Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More
Memorial Day is primarily about honoring the citizens who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice, it’s also a great excuse to celebrate our nation and patriotism. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.
Memorial Day is a day to remember those who have died in service to our country. While it’s obviously very worthwhile to thank all who have served, this day is not the same as Veterans Day which is in November.
That being said, there are plenty of freebies and deals available to active duty military as well as veterans. Some are this weekend only, others are year-round.
Ace Hardware: On May 26, participating Ace Hardware stores will be giving away a free 8″ x 12″ American flag to each customer (while supplies last).
Blue Star Museums: 2000 museums across the country are offering free family admission for active duty military families from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Cabela’s: Active military, retired military, active reserves and VA-recipient men and women receive a 5% discount every day.
Cincinnati Zoo: Free admission to all members of the military on Memorial Day, July 4th and Veteran’s Day. The offer also allows military personnel to purchase up to six (6) half-price admission tickets for members of their immediate family.
Firebird’s Restaurant: Dine with a veteran or active duty service members on May 28 and receive their entree for FREE.
Foot Locker: If you are serving, or have served, in the US military, you may qualify for a 20% discount on your FootLocker.com purchase.
Golden Corral: Select locations are offering a FREE Memorial Day breakfast to veterans and active-duty military, please call your local restaurant for details.
Home Depot: A 10 percent discount is offered in-store to all military veterans on Memorial Day.
Hooters: On May 28, present a valid military ID at any Hooters location across the nation and score a FREE meal with the purchase of a drink
JCPenney: Receive a 5% discount during Memorial Day Weekend with a Military ID or proof of service required.
Kings Island: Free admission on military appreciation days during the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
Lowe’s: On May 28th, get a 10% military discount to all those serving in the military, their families, and all veterans. Valid military ID, Veteran ID card or other proof of service required.
Michaels: Present your military ID card at the register to save 15% off your entire purchase every day.
Nike: Active, retired and reservist US military personnel and their families are eligible to receive a 10% Nike military discount on Nike.com and at US Nike retail stores (excluding Nike Company/Employee Stores).
Outback Steakhouse: From May 24 to May 28 all veterans and active military receive 20% off their entire check.
Sam’s Club: Active military, veterans, military personnel and military spouses get a $10 gift card when joining or renewing their membership through January 2019.
Sherwin-Williams: During the month of May, military and veterans save an additional 10% on Paints & Stains. Please show valid military issued ID.
Walgreens: All veterans and active military with a Walgreens Balance Rewards card will receive 20% off regular priced items.
Yankee Candle: Active and retired military personnel receive a 10% discount every day on every purchase.
Memorial Day is coming up on Monday, May 29 and we wanted to be sure you were aware of the various deals available both nationwide and in the Dayton area.
Just a reminder – Memorial Day is a day to remember those who have died in service to our country. While it’s obviously very worthwhile to thank all who have served, this day is not the same as Veterans Day which is in November.
That being said, there are plenty of freebies and deals available to active duty military as well as veterans, and even some for regular old folks.
Please leave a comment if you know of any others and we’ll add them to the list.
Veterans and active military personnel can get a free Magnificent Seven at participating Perkins. Military ID or proof of service is required.
Hooters is giving out free meals for military members and veterans that include the choice of entrees such as wings, sandwiches, salads, and burgers.
Veterans and active military members can get a free lunch or dinner from McCormick & Schmick’s on Memorial Day, no purchase necessary.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill invites you to treat a hero to a free meal on Monday by offering a free entree equal to or less than your purchase, for dine in only.
Outback Steakhouse is offering 15% off for military families through July 4th.
O’Charley’s has a BOGO for the military on Memorial Day. Veterans and active military get a free entree from the $9.99er menu with the purchase of another meal
Kings Island – free admission May 26th through May 29th for active military and retired. ID required. Can also buy admission at a special price of $32 for up to six family members at the park.
Score a free Annual Pass for free admission to National Parks nationwide. This freebie is offered year-round for current U.S. military and their dependents.
Lowe’s Home Improvement– 10 percent off for veterans and their families on military holiday weekends and every day for active military and families with ID.
Cabela’s Active military, retired military, active reserves and VA-recipient men and women receive a 5% discount every day, plus they have Hometown Heroes event dates each year.
Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores- Military service members and eligible family members save 10% off your total purchase with proper ID.
Michaels- Present your military ID card at the register to save 15% off your entire purchase every day
Sam’s Club – Active military, veterans, military personnel and military spouses get a $15 or $25 gift card when joining or renewing their membership through July 31st.
Yankee Candle – Active and retired military personnel receive a 10% discount every day on every purchase.
Col. John Grimes and Alexander Grimes
Col. John Grimes was born April 27, 1755, a son of Samuel Grimes of Pennsylvania. John later served
with distinction in the Revolutionary War. In 1808, John ran a tavern on the east side of Main Street near Monument and First streets. It was a log building, one and one half stories high with a log barn and feed yard located near the back alley. The large living room of the house became the popular place for many of the socializing events of that day. The bell in the belfry rang twice for meals as was the custom at taverns in those days. When the town meeting was called to discuss building a free-bridge across the Mad River, the meeting was held at Col. Grimes tavern on January 27, 1816. At that time, the town’s people were crossing the river by ferry boats. The building of the bridge was a major advancement in early Dayton history. Col. John Grimes died on June 13, 1836 at the age of 81. Col. Grimes was originally buried in the old 5th St. burial grounds and later was re-interred at Woodland Cemetery on June 12, 1855. His final resting place is in Section 77 Lot 135.
This industrious son of Col. John Grimes, Alexander Grimes, served in the War of 1812. Alexander was a Dayton merchant who worked in close association with Steel and Peirce under the name of Grimes & Company. In 1828, Alexander was one of Dayton’s fire wardens and formed the fire-guards to provide protection and security around fire areas. Mr. Grimes was elected to the State Legislature in 1827 and 1830 and was cashier from 1831 to 1843 of Dayton’s first bank. He also served as the Auditor of Montgomery Country. Mr. Grimes was married twice. His second wife was the sister of Charles Russell Greene, Marie Antoinette Greene. Alexander Grimes died January 12, 1860 at the age of 69. He is located in Section 77 Lot 136.
On one side of the Grimes monument you will find the ancestors of Col. John Grimes who served in the U.S. Military and their honors.
P.F.C. Charles Greene Grimes – Ohio Militia Civil War
Capt. Charles Greene Grimes, II – U.S. Navy: WWI, WWII
Lt. Burleson Grimes – U. S. Navy: WWII
Lt. Burleson Grimes, II – U. S. Navy: Vietnam
Capt. Edward Burleson Castle – U. S. Air Force: Vietnam
Col. Richard Grimes Castle – U. S. Army: Vietnam
Woodland Cemetery, founded in 1841, is one of the nation’s five oldest rural garden cemeteries and a unique cultural, botanical and educational resource in the heart of Dayton, Ohio as you will see as you read through this new MostMetro.com series. Visit the cemetery and arboretum and take one of the many tours Woodland offers free of charge. Most of Dayton’s aviation heroes, inventors and business barons are buried at Woodland.
Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum is located at 118 Woodland Avenue off of Brown Street near the UD Campus. The Woodland Office is open Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm and Saturday 8 am to 12 pm. The Cemetery and Arboretum are open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. The Mausoleum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. For more information, call 937-228-3221 or visit the Woodland website.
