LobsterFree Shrimp & ChipsDine-in, ID
  • Bonefish GrillFree Bang Bang Shrimp entrée + nonalcoholic drinkID
  • SmashburgerFree All-American SmashburgerParticipating, ID
  • Shake ShackFree single ShackBurgerNo purchase needed, ID or proof of service
  • Freddy'sFree combo-meal card, use by Nov 25Visit on Wed
  • Biscuit BellyFree breakfast biscuit sandwich + coffee or fountain drinkDine-in
  • StarbucksFree tall hot or iced brewed coffeeVets, service members and spouses; participating stores
  • Circle KFree medium hot or iced coffeeParticipating, military ID

Offers come from the businesses and can change by location. Nobody paid to be on this list.

What's open, what's closed Wednesday

  • ClosedMetro Nashville officesEssential and emergency services keep running. Trash, libraries, parks: check hubNashville or call 311.
  • ClosedMetro Nashville Public SchoolsDistrict closed for Veterans Day.
  • ClosedPost officeNo regular mail delivery.
  • ClosedFederal offices and most courts
  • ClosedMost banksATMs and apps still work.
  • OpenStock marketBond market closed.
  • OpenUPS and FedExCheck their sites for hours.
  • OpenStores and restaurantsHours can vary; call ahead.

Ways to give back

  • Operation Stand Down Tennessee ↗Nashville nonprofit helping veterans with jobs, housing and benefits. Volunteer or donate.
  • The Mission Continues, Nashville ↗Veteran-led service platoon behind the parade. Join a service project.
  • Nashville National Cemetery1420 Gallatin Pike S, Madison. Walk the rows, read a name, say thanks.
  • Text the vet in your lifeFree, takes ten seconds, means more than you think.

💬 Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988, then press 1. Text 838255. Free, confidential, 24/7.