Published: November 09, 2009 09:52 am      

Ada celebrates Veterans Day

Ada — Several Ada businesses and organizations will be honoring and feeding United States veterans this year in recognition of their service to the country. On Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, local veterans will be honored and get plenty of good food.

Ada Wal-Mart, Citizens Bank, the Chickasaw Nation and Ada Area Chamber of Commerce will be cooking breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Chickasaw Nation Community Center.

“In the years to come, we hope to grow from just the breakfast to some other events during the day to honor veterans,” Wal-Mart manager Bruce Cowart said. “Hopefully, we’ll have a big turn out and a lot of interest in honoring our veterans.”

Cowart said Oklahoma State Rep. Todd Thomsen will be speaking at the breakfast and Pat Kilby, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Ada will be giving an invocation.

“We’ll have lots of good food and just a fun time for veterans to come together and feel honored,” Cowart said.

Willard Grade Center will be holding a program for veterans and their families at 10:30 a.m.

Applebee’s will be offering one free meal to every veteran with proof of United States military service. Veterans will be able to choose from Applebee’s 7-ounce house sirloin, three-cheese chicken penne pasta, fiesta lime chicken, the fire pit bacon burger, chicken tenders or the Oriental chicken salad. Side items will be included in the free meal.

“It’s an honor to host an event that helps the neighborhood come together and say, ‘Thanks,’ to our veterans and active servicemen and women,” said Maggie Stine, president of Concord Applebee’s.

“We feel a special connection to everyone who wears or has worn our nation’s uniform to protect our freedoms. We’re proud of their courage and happy to have this opportunity to offer a mouth-watering meal free of charge.”