Veterans Day 2009...Giving Back to Those That Give.

Next Wednesday, November 11th is Veterans Day and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the service men and women, past and present, that have served this country to defend the freedoms we all enjoy (and, unfortunately, sometimes take for granted). You've got a week to get ready. Make your plans and let's all treat our veterans well with the honor and respect they deserve. Veterans Day is a a wonderful concept, but we should remember our veterans all year long, not just one day.

What is Veterans Day and where did it come from? On June 4, 1926 the Congress passed the following concurrent resolution:

Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and

Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and

Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

This resolution created Armistace Day, a day honoring those who fought and died in World War 1 and dedicated to the cause of World Peace. In 1954 Armistace Day was renamed Veterans Day and has since served as a celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. With that idea in mind, I wanted to share some Veterans Day freebies/discounts that you might enjoy:

Veterans and active duty military personnel eat free from a selected menu on November 11 at Applebees. Click the logo to the left for full details.

Golden Corral is offering their 9th annual Military Appreciation Monday on November 16 (the first Monday after Veterans Day) from 5pm to 9pm. Anyone who has ever served in the military can enjoy a free dinner. Click logo for more information.

Here's a fun fact, in addition to special discount days, Lowes offers a military discount ALL YEAR LONG. The only catch is you have to ask for it when you are checking out. Small price to pay, really. I verified this today with a manager at a the local Killeen Lowes. The same is true for Home Depot stores. They offer a 10% military discount all year around. You only need to ask for it at the checkout.

So thank you, Veterans...and Veteran's families. You've made, and continue to make, sacrifices for the love of this country and in the name of freedom. God bless you and God bless America.

I do understand the history lesson was a bit abbreviated and does not include everything. I think it's improtant to know our history and where we've come from. Look it up and read about it. Ours is a rich history.