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2024 Veterans Day Celebrations and Deals Nationwide
Channel 2 NOW extends heartfelt thanks to all veterans for their service and sacrifice this Veterans Day.
Viewers are invited to join the live broadcast to give a shout-out to a veteran they love, honoring these heroes’ dedication and bravery.
Across the nation, businesses are also showing their gratitude with special offers for veterans, including free meals, deals, and discounts.
Here are some of the top offers available for Veterans Day 2024:
- Applebee’s – Veterans can enjoy a complimentary meal from a special menu.
- Buffalo Wild Wings – Receive 10 free boneless wings with a side of gratitude.
- IHOP – Indulge in a free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo.
- Denny’s – Start the day with a complimentary Original Grand Slam breakfast.
- Outback Steakhouse – Relish a free Bloomin’ Onion as a thank-you treat.
- Starbucks – Veterans can grab a free brewed coffee to fuel their day.
- Cracker Barrel – Enjoy a Sunrise Pancake Special at no cost.
- Krispy Kreme – Treat yourself to a free doughnut and coffee to brighten your morning.
This Veterans Day, let’s take a moment to honor those who have served by recognizing their sacrifices and sharing these special offers as a small token of appreciation.
HARTFORD, IL — Newly released video footage reveals the harrowing moments of an ARCH Air Medical helicopter crash that occurred during a nighttime training exercise in Hartford, Illinois.
The incident took place around 9:00 p.m. on Thursday in a vacant lot near North Delmar Avenue, directly across from the Hartford Fire Department.
The video shows the helicopter attempting to lift off when one of its rotor blades struck a tree limb approximately 50 feet above ground.
The impact caused the aircraft to lose control, flip, and crash to the ground, where it immediately caught fire.
A thick plume of smoke and the glow of flames could be seen from blocks away.
In the aftermath of the crash, one of the individuals on board — identified in the video by a blue uniform — can be seen walking away from the burning wreckage.
Another survivor is shown being carried on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance.
Emergency personnel from the Hartford, South Roxana, and Wood River Fire Departments quickly responded to the scene.
The crash’s proximity to the fire station allowed first responders to act swiftly, containing the fire and rescuing the occupants.
Officials confirmed that all three people aboard the helicopter survived and were transported to area hospitals.
Two were taken by ground ambulance, while a third was airlifted by another ARCH Air Medical helicopter. Their medical conditions have not yet been released.
The crash resulted in a strong odor of aviation fuel that permeated the downtown Hartford area throughout the evening.
Authorities cordoned off the site while crews worked to stabilize the scene and mitigate any fire hazards.
The helicopter was participating in a routine training mission when the incident occurred.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and are conducting a full investigation into the cause of the crash.
ARCH Air Medical has not yet released an official statement.
More details will be provided as the investigation continues and additional information becomes available.