How do you feel about receiving freebies on Veterans Day?

I honestly appreciate all that is offered this day for Veterans and I applaud those businesses for their generosity and gratitude, but I, personally. prefer to spend the day with my family and take some time for reflection and introspection and avoid the crowds.

We went to the Hallmark store so the kids could buy their annual special Keepsake ornament. There was a sign there offering vets 10% daily, not just yesterday. Of course the "exclusion clause" covering Keepsake ornaments was in fine print on the bottom. The woman explained it as I made my purchase and showed my Id and I said, "No problem". She felt terrible about it being Veterans day, but I assured her it was OK, it was store policy and thanked her for supporting us. I ended up walking out with $15.00 in free stuff because she got her manager involved - I didn't ask for a thing. I felt both embarrassed but overwhelmed by what this gracious woman did. Apparently her nephew was a Marine who served in Iraq and she felt that all us vets deserve so much more, especially on, "our day". Wow!! This one's for you Annette!

I appreciate them too. I used to get a little uncomfortable but I realize its civilian's way of giving a little something back and trying to show their appreciation for what we have done. I did have my Southern Slam at Denny's and my free donut at Krispy Cream. Dang it, forgot about Great Clips.

Yep, SGT Shaul Funt, I think I know what you mean. I've heard others say - and I tend to agree - that I don't need freebies, and there are other veterans who do, so I hope they are taking advantage of all the free stuff available today.

On the other hand, the businesses that offer them up do mean for them to go to all vets, so maybe that sentiment is mis-placed. I'm not sure that's what you're talking about.

I appreciate them and will partake as appropriate, but I don't want ANYone to ever feel like it's deserved. In fact, it's really just a promotional gimmick for the businesses that do them.

I will go get my free haircut today at Great Clips, and call it good. I have also been known to go to Applebee's and brave that crowd, but not this year.

I appreciate and graciously accept anything offered to me. That said, I do not have an ID that states my veteran status and therefore don't go asking for freebies. I feel like a dirtbag asking for a handout. Even if they are giving them to all veterans that day.

I feel that it is something that we have earned, in light of all the things that we have trouble getting, as veterans. It's nice to know that someone cared enough to have started this, years ago. I'm sure that it does not affect the business at all, and it probably helps them with their tax responsibilities. I had a nice breakfast at Denny's who offered a nice menu of items to choose from. Seating was immediate, so we didn't have to wait. My meal was free. Then, my wife and I went to the Olive Garden for dinner, one of the few places where you did not have to wait a long time to get into. I believe that we may have waited 30. We sat outside on a bench, and the weather was wonderful. The menu offering was good and the meal was very fulfilling. We ended up taking half the food, home. I only had to pay for my wife's meal, but I had a $25 gift card to cover her meal and tips. There were other restaurants that offered less, but are popular with the public. Other types of businesses offered discounts on their products, if not free items. For the service that we have rendered over the years, this is not too much to ask for. And besides, it's only one day out of 365. Our service to our country is 365, 24/7. They are simply showing their appreciation.

I'm going to Starbucks & The Olive Garden on Veterans Day after the ceremonies at BC in the AM...



http://freebies.about.com/od/freefood/tp/veterans-day-free-meals.htm

Nothing's 'really' free. Most of these places that offer free meals have managed to fit something or other with the menu in order to charge you more. But, why not! Things are so expensive these days, and a lot of veterans who would like to eat at a restaurant can't afford to. This would help us out.

Thank you all for you responds