For all of my fellow vets out there....

We’ve put together an alphabetical list of 32 Veterans Day freebies for 2013, including where veterans and current members of the military can go to get a free meal, free admission, a free night’s stay at a hotel, and other freebies that are a simple way of saying, “Thank you for your service.”

Note: Most freebies are available on Monday, November 11. For those available on any other day, I have included that date to avoid confusion. Be prepared to show military ID (or DD Form 214) in order to cash in these Veterans Day freebies.

1.Applebee’s: Free meal from the Thank You Meal Menu.
2.Bar Louie: Get a free meal worth up to $12 November 10-11.
3.Better Way to Stay: This organization of bed and breakfast inns can help you find a free stay November 10-11.
4.California Pizza Kitchen: Free pizza; dine-in only.
5.Carrabba’s: Free appetizer when you visit November 9-11.
6.Champps Americana: Free burger and waffle fries.
7.Cheeseburger in Paradise: Purchase a beverage for $1.99, and get a free burger and fries.
8.Chili’s: Free entree from a special menu.
9.Denny’s: Enjoy all the pancakes you want, on the house, from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m.
10.Einstein Bros. Bagels/Noah’s New York Bagels: Free bagel and a schmear of cream cheese (or another topping) from 5:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
11.Friendly’s: Free breakfast and coffee, in East Coast restaurant locations only.
12.Golden Corral: Free dinner from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m.
13.Grace for Vets: Use this site to find a free car wash.
14.Great Clips: Free haircut.
15.Hooter’s: Get a free meal, worth up to $10.99, with any drink purchase.
16.Krispy Kreme: Free doughnut and small coffee at participating locations.
17.Little Caesar’s: Free crazy bread.
18.Longhorn Steakhouse: Free Texas “Tonion” appetizer and beverage (non-alcoholic only) November 11-14.
19.Max & Erma’s: Free cheeseburger combo meal.
20.McCormick and Schmick’s: Reserve your free dinner available on Sunday, November 10 only.
21.National Parks Service: Free admission to all National Parks for everyone, November 9-11, in honor of Veterans Day.
22.O’Charley’s: Free meal from the $9.99er menu.
23.Olive Garden: Free meal from the Veterans Day menu. Any family members dining with you get 10 percent off their bill as part of Military Family Appreciation Month.
24.On the Border: Free “Make Your Own Combo Meal” dinner item.
25.Outback Steakhouse: Free bloomin’ onion and beverage.
26.Red Robin: Free burger and fries.
27.Red Lobster: Free appetizer November 11-14.
28.Shoney’s: Free burger.
29.Sizzler: Free lunch.
30.Texas Roadhouse: Free lunch.
31.TGIFridays: Free lunch from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
32.Tim Horton’s: Free doughnut.

Thank you, Veterans. The gratitude of a nation should be reflected by more than some free meals, but its a start. For example, why during the national anthem at the UT basketball games (and other places, I'm sure) does the video board show crowd shots? Aren't we all supposed to be focused on our flag? Who is watching the video board? Maybe it should just show the flag instead?

The law below was passed in 2008. I recently asked Mike O'Brien if he would ask the PA Announcer at both UT football and basketball games to invite veterans to render a hand salute during the playing of the national athem. Mike quickly obliged my request and, as you may have noticed, it is now part of the introduction of the national anthem at those events.

Quote:SEC. 594. CONDUCT BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND VETERANS OUT OF UNIFORM DURING HOISTING, LOWERING, OR PASSING OF UNITED STATES FLAG.
Section 9 of title 4, United States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘all persons present’’ and all that follows through the end of the section and inserting the following: ‘‘all persons present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces H. R. 4986—137 and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Citizens of other countries present should stand at attention. All such conduct toward the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.’’

Yep I did indeed notice--small steps taken together add up! Kudos to you although I know without even really knowing you that you didn't do it for recognition!

I've noticed it as well. I didn't notice when is wasn't done, but I do notice it when it is done.

(11-11-2013 03:55 PM)bcunn3128 Wrote:  Yep I did indeed notice--small steps taken together add up! Kudos to you although I know without even really knowing you that you didn't do it for recognition!

I noticed a few older gentlemen who were in my field of vision saluting at yesterday's women's game. Glad to see that.