"Do you go out for the free Veteran's Day meal?" Topic

For those who don't know, in the US it is common for certain restaurants to offer veterans a free meal on Veteran's Day. It is typically a choice of a few entrees on the menu.

To the vets out there, do you go out for the meal? I did it once a number of years ago and I just didn't feel right about it afterwards. I appreciate the gesture, but I haven't done it since. Conversely, I know guys who do it every year. No disrespect. You do you.

So, what do you do?

No. I wouldn't turn it away if offered. I don't go out of my way to go find a meal either on Veterans Day. Like you, I've nothing against an individual that does. I just don't feel the need.

My wife or daughter may take me to dinner but still we ask for no discounts or a free meal for me.

It was my honor to serve.

No

I am like the OP, I don't take advantage of the free meals. I have gotten a free coffee in the past but since we usually stay home on Veterans Day, I don't even get that too often.
I appreciate the gesture.

My sister informed me Dunkin has free donut but not on my way or usual stop.
Just leftovers tonight anyway.

My son -- also a veteran; called me this morning and invited me to accompany him and my three grandchildren to the local Bob Evans restaurant for breakfast. It was my first-ever free Veterans' Day meal, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. And the place was hopping, although I am unsure how many of the other patrons were also veterans. The wait staff all seemed genuinely appreciative of their veteran clientele.

No.

Twice. My usual Monday lunch is a chicken salad at Red Robin, but once a year they offer me a free burger (with sweet potato fries) instead. And this year I accepted a free steak dinner from Applebee's. In both cases, I paid for my drink and tipped for what the bill would normally have been. (Note that Monday is my regular "no cooking" day: it just coincided with Veteran's Day this year.)

I appreciate the gesture--and the food--but I doubt most restaurants lose money on it overall. Vets come with friends and family, and if the restaurant does a decent job, some people who hadn't eaten there before will come back.

Our Elks Lodge 1586, hosts a free Spaghetti Dinner every year for Active and Retired Veterans, Police, and First Responders.
I got there early, had a great meal, and then spend the rest of the time helping serve meals and pulling KP.

All in All, a Great Day!

Dave

On the other hand, did have a favorite from RAF Bentwaters Rod and Gun Club, chilidogs.
2 hot dogs in rolls in a big bowl and filled with chili. And as hot as ththeirs was.

No

I normally take advantage, but once in a while if there's free coffee and a donut :)

Occasionally but not often. Appreciate those restaurants and businesses that offer the freebie.

In the past, I have on occasion gone with friends who served. I haven't in a number of years. I've known some that have turned the day into a work of art as they try to hit every location that offers veterans something. Usually never in town on the day, otherwise I'll call a buddy to see if we can meet up.

I went out for the first time today, after almost 50 years. To be honest I know the owner of the restaurant and one of my nephews works there or I would never have of known about it.

A few times. If I happen to be out and my wife reminds me I'll grab the free lunch. I don't seek it out.

Seems like a recent thing, don't remember it when I got out 30 years ago.

Not every year but most. My wife took me to breakfast and then when my son got off work I met him and a veteran friend for a sandwich. I like to talk to the older vets that are left with us while we wait. It is nice to feel appreciated.

I go out of my way to go, usually to Applebee's. They do a great job making a big deal out of Veterans Day and I enjoy sitting there talking to people I don't know about our common background and experiences.

No

My stepdaughter works at Applebee's in California and she always texts me on this day to remind me to go. She's an awesome gal that way.
So I go.

No. I went on a ruck and was so tired when I was done I wasn't going anywhere. My active days are long behind me. :)

pjm

Sounds a bit like places are just using it as advertising to make themselves look better.

"Give a bum a bun day!"

May also be a thing. Somewhere.

Not sure of a good veteran slogan.

"Pet a vet"

Sounds wrong.

What are they actually using?

It also sucks for everyone else when they see someone getting something for free.

Hated it being a kid when sick kids got stuff, not my fault I wasn't sick.

I never tried to join the army, but I'm sure many do and don't make it due to no fault of their own. Eyesight, IQ, aim, physical abnormalities or defects, so on.

Must suck for them having someone on the next table getting praise and free stuff.

I don't know if there is, but there should be something for those who at least try to apply.

But where do you stop.

Augh, just give all praise to Captain America and be done with.

If people want free food, they can stay in the army.

And what about all the people who serve from home, mining the metal for the ships and tanks, growing the tasty food, making the comfortable clothing?

Sweet nothing. That's what.

That potato farmer in Idaho deserves a free donut.

PS

I once heard wise words

"With out me my gun is useless, with out my gun I am useless."

So both need to be of the highest quality.

Be thankful to those who provide the military with the quality troops and supplies.

Civilians – not responsible for what the US military does after that, going by YouTube military training commentaries.