Long Island Cafe in Battle Creek plans to offer a free Veterans Day breakfast on Wednesday, Nov. 11, for veterans, active-duty service members, their spouses and surviving spouses. The cafe’s announcement distributed through The Detroit News says the event is intended to serve as many as 2,500 people; that is an attendance goal, not a confirmed turnout.
The breakfast is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in two tents beside the cafe at 256 Helmer Road North. According to the announcement, guests will be served eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, potatoes, coffee and bottled water at no charge. Veterans and active-duty service members are asked to bring military identification. Advance registration is available through the cafe’s event sign-up page, and walk-ins are welcome.
The cafe says attendees will pause at 11 a.m. for the national anthem and a moment of silence. Organizers are also seeking volunteers for a shift from 7:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; breakfast is included for volunteers. The announcement credits seven sponsors with supporting the event and extending the invitation to spouses and surviving spouses.
A meal alongside local veteran services
The breakfast is a one-day gathering, while veterans in the area can also seek help through local services. The Calhoun County Veterans Resource Guide says the county Veterans Affairs office assists with local, state and federal benefits, VA claims, burial benefits and emergency financial assistance. Separately, VA Battle Creek describes help for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, including food and shelter, job training, financial support and health care…