Veterans Day: Leo's Serving Free Meals to Vets, Active-Duty Service Members

Leo's Grill & Malt Shop in downtown Stillwater will be serving free meals to honor veterans—and active-duty service personnel—from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Veterans Day, Sunday, Nov. 11.

In his fifth consecutive year of serving free meals to veterans, Cory Buettner hopes his staff will serve free meals to over 600 Veterans because of the unique opportunity presented by the Stillwater Lift Bridge closure.

The Stillwater Beyond the Yellow Ribbon group is still looking for volunteers. There are shift available from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; from 2-6 p.m.; and 6-9 p.m. If you are interested contact Stillwaterbyr@gmail.com

Leos’s was granted permission by the Stillwater City Council to set up a large heated tent on Chestnut Street, which Buettner hopes will allow Leo’s to serve many more Veterans this year.

The restaurant normally seats 50 people, Buettner said, but Leo’s will be able to seat another 100 people under the tent ob Chestnut Street.

In the past Leo’s has served as many as 200 free meals. Leo’s Grill & Malt Shop is named for Cory’s late father, Leo, a Veteran of World War II.

Inside Leo’s, Veterans can order anything from the normal menu. Under the tent, the menu will be simplified, yet include classic burgers, fries and malts along with a blue plate turkey dinner.

No proof of Military service is required to receive a free meal.

“Some Veterans will offer their papers, but it is not necessary,” Cory’s wife, Naashom Buettner said. “We take them on their honor.”

At 11:11 on Nov. 11

Another tradition will continue at 11:11 a.m. as local Veterans proceed from the Stillwater American Legion Post 48 through downtown Stillwater ending at the corner of Main St. and Chestnut.

The Stillwater Police will halt traffic and the Color Guard will perform their traditional ceremony including a bugler performing “Taps”, a short prayer and a 21-gun salute.

The Washington County Historical Society will have an exhibit and a Stillwater Eagle Scout troop will display their collection of 13 different U.S. flags.

$11.11 Rooms for Vets at Water Street Inn

The Water Street Inn is offering Veterans overnight accommodations for $11.11 on Sunday evening, Nov. 11. Reservations may be made by calling 651-439-6000.

Volunteers helping out at Leo’s are coordinated by Stillwater Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.