KEMMERER — Kemmerer residents are invited to enjoy free food and drink at Grumpies Bar on Saturday, Nov. 11, in recognition of Veterans Day. Generous donations from the public and organizations such as American Legion Post 55 brought in money and food for the event.

As Veterans Day is observed every year on the 11th day of the 11th month across the country, Kemmerer will honor and appreciate all servicemen locally at Grumpies Bar starting at 11:11 a.m.

Bar owner Teri Picerno said the tradition has been to start the event at the eleventh hour to coincide with the anniversary of the end of World War I. 

On Nov. 11, 1918, in the eleventh hour, Germany signed an agreement for peace ending the first World War.

Picerno and her husband Paul bought Grumpies about 19 years ago and began the bar’s celebration of Veterans Day. She said, “Everybody’s welcome. There is a lot of camaraderie. It is a day for everybody to reflect, remember and embrace.” 

Picerno said they will take time to honor the sacrifices veterans have made to protect their country, including those who did not serve in war.

To those who served but do not feel worthy because they only did the Army Reserve, Picerno says, “Service is service. Anyone who joins the military, whether during war time or not, is serving.”

Picerno said it is important for citizens to take the opportunity to express their gratitude.

“I don’t know anybody that does not know a handful of veterans,” she said.

Picerno said her husband, Paul, served in the Vietnam War and is the only Veteran bar owner in town.

“As long as we own the bar, we will continue the tradition,” she said.