On May 1 1924, the Jacksonville Journal, former “Metropolis”, printed the first known picture of the first electric chair in Florida. It was on display at 10 Newnan Street, Jacksonville, Florida where both White and Black people dropped in to view and “discuss among themselves”.
It is said to have been built by inmates of the Florida State Prison. According to Wikipedia, the “electric chair was the sole means of execution in Florida from 1924 until 2,000 when the Florida State Legislature, under pressure from the Supreme Court, signed lethal injection into law”. Because of sparks emitted by the chair when being used from time to time, it caused great controversy and was named “Sparky”. A new chair was put in use in 1998 but no one has been executed by the chair in Florida since 1999.
Jacksonville Journal, 1924 (Ramey Collection).
Funds for the first Florida State Prison Farm, as it was known, were provided by the Florida Legislature in 1911. The very earliest days of the prison system is sketchy but in 1877, lawbreakers were a part of a “convict leasing program” whereby corporations leased their services having to also “clothe, feed, house and provide medicare for the prisoner”.
After 1913, prisoners were housed at the often called “Raiford Prison”, located northwest of Jacksonville, Florida in a small town named Raiford. It became a place where prisoners were used to build bridges, field crops, dig ditches and more. Women inmates sewed, made clothing, gardened and cooked. The inmate leasing program ended in 1923.
On February 23, 2023, Donald Dillbeck, the convicted killer of a precious soul, Faye Vann was executed by lethal injection, although he could have chosen the electric chair. Lethal injection was passed by the courts in January of 2000, however the choice of that or the alternative of the electric chair at the execution chamber would be that of the inmate.
The last chair was built in 1998 was a three-legged chair made out of solid oak. Hangings, which waere the means for execution in early 1800’s have not been used since the April 18, 1927 where a “large crowd gathered.” In South Florida. Schools were closed for the day and it is said “onlookers stood on rooftops”. The gallows were built behind the jail in Volusia County. While the Florida State Legislature had changed the methods for executions after 1924, “ a surprising Florida Supreme Court ruling called for one last local hanging” according to the Daytona Beach News-Journal.”
The first inmate executed by chair was in 1924. This chair, that sat at 10 Newnan in Jacksonville was taken to Raiford and used for many years. There is quite of list of inmates who used that practice and others.
Dept. of Corrections
The most recent execution was that of Dillbeck who was the 100th prisoner executed since the death penalty was reinstate in Florida in the mid 1970’s. Governor Ron DeSantis signed the death warrant and though his attorneys tried to stop the execution, the Supreme Court declined the request. Dillbeck declined use of the electric chair which was one of his last decisions. In all sincerity, I hope he decided to trust Jesus, a decision we all must make. That would be the decision of true life or death.
See you tomorrow,
Nan
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12
The Spanish conquistadors brought European horses to North America so we know that by the time Jacksonville, formerly called “Cowford” was established. Horses were a mainstay. With great grasslands, and water sources, horses were in fields for growth and expansion as they adapted to their surroundings.
Current Mountain Police Facility
The city of Jacksonville police used horses dating back to 1822 when the first sheriff was James Dell. When you think about the 1869 headquarters for McMurray Livery Sale & Transfer Company at 220 East Forsyth Street, you can imagine that horses were of importance in the early years of the sheriff’s department . After the Great fire in 1901, another stable was built at that location and had a thriving horse business.
Livery Stable on Forsyth Street (Ramey Collection)
Little is known of the policing efforts during this period but Jacksonville was getting well established by 1832 including setting up the government which included law and order. By 1845, “all free males were to participate in evening patrol duty” so there had to be some mischief going on for so many to be asked to “participate”.
When the Civil War began, policing was done by the soldiers and so from about 1865-1869 patroling was under martial law which does not take away from the fact that mounted horses were used during this time by Union forces. The automobile would not come to Duval County until the first month of 1900.
Florida Mounted Police ( Florida Memory photo).
By 1888 James Hoey was serving as Chief of Police. The mode of transportation was horse, carriage and paddy wagon. The bicycle was gaining popularity at that time but could people afford them? The first bicycle squad for the Jacksonville police was in 1897.
Florida Memory of a mounted police protecting Pres. McKinley.
In 1895 the first patrol wagon was used with 2 horses pulling. Also prominent during this time was the trolley and streetcars that ran on tracks throughout Jacksonville, Fl. Early trolleys and street cars were pulled by horses. Over time horses were replaced by motorized cars .
Current barn where horses receive care.
The first car to come to Jacksonville was on January 4, 1900. The Locomobile Stanley No.2 was purchased by Charles A. Clark. It could travel 40 mph and had a steam-motor. It would take time for citizens to grasp the enormity of owning a car and also to pay for it thus the horse, buggy and on occasion the bicycle was still prominent. The Sheriff’s department was still using horses.
With the car gaining popularity, the police department of Jacksonville established a “traffic squad” for downtown streets in 1919. The department was growing and by 1926 the Liberty Street Police building was completed. The automobile was replacing horse details and the change from mounted police and wagons to automobiles came after 1900 when Charles A. Clark, from Jacksonville ordered and had delivered the first car to arrive in Florida.
Charles A. Clark with the first car in Florida. (Florida Memory photo).
The automobile would prompt changes in laws and ordinances and by 1903 the speed limit was 6 mph. There were 32 cars in town at this time. By 1905 there were a total of 166 cars autos traveling the dirt roads and some gravel streets of Duval. The population in Jacksonville was 28,429 at this time so transportation by and large was by horse and carriage. Jacksonville was the largest city in Florida at this time. Financially, a horse was more cost-effective also.
In 1911 there were approximately 1,120 cars in the city. That year the police department acquired its first car. Mounted police were still in use for the department. Also, a “traffic squad” for downtown was established with the first traffic lights being installed in 1924.The horse would be less used as time went forward and the auto industry increased.
There is little mention of the mounted police for Jacksonville but there are references that indicate the use of the horse which was disbanded in 1911 to make way for the newer transportation options such as trolleys, streetcars, bicycles, motorcycles and the automobile.
Florida East Coast transportation.( Florida Memory).
The mounted police would return to Jacksonville in 1942 with little mention. In 1982 horses were used for crowd control, crime prevention and community engagement. In 2012 there were 5 horses on the Mounted Police squad. Mayor Alvin Brown’s administration cut the budget for the program leaving the canine unit in place. Horses were taken from the West Duval Street location in LaVilla and moved to the Lannie Road prison yard also known as the Montgomery correctional Center and prison farm where there were acres of grass and room to live easy. They were tended to by staff and inmates and received visits from their former riders.
At Super Bowl XXXIX, which was held in Jacksonville February 6, 2005 at Alltell Stadium the mounted police were used.
Sargent Rhoden-2023. (Ramey Collection)
In January 2020 Duke, the newest addition graduated from his training program. All of the police horses receive training and the riders work with the horses for continued focus.
In 2022, when the Governor of Florida visited the Diamond D ranch, the mounted police were there more for a community service effort than for patrol. However, should there be a concern, they were all ready to do their duty and provide security. Guests were able to see their presence, and pet the horses.
Funding again was provided for the unit in 2021. There are 6 horses in the current unit: Bandit, Midnight, Duke, Dutch, Jaxx and Judge. Judge completed his training this year and was named in honor of Jimmy Judge a former police officer. Judge and his rider were at his memorial held for Officer Jimmy Judge in January of 2023.
Tribute to Jimmy Judge (JSO Facebook page photo-2021)
Judge” is named after 30-year police veteran, Assistant Chief Jimmy Judge, who is currently battling ALS or more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Judge and his handler attended Office Judge’s home-going event in 2023.
Please help us in welcoming our newest member to the team. We hope you will say “hi” to “Judge” when you see him out and about in #Jacksonville.(JSO Facebook page-2021)
Current officers in the unit: Sergeant B. Rhoden, Officer J. Alexander, Officer M. Bergo, Officer T. Dudley, Officer M. Reddish.
See you tomorrow,
Nan
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Mounted Unit
1076 West Duval Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32204
Sources: James B. Crooks, Cowart, 1976 Annual Report: Dale Carson, J. Bailey, Mounted Police visit.2-10-2023. Feel free to use all information with credit to “Ramey Collection”.
When the, what was thought and was, a Chinese balloon, drifted across the United States beginning sometime about January 28th, 2023, the trajectory was unclear. By Wednesday of the next week, we thought it could come Jacksonville way. The Weather Authority trajectory indicated it would go across the Carolina’s which was a little above Duval County but who knew?
NORAD trajectory- Ramey Collection
The powers that be decided not to shoot it down over civilian spaces so they waited for it to travel over the Atlantic Ocean. The huge weather-type balloon, they say the size of three busses began being noticed somewhere in Alaska. NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defence Command, Brigadier General Pat Ryder said on Thursday, February 2, 2023, “The United States government has detected and is tracking a high-attitude surveillance balloon that is flying over the continental United States”.
They indicated it was not a “military or physical threat to people on the ground at this time” according to General Glen VanHerck.
According to ABC News, a correspondent said the balloon was the size of “three busses and complete with a technology bay”. It seemed to be without power when looking at it on television newscasts and seemed to drift with the jet stream moving eastward. I thought it was possibly coming our way. Who knew?
The balloon was said to enter the United States airspace in Alaska near the Aleutian Islands news reports posted. As it floated eastward, and the Weather Channel posted a possible trajectory, I thought we may have a balloon in our sky in the coming days.
Chase Doak Photograph of Chinese Balloon
On Wednesday, February 1st, a freelance Montana photographer Chase Doak photographed the balloon and his photo went viral and is now used on Wikipedia. ( That had to be exciting for him). He was a freelance photographer at the right place, at the right time and just did his thing….
Chase Doak Profile-Linked In
Tomorrow I’ll post a basic timeline of the event and no, the balloon did not come across Jacksonville way or to Jacksonville Beach . It ended up in the Atlantic Ocean though, up the way near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It was shot down on Saturday, February 4th by a F22 Raptor fighter jet. The United States Military began recovery following that event.
It did not come here but, it was still too close for comfort.
See you tomorrow,
Nan
Sources: ABC News, NOAA, RORAD, The Pentagon, Helen Cooper, Pentagon correspondent, Edward Wong, correspondent, Breitbart, Google, Personal viewing of news reports…
So, yesterday and based on author, Tim Gilmore’s 2015 article about Jacksonville founder, Isaiah D. Hart’s “Tomb Tower”, my grandson and I set out to find where Hart was first buried before being moved to Evergreen Cemetery. Truly, it was a little scary as there were drifters and obviously noticeable people both White and Black, on some type of substance in the area. It was early in the morning and as many as 10 homeless were in and about the carcass of what is left of history where the old 1966 Heart of Jacksonville Motel once thrived. Some were sleeping beneath the walls of the old block building and others gathered in a small group talking. Some were literally “out of it” and others actually showed friendly to my 9 year old grand and myself. They saw us with cameras and for once I did not click when I saw them, out of respect I suppose.
Laura, State and Orange Streets
At the borders of “Laura Street between State and Orange Streets”, the place remains a morass of “social rot and desperation” as described by Gilmore on 9/26/2015. So, man’s life without God has not changed. It is a reminder, I told my grandson that “we all need a Savior to save us from ourselves. “
It’s hard to envision but it was there the 35 foot tall “Old Hart Monument” as described in the 1992 Jacksonville Historical Society journal once stood. By the photograph in the journal, it appears brick and was fenced.
Jacksonville Historical Society, 1992
After spending time on this old motel block near Confederate Park, we drove to Evergreen Cemetery where we saw the now approximate 12 x 30 x 60 inch flat tomb where Hart and his family were moved. It says “ The Family Tomb of Isaiah David Hart The Founder of Jacksonville”.
Speaking of life without God. Hart owned slaves and was constantly working in an effort to make money. It is said that he became “respectable” after founding Jacksonville. I hope that meant he found Christ because while there is still a tomb no matter its location, he’s not there. ( If you know what I mean).
See you tomorrow,
Sources: Jacksonville Historical Society Journal, Jaxpsychogeo.com, personal visit.
Isaiah David Hart is the Founder of Jacksonville, Florida with no known photo.
“Uncle Whats His Name”-Cracker Barrel
Sisters Pat and Marien formerly of Jacksonville, Florida used to talk about “Uncle What’s His Name”. It seems there was the photograph in a fancy frame of an unknown man on the wall of a prominent relative of the family for which no one knew his name. It apparently hung on the wall for many years to the point that it became funny to relatives and friends alike, as they walked towards, by and around this unknown soul. They called him “Uncle What’s His Name”.
Uncle “What’s His Name- Cracker Barel
Sometimes I wonder about Isaiah David Hart, the founder of Jacksonville who married Nancy Nelson in Duval County in 1818 according to the records. Could his mug be on the wall of some family member and they not know he’s the actual founder of Jacksonville, Florida? There is no known photograph of him and many historians like myself have tried endlessly to find one. And, why is there no photo?
Isaiah D. Hart was a prominent man who held not only a great deal of power but held high offices in Jacksonville and Florida. His father’s family was from Pennsylvania and he died in St. Johns County. His Mother was from Loudoun County, Virginia. Both are buried in Jacksonville’s Old Cemetery. Hart’s Mother birthed four children according to Find A Grave but some say twelve children. There are no family photos among many youngins’ and their families?
According to Find A Grave, Hart himself had 7 children but I don’t see Julia listed so even that history is sketchy. Those listed are: Oscar B. Hart, Ossian B. Hart, Laura C. Hart Farrar, Lodiska Hart Beers, Isaiah David Hart, Daniel William Hart and Nancy Hart. Of those 7 children only one has a photo on the grave listings and that is of Ossian who became the 10th Governor of Florida in 1845. Was Isaiah or any of his siblings at this inaugural event and if so where are the photos?
Isaiah David Hart wore many hats…He was a planter, ranch owner, plantation owner, slave trader (not to his credit), Deputy U. S. Marshall in East Florida, Clerk of County Court in Duval, Commissioner of piolatage, railroad investor, 1939 member of the Whig Territorial senate and one of the founders of the Whig party. His children held different and various jobs in the city of Jacksonville and Ossian was the 10th Governor of Florida. Where in the world are the photos of this man, surely someone has at least one?
Could there be a photograph of Isaiah David Hart on the wall of some family member with them all calling him “Uncle What’s His Name”? I certainly wonder…..If you solve this, I’m in need of this photo. Please contact me…..
UPDATE: In Dena Snodgrass’ article in the JHS, Volume V “Papers”, she writes…”Listed among his belongings were a clock and a watch at $100. each; a portrait of himself at $25….” SO, there was a portrait of him at some point. I wonder on whose wall it can be found as “Uncle What’s His Name”?
The Jacksonville National Cemetery has new signs of opening phase 2 in the burial grounds. The cemetery is located way out Lannie Road on the Northside of the city. It is available to bury members of “the armed forces who have met a minimum active duty service requirement and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable”, as written on its web page.
Eligibility includes the following:
“A Veteran’s spouse, widow or widower, minor dependent children, and under certain conditions, unmarried adult children with disabilities may also be eligible for burial. Eligible spouses and children may be buried even if they predecease the Veteran.
Members of the reserve components of the armed forces who die while on active duty or who die while on training duty, or were eligible for retired pay, may also be eligible for burial.”
As I rode through the huge space, I noticed so many Christmas decorations left by family members. Most years wreaths are laid on the tombs. Today, being December 15, I’m not sure.(UPDATE- Wreaths Across America was 12-17-22 and my Grandson participated with his Trail Life troop.)
The cemetery is 526- acre’s and is expected to serve Jacksonville veterans for “the next 100 years”.
See you tomorrow,
Sources: Jacksonville National Cemetery, Google Search
This big building is of the Jacksonville, Florida Courthouse on Adam’s Street. The little tree is the only Christmas decorations (with the exception of a clerk who had Christmas cards posted on the wood behind her desk) that I saw on my visit today.(Granted, I only visited two floors and a few departments).
The tree below is the only one that I found while visiting the two floors on which I went. Apparently the employees in the filing area (room 73) decorated this tree to make the season bright in their area. Beautiful.
Of course, I only visited a couple of floors and departments so maybe there were other trees throughout? For sure, there was not even a sprig of greenery or bolt of lighting in the open lobby today though.
Merry Christmas to all and I do hope the employees go home to Christmas joy. They don’t seem to be getting much yule tide cheer at work. (Not being critical just being observant). Also, don’t most businesses have a ‘decorating committee”?
UPDATE: I have been told that the Courthouse has no budget to decorate for Christmas. Also, someone suggested the reason there is no Christmas tree is to not show partiality to one religions since its a courthouse? Still, there should be a Christmas tree put by the city but I’m grateful someone in an office celebrated “the reason for the season”.
See you tomorrow,
City Courthouse: 501 West Adams St., Jacksonville, Florida 32207 (904) 255-2087
This. Is a true story.
This big building is of the Jacksonville, Florida Courthouse on Adam’s Street.
The tree is the only one that I found while visiting the two floors on which I went.
I do hope the courthouse workers have a Merry Christmas and have trees at home to enjoy. They don’t seem to be getting much yule tide cheer at work.
The famous painting of the Signing the Mayflower Compact 1620, a painting by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris 1899 represents so very much regarding this document. The Mayflower Compact lets us all know that our great Nation’s early beginnings were rooted in the Christian faith and we, even today should give thanks to God for His blessings to America.
Jean Leon Gerome’s 1899 paintingStamp- Signing of the Compact
Modern version
IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the first Colony in the northern Parts of Virginia; Do by these Presents, solemnly and mutually, in the Presence of God and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid: And by Virtue hereof do enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions, and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general Good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due Submission and Obedience. IN WITNESS whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape-Cod the eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord King James, of England, France, and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth, Anno Domini; 1620.[16]
Based on the former Congressman, Charles E. Bennett, the first actual Thanksgiving in America was when Rene Goulaine De Laudonniere, the French explorer set foot on Florida soil in 1564. Bennett, the author of many books on Florida including “Twelve on the River St. Johns”, “Fort Caroline and Its Leader”, “Florida’s “French” Revolution” and more makes note of the fact that over 50 years before the Pilgrims came to America, the French were here in 1562. Laudonniere, leading a second voyage, established Fort Caroline in Jacksonville, Florida thanking God and claiming Florida. There is a marker on the grounds of Fort Caroline of a marker designating as the land where the first Protestant proclaimed God.
On September 21, 1950 Charles Bennett sponsored a bill to establish Fort Caroline in Jacksonville, Florida a National Monument to commemorate the establishment of their search for religious freedom. His quote on that day was…
“The 425th anniversary of the beginning settlements by Europeans…renamed from Fort Caroline to San Mateo, to San Nicolas, to Cowford and finally to Jacksonville in 1822… “
According to History.com, the First “Thanksgiving” was September 8, 1865 when there were “Blaring trumpets and thundering artillery” serenading Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles arrival and claim of Florida thanking “God and his country” in St. Augustine so there are those who claim that.
Of course, we all know the story of the Pilgrims landing in 1620 having a meal with the Indians and a story of the First Thanksgiving.
Fort Caroline was founded by French Protestant Christians who were called Huguenots. They were seeking religious freedom.
Rene Laudonniere, French Protestant
Quotes from days gone by….
“What pleasure it would give us to find any indication of Charles’s Fort on the Carolina coast, where a French Protestant colony attempted a settlement, a full century before the English; or the stone pillar with the arms of France , erected, on that occasion, on the river of May.” Abiel Homes, 1814
“…The Fort Caroline settlement set a new pattern for religious freedom in America – a pattern which was to be imitated until religious liberty and personal freedom become the great trademark for the United States.” Charles E. Bennett, Laudonniere and Fort Caroline
“On June 30, 1564, construction of a triangular-shaped fort…was begun with the help of a local tribe of Timucuan Indians… Home for this hardy group of Huguenots…their strong religious…motivations inspired them.”
According to Bennett, The French Christian Huguenots in Florida set a day of Thanksgiving and offered the first Protestant prayer in North America on JUNE 30, 1564: “We sang a psalm of Thanksgiving unto God, beseeching Him that it would please Him to continue His accustomed goodness towards us.”
Most importantly is being thankful to God for his bounty at whatever point you came.
See you tomorrow,
Sources: History. com, NPS. gov, nationalparks. org, ribaultsong .com
To honor members of the military, these restaurants are offering veterans free meals on or around Veterans Day, November 11.
7-Eleven — Veterans get a free Quarter-Pound Big Bite 100% all-beef hot dog on November 11. Available in-store and via delivery through the 7NOW app.
Another Broken Egg Cafe — Veterans and active-duty military get a free Patriot French Toast Combo & Coffee November 11. Available for dine-in only at participating cafes.
Applebee’s — Active-duty military, veterans, Reserves, and National Guard receive a free meal when dining in from a special menu on November 11. And when dining in on November 11, military guests will receive a $5 Bounce Back Card to redeem for dine-in, To Go, or delivery within a three-week redemption window.
Aroma Joe’s — All veterans get a free 24oz. drink on November 11.
Au Bon Pain — Active-duty military and veterans get a free breakfast sandwich and small drip coffee on November 11. Must present military ID and mention offer at time of purchase. Valid in café at participating locations.
Bagger Dave’s — Active, non-active, reservists and retired personnel get a free Great American Cheeseburger and fries on November 11. Dine-in only.
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s — Veterans eat free on November 11 at participating locations with the purchase of equal or greater value up to $12.
Biggby Coffee — Veterans and active-duty service members receive a free 16 oz beverage of choice on November 11.
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse — On November 11, current and former military members receive a free meal from a select menu. Dine-in only.
Black Angus Steakhouse — Current and past members of the military get a free meal on November 11 at all locations from 12pm to 3pm. This deal is not available to-go.
Bob Evans — Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from a select menu on November 11. Dine-in only.
Bombshells Restaurant and Bar — All 12 locations in Texas will provide free entrees for veterans on November 11. Other items will be discounted 20%. In addition, families accompanying veterans as well as active service members and accompanying families will receive a 20% discount on entrees and other items on Veterans Day.
Calhoun’s — Veterans and active-duty military get a free lunch from 10:45am to 4pm on November 11. Military ID required.
Caribou Coffee — Veterans, active military members and their spouses receive a free hot brewed coffee on November 11.
Carolina Ale House — Veterans and military members get a free rib platter with the purchase of a drink on November 11.
Casey’s General Stores — Service members past and present receive a free cup of coffee on November 11.
Cattlemens — Active, non-active, and retired military personal get a complimentary sirloin steak dinner in honor of Veterans Day. Sign up on their website on or before November 11 to receive your steak certificate. The offer will be emailed on November 12 and is valid November 12 through 22 during regular business hours for outdoor dining or dine-in. The offer is not valid on takeout orders and is valid at California locations only.
Charleys Philly Steaks — Veterans and active-duty military get free Gourmet Fries in-store with no purchase necessary on November 11. In addition, Charleys’ locations on military bases are offering free gourmet fries with the purchase of a cheesesteak and drink for all customers.
Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille — Veterans with a valid military ID get a free meal from a select menu on November 11.
Chicken Salad Chick — On November 11, veterans and active-duty military will receive a free meal at all locations.
Chili’s —Veterans and active-duty service members get a free meal from a select menu on November 11. Available for in-restaurant only.
Chuck E. Cheese — On November 11, active-duty military, National Guard and veterans get a free personal 1-topping pizza with valid military ID or proof of military service. Not available for delivery.
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.
Circle K — Veterans and active-duty service members get a free medium coffee all day November 11 at every location that serves coffee.
City Barbecue — Veterans and active-duty military get a free sandwich (excluding brisket), one side, and a drink on November 11.
Claim Jumper — Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal from a special menu at participating locations on November 11. Dine-in only.
Colton’s Steak House & Grill — Veterans and active-duty service members get a free entrée on November 11 until 4 pm from a select menu. Available for dine-in only. Offer not available in Kentucky locations.
Cotton Patch Cafe — Veterans and active-duty military get a free Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken Entrée with a valid military ID on November 11.
Country Kitchen — Active and retired military get a free Country Scramble on November 11 at participating locations. Dine-in only.
Cracker Barrel —Veterans get a complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake in-store or online on November 11.
Crooked Pint Ale House — Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal on November 11 at participating locations.
Davanni’s Pizza and Hot Hoagies — On November 11, active-duty military and veterans get a Free Solo 1-item Pizza and Regular Pop. Show proof of service and mention when you order for dine-in, takeout, or curbside.
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.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit — Veterans and active-duty military get a Free Pulled Pork Sandwich on November 11. Valid in-store, and online/app for carryout.
Duffy’s Sports Grill — Veterans get a free meal on November 11 from 11am to 4pm. Dine-in only.
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.
El Chico — Veterans and active-duty military get a free entrée on November 11 at participating locations. Limit $20. Proof of service required.
Emmet’s Social Table — Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal up to $15 on November 11. Dine-in only.
Famous Dave’s — Veterans and active-duty military get a free Lunch Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich and choice of side on November 11. When ordering online, use code ‘VETERAN’ to receive the discount. Must present valid proof of service at pickup. Not valid for Call-In Orders or Delivery.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill — Dine with a veteran or active-duty service member on November 11 at participating locations and their meal is free. Dine-in only.
Food City — Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from the Deli Hot Bar on November 11.
Fox & Hound — Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal on November 11.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers — Veterans and active military personnel who visit on November 11 will receive a free Freddy’s Original Double with Cheese combo meal card that can be redeemed through November 30.
Gold Star Chili — Veterans and active-duty military receive a free regular 3-Way and regular drink on November 11. This offer is valid for dine-in, carry out or drive-thru.
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.
Grady’s BBQ — Veterans and active-duty military get a free one meat sandwich on November 11.
Green Mill Restaurant and Bar — Veterans and active-duty military get a free menu item at participating locations on November 11. Dine-in only.
Greene Turtle — Veterans get a free meal up to $13 value on November 11 with valid ID. Dine-in only.
GuacAmigos — Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from a special menu on November 11.
Hamburger Stand — Veterans and active-duty military get a free hamburger, regular fries and a small Pepsi on November 11 at participating locations.
Hard Rock Cafe — Veterans receive a free Legendary Burger all day long on November 11. Dine-in only.
Hawaiian Bros — Veterans and active-duty military, plus their friends and family, get a free plate lunch from 11am to 11pm on November 11.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar — Veterans and active-duty military get a free classic burger on November 11. Available for dine-in only.
Huddle House — Active-duty military members and veterans get a free MVP Breakfast Platter on November 11.
Hy-Vee — Veterans, military members and their families get a free fresh breakfast on November 11 between 6 and 10am. Plus, veterans and military members receive 15% off grocery purchases on November 11. Shop in-store or Hy-Vee Aisles Online and use promo code HOMEFRONT15 at checkout.
IHOP — Veterans and active-duty military get free Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes at participating locations on November 11. Dine-in only.
Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant — Veterans and active-duty service members receive a complimentary burger or sandwich along with a non-alcoholic beverage on November 11.
J. Christopher’s — On November 11, veterans get a free meal at participating locations with valid proof of service. Dine-in only.
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice — All former and active military personnel receive a free small treat on November 11.
Kings Family Restaurant — Veterans and active-duty military members get a free meal from a select menu on November 11.
Kolache Factory — Veterans and active-duty military get a free kolache and a cup of coffee on November 11 from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Krispy Kreme — Veterans get a free coffee and doughnut on November 11 at participating locations.
Kwik Fill — Veterans receive a free coffee on November 11.
Lab Bakery & Coffee Bar — Active-duty service members and veterans get a free cup of coffee and a slice of vanilla pound cake on November 11 with a valid ID.
LaMar’s Donuts — Veterans and active-duty military get a free donut and 12 oz. coffee at participating locations on November 11.
Lion’s Choice — Active-duty and retired military members get a free original roast beef sandwich on November 11. While there, veterans can also take advantage of the standing 20% discount offered daily for veterans and active-duty military.
Little Caesars — Veterans and active-duty military get a free Lunch Combo at participating stores on November 11, from 11am to 2pm. In-store only.
Logan’s Roadhouse — Veterans and active-duty military personnel can enjoy a free meal between 3 and 6 p.m. from a special menu at participating locations on November 11.
There are more… Check out the Military . com site for the list.
