Veterans Day meal

[Bear Paw Jack]

For many years I didn’t go out and get a meal that was provided by many local restaurants. I just figured that many people probably needed it more than I did. But once I started I found it to be fun seeing so many of us older guys. These days I don’t hear as much about who is participating and if they provide a meal at noon or dinner. I’ve been to some where vets basically took up the whole restaurant. In fact every table was full even if you didn’t come together, so you got to meet people and hear a story or two. Who is going and what restaurants are participating?

 

[fiasconva]

I thought about going to a couple of them but we have so many vets around here that parking lots are full and the lines are out the doors waiting to get in. It's just not worth it to me. But I'm glad they all will get their well deserved meals.

 

[p345Fan]

I haven’t been to one in about six years, as I have been too sick. I have been sick all week, but today I am getting a break. We will see how things go tomorrow. Unfortunately, I am about out of money. I like to tip what the meal would have cost to the server, but I don’t think that is going to be possible tomorrow, so I might not go.

 

[Mobuck]

I used to go to the free breakfast with MIL's male friend. He especially enjoyed my company and I went mostly for his sake. I missed the breakfast in 2022 due to the fire injuries and then MIL died in early 2023 so our time sort of went away. I thought about him this morning and hoped he was there.

 

[bobski]

im going to eat mre's.
wanna honor a vet? try some.

 

[ArizonaTea123]

I have ten restaurants lined up. Should gain at least 5 pounds.

 

[ex13F]

I've never been. I haven't gone to any Veteran's Day activities in years.

 

[Johnnu2]

I've never been. I haven't gone to any Veteran's Day activities in years.

ME EITHER........... never really gave much thought to it.

J.

 

[p345Fan]

Well, If I’m able to tomorrow, I am going to go. I found 15 bucks I had tucked away for a range fee, so that should make a nice enough tip.

 

[contender]

Sam & I have been getting together for several years now to go to a free meal at Applebee's. We've had others join us,, including his late wife,, and his late (also a veteran) son. Tomorrow we'll be joined by another vet, a friend of ours who is a lurker here occasionally. And he's gone with us once before.
It's not about the free meal,, it's about the fellowship of all of us "brothers in arms" and seeing so many of them.

 

[p345Fan]

Sam & I have been getting together for several years now to go to a free meal at Applebee's. We've had others join us,, including his late wife,, and his late (also a veteran) son. Tomorrow we'll be joined by another vet, a friend of ours who is a lurker here occasionally. And he's gone with us once before.
It's not about the free meal,, it's about the fellowship of all of us "brothers in arms" and seeing so many of them.

Yes, the fellowship is the main thing. Especially with the older vets, if you find one sitting alone, ask to join him or her. I have so much respect for the WWIzi, Korea, Vietnam guys as my service was a piece of cake. But even guys my age or younger, if they are alone, there is usually a reason, and maybe a chance to help if they need it.

 

[375hh1973]

Grilling some thick cut pork chops, been marinating them in Walkerswood spicy jerk.

Baked potatoes and some steamed green beans.

Never did the free meal thing.

 

[jimbo1096]

The only ones I’ve been to are pancake breakfasts at IHOP. Last time was a couple of years ago and now they’re closed. Too crowded in the evening to go take advantage of a free meal. I don’t like large crowds anyway.
My only suggestion is, those of you that go, enjoy your meal, wear a hat or some other apparel that boasts of your service, and include an American flag pin on your lapel or shirt pocket.

 

[Jeepnik]

IHOP's are pretty considerate year round. The one I frequent most often provides free meals to vets, regardless of the day.

 

[Fox Mike]

Our local Golden Corral has been doing Vet Day meals for years. Since Aberdeen Proving Ground, Edgewood Arsenal, and Perry Point VA Hospital are nearby they are MOBBED every year.

 

[KIR]

Every three months or so, I crave adouble cheeseburger with onion/mushrooms on it. Just so happened to fall on Vet's day, So, around noon, went to my local A&W's for one with a root beer. Later that eve, I decided to go out for dinner at Appleby's and got a great meal of lime chicken. That one was free, even though the soda cost $3+.
I met a couple who had been in the AF, she, around the islands of Guam. Nice chat with both of them. Had not taken advantage of a freebie on Vets Day in several years, but Appleby's always served a substantial meal for Vets. The place was packed and I did have to wait about 10 min. for a table, but well worth it.

 

[Johnnu2]

Just curious, do "we" have to show some sort of "proof" i.e. DD-214's for a free meal??

J.

 

[ex13F]

I don't know about the Veterans Day meal but my drivers license says veteran and I have my VA card.