Veterans Day events in Linn and Johnson counties

Veterans Day is Friday and several communities and organizations are planning special events. Here is a list of some of the offerings in Linn and Johnson counties. For a list of restaurants and other establishments offering special deals for veterans on Veterans Day, visit themilitarywallet.com.

Cedar Rapids

Veterans Memorial Coliseum hosts program Friday

The Cedar Rapids Veterans Memorial Commission hosts a Veterans Day program at 10 a.m. Friday the Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 50 Second Avenue Bridge.

The one-hour program, hosted by the Metro Veterans Council, features the New Horizons band and a local school choir.

Veteran-themed museum galleries and the Grant Wood Memorial Window are open for viewing from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

African American Museum hosts program Friday

The African American Museum of Iowa, 55 12th Ave. SE, offers free admission for veterans, members of the armed forces and their families on Veterans Day. The museum has a special exhibit, 'Unconditional Loyalty,' on display in the lobby.

Veterans offered free admission to rec center

The Northwest Recreation Center, 1340 11th St. NW, is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, at which time facility admission is free for veterans and their families.

The game room, contests, activities in the gym and free popcorn are to be available.

For more information, call (319) 286-5731.

Marion

American Legion hosts Veterans Day program

American Legion Post 298, 625 31st St., Marion, hosts a Veterans Day program Friday.

The slate of events begins at 10 a.m. as veterans groups are offered the opportunity to have their photos taken.

At 11:11 a.m., a rifle volley and performance of taps is to take place at the memorials outside the Legion hall.

At 12:15 p.m., Brig. Gen. Randy Warm, of Waterloo, speaks following a dinner of chicken and noodles.

North Liberty

Library hosts Veterans Day Appreciation Luncheon

Veterans and their family members or guests are invited to a Veterans Day Appreciation Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Friday at the North Liberty Community Library, 520 W. Cherry St.

Dale Lewis of North Liberty, a retired Iowa National Guardsman, is to present a program during the event.

Lunch is being catered by Zio Johno's in North Liberty and is free to all veterans and active members of the armed forces. Cost for family members and guests is $5 each. To register, call the library at (319) 626-5701.

Lewis spent 26 years as a traditional Guardsman at the rank of lieutenant colonel. From 2010 to 2011, he deployed with the Iowa National Guard's Agribusiness Development Team to Kunar province, Afghanistan, as the deputy commander.

He was awarded a Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge, among other awards. Lewis plans to discuss the veterans support organization he is involved with, Healing at English River Outfitters — or HERO — which provides safe outdoor experiences for veterans.

Iowa City

Library hosts Armistice Day Observance

Veterans for Peace hosts an Armistice Day Observance from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday at the Iowa City Public Library, 123 S. Linn St.

The event includes a social with pizza and is open to the public.

Free transit service offered to veterans

Iowa City Transit on Friday is offering free rides for veterans and their families on city buses. Johnson County SEATS also plans to offer free rides.

The buses run from 5:45 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Veterans must present bus drivers with a form of identification that shows their military status.

Free breakfast offered Friday at VFW hall

Johnson County Veterans Affairs offers a free breakfast for veterans and their spouses from 7 to 10 a.m. Friday at the Veterans of Foreign Wars hall at 609 Hollywood Blvd., Iowa City.

Members of the public are also invited to dine for $5.

The menu includes biscuits and gravy, eggs and French toast.

Area

YMCA offers free day for vets and their families Nov. 11

The YMCA of the Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Area is offering a free day for veterans and their families on Friday.

Veterans and their families can visit any of the YMCA's five locations:

• Helen G. Nassif YMCA, 207 Seventh Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids; (319) 366-6421.

• Marion YMCA, 3100 10th Ave.; (319) 377-7361.

• Marion Independent Fitness Center, 675 S. 15th St.

• Stoney Point YMCA, 300 Stoney Point Rd. SW, Cedar Rapids; (319) 390-3488.

• YMCA at Mercy Health Plaza, 5264 Council St. NE, Cedar Rapids; (319) 378-5955.

West Branch

Sen. David Johnson speaks at Veterans Day program

State Sen. David Johnson is to be the guest speaker during a Veterans Day program at 2 p.m. Friday in the Figge Auditorium at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum, 210 Parkside Drive, West Branch.

Johnson, an independent representing Iowa's Senate District 1, is to deliver a speech titled 'A Common Soldier's Uncommon Story.' It focuses on the steps his father, Donald E. Johnson, took during World War II with the U.S. Army's 89th Infantry.

The museum is honoring military members and their families on Veterans Day by offering free admission to all active-duty, retirees, veterans, reservists, National Guard and Coast Guard members, as well as their families.

Admission for all others is $10 for adults, $5 for senior citizens, $3 for children ages 6 to 15 and free for members and those age 5 and younger.

The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit hoover.archives.gov or call (319) 643-5301.