DETROIT -- In recognition of Veterans Day, the Red Wings will host active members of the military and veterans on Friday, November 9, when the team takes on the Columbus Blue Jackets. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. game.

The national anthem will be highlighted with a color guard conducted by members of the Marines MWSG 47th. Friday’s game will also be the annual Toys for Tots collection with the US Marine Reserves at Joe Louis Arena. Fans are asked to bring new, unwrapped toys (please no stuffed animals) to collection bins at Joe Louis Arena.  The toys will be distributed to needy children in Southeastern Michigan during the upcoming holiday season. Monetary donations will also be accepted, and each donor will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win an autographed Red Wings jersey.

Veterans have a special place in the heart of Red Wings owner and Marine veteran Michael Ilitch, also the founder of Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc. which will celebrate the one year anniversary of the Little Caesars Veterans Program on Veterans Day. Designed to provide business opportunities to veterans, the innovative program offers honorably discharged, service-disabled veterans who qualify as Little Caesars franchisees benefits up to $68,000 and honorably discharged, non service-disabled veterans who qualify as Little Caesars franchisees a $10,000 benefit.

Tickets for the game are available through the Joe Louis Arena Box Office, TicketMaster outlets, at www.DetroitRedWings.com or by calling 248-645-6666.

Single-game tickets for home games in November and December are currently on sale. Season tickets at just $22 per seat are available in six, 12, 22 and 34-game packages.