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[Cougar News] – As our nation honors its military veterans this Wednesday, Santa Clarita Valley residents can locally pay tribute to those who have served and those who continue to serve our country.

In honor of our veterans, the City of Santa Clarita will be hosting a Veterans Day ceremony, at the Veterans Historical Plaza in Newhall. The ceremony will feature musical performers, speakers, and changing of the flags at the Veterans Historical Plaza with the program beginning at 11 a.m.

We all know who to thank on Veterans Day when they are in uniform, but what about the one’s that aren’t? How do we show our gratitude for the service and sacrifices made by more than 2.5 million other military families?

Retail giant Walmart has an idea on how to do just that. This Veterans Day, they are urging communities nationwide to change one light to green “in a visible location-on your porch, in your home, or at your office -and keep it glowing every day as a symbol of appreciation and support for our veterans.” For more information on the initiative, visit www.greenlightavet.com.

On Veterans Day, Santa Clarita restaurants also want to thank veterans by providing them a free meal. Here are a few of those places:

BJ’s, Restaurant& Brew House: Free entree, up to $12.95 value. Offer valid to all active duty military and veterans, with proof of service. 24320 Town Center Dr. Valencia, CA 91355

California Pizza Kitchen: Free pizza, salad or pasta from Veterans Day menu; Dine-in only
24061 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia, CA 91354

Chili’s: Free lunch combo or dinner from select menu, full-size flatbread; Dine-in only
19071 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91387
25970 The Old Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91381

Claim Jumper (Monday, Nov. 9 only): Free entrée from select menu; Dine-in only
25740 The Old Road, Valencia, CA 91381

Denny’s: Free Build-Your-Own Grand Slam
16401 Delone Street, Santa Clarita, CA 91387 (5 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
18932 W. Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country, CA 91351 (5 a.m. to noon)

Little Caesars Pizza: Free pizza or $5 Hot-N-Ready lunch combo
19374 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country, CA 91351 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
26584 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91350 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
23350 Lyons Avenue, Newhall, CA 91321 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

Menchie’s: Free 6 oz. frozen yogurt
28273 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia, CA 91355

Olive Garden: Free entrée and 10% off bill for guests that dine with a veteran
27003 McBean Parkway, Santa Clarita, CA 91355

Red Lobster (Monday Nov. 9 – Thursday Nov. 12): Free Appetizer or Dessert during the week of Veterans Day. Vets may choose from a select list of appetizers and desserts.
27524 The Old Road, Valencia, CA 91355

Red Robin: Free Red’s Tavern Double and bottomless steak fries
24201 Valencia Blvd., #1351, Valencia, CA 91355

**Note: Most establishments require Military I.D. or proof of service
Source: militarywallet.com