Free Lunch and Stories on the Wall of Heroes Today
East Moline, IL · November 11, 2026
Rain is tapping against the glass this morning, setting a reflective tone for Veterans Day. Take a moment today to thank the neighbors who served.
The Lead
John Perez, a Vietnam War veteran and the son of Adolph's Mexican Foods founder Adolph Perez, is carrying forward a heartfelt community tradition today along Kennedy Drive. From 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM, the restaurant welcomes all military veterans and active-duty personnel for a complimentary lunch and an opportunity to sit down together.
Across the dining room, the restaurant's expanding "wall of heroes" showcases dozens of photographs honoring local veterans across generations of service, with visiting families encouraged to bring in photos of their own loved ones to add to the permanent tribute. For Perez, the annual gathering is less about the tacos and more about giving local veterans a welcoming space to reconnect and share memories. The memorial wall will remain on display as families continue dropping off portraits throughout the holiday week.
Local Pulse
Five Municipalities Partner on Winter Emergency Shelter Housing A 30-bed transitional shelter opens next month on 25th Street to protect unhoused neighbors through mid-March.
Public Hearing Set on Enterprise Zone Boundaries City Hall Residents can review proposed commercial corridor boundary changes and tax incentive maps at City Hall this month.
New Homestyle Diner Announced for Rock Island Business The owners of Flip’s Pancake House will open RockTown Diner inside the former Rudy’s Tacos location nearby.
Today's Outlook
- High 50°F · Low 38°F — Rain (78% chance of precipitation)
- Keep a warm waterproof jacket and sturdy umbrella ready for chilly rain today.
What's On Around Town
Today
Davenport Veterans Day Parade Scott County Administrative Center (600 W 4th St), Davenport, 10:00 AM · Free Marching units, vehicles, and bands process through downtown honoring area service members.
Veterans Day Commemorative Service Browning Park, Moline, 11:00 AM · Free Presentation of colors, military honors, and a moment of silent reflection.
Veterans Day Ceremony Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island, 1:00 PM · Free Annual community tribute and wreath presentation across the historic Arsenal grounds.
Tomorrow
- Youth Empowerment Program East Moline Public Library (745 16th Ave), 3:30 PM · Free
- ¡Construye Tu Puesto! Mini Mercado Craft East Moline Public Library (745 16th Ave), 5:30 PM · Free
- Rival Sons The Rust Belt (533 12th Ave), 7:00 PM · $26
Friday
- Imagination Station Storytime East Moline Public Library (745 16th Ave), 10:30 AM · Free
- Everclear with American Hi-Fi The Rust Belt (533 12th Ave), 8:00 PM · Paid
Spotlight & Story
- Spirit of Place
- Cast in 1981 at the John Deere Foundry in East Moline, Beverly Pepper’s imposing six-ton, 19-foot sculpture made history as the world’s first monumental artwork poured in ductile iron, shaping molten metal into a towering wedge that evokes an ancient plow.
East Moline Daily Digest — compiled from local sources every morning. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
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