Businesses throughout Macomb County, Michigan, offered special discounts, freebies, and events in recognition of Veterans Day in 2012. These offers were intended to honor active duty military personnel and veterans. The availability of these promotions generally required proof of service, such as military identification, VA cards, or discharge papers. Various establishments, including restaurants and retail locations, provided complimentary meals and services on specific dates and times.
Several national restaurant chains with locations in the area participated in Veterans Day observances. Golden Corral scheduled a free meal event for Monday, November 12, 2012, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This offer was extended to any person who had served in the U.S. military or was on current active duty. Golden Corral locations were generally expected to participate, and no identification was required for the free meal at that time. The chain reported serving more than 375,000 veterans during the previous year's event.
California Pizza Kitchen invited all veterans and active military personnel to dine on Sunday, November 11, and Monday, November 12, 2012. T.G.I. Friday's offered free lunch for veterans and active military on Monday, November 12, 2012. Krispy Kreme provided a free breakfast, including a doughnut and a small coffee, to veterans on Veterans Day.
McCormick & Schmick's offered a free lunch or dinner entree from a limited menu to veterans on Sunday, November 11, 2012. Reservations were recommended, and patrons were required to bring a form of identification such as a VA card, VFW card, American Legion card, discharge papers, DD214, or other veteran identification. Hooters offered 10 free boneless wings on Sunday, November 11, 2012, at participating locations. A drink purchase was required, and diners needed to present a military ID or proof of service. The offer was for dine-in only.
Little Caesar's offered a free order of Crazy Bread at participating locations. Customers were advised to call ahead to verify participation. A valid military ID was required to receive the free item. Hy-Vee provided a free breakfast on Monday, November 12, 2012, at stores with in-store dining. Customers could choose from a buffet of breakfast foods. Applebee's also offered free meals, though participation varied by location, and customers were encouraged to call ahead.
Other local and regional businesses in Michigan offered specific Veterans Day promotions. Sheetz offered veterans and active duty military a free half turkey sub and a regular size fountain drink at any Sheetz location. The offer included extras and add-ons to the sub. Sheetz also offered a free $9 car wash option at locations with car wash service. Proof of service, such as a military ID, was required.
Bubba’s 33, with locations in Sterling Heights and Taylor, offered a free meal to veterans, including active, retired, or former U.S. military, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on November 11. Veterans could choose from six entrees, including cheeseburgers, chicken dishes, salads, or a 12-inch pizza, plus a choice of Coca-Cola product, sweet tea, iced tea, or coffee. Proof of service included a military or VA card or discharge papers.
Srodek's Campau Quality Sausage Company in Hamtramck offered a free dozen pizza pierogi to active military personnel and veterans on Monday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Acceptable identification included a military ID, Veterans Affairs card, or discharge papers. Saroki’s Crispy Chicken and Pizza offered veterans and active military a choice of free three-piece chicken tenders or a slice of pizza, requiring military ID or proof of service. The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill offered veterans 25 percent off all Gyros and Gyro Combo Meals on November 11.
In addition to meal offers, some businesses provided other services. The Macomb Township second annual veterans food drive collected items for the veterans food pantry until November 11. Collection sites included Macomb Township offices, recreation centers, fire stations, the Clinton Macomb Public Library North Branch, Meijer, Ray Weigand’s Nursery, and Koz Heating and Cooling. The veterans food pantry served Macomb County veterans and their families who presented DD-214 discharge papers and state-issued photo identification. The pantry provided over 200 pounds of nonperishable staple food items, fresh fruit and vegetables, frozen meat, baked goods, dairy products, beverages, and snacks.
The Support Center, which operates the food pantry, relies on donations of time, food, resources, and finances and does not receive state or federal funding. From January to September 2012, 381 families of 999 individuals received 85,725 pounds of food worth approximately $165,449.
Various events took place to honor veterans. Macomb Community College hosted a Veterans Day Commemoration on Monday, November 12, at noon at the South Campus. The ceremony recognized the service of armed forces members with remarks from military officials, a rifle squad salute, and “The Armed Forces Medley.” Unionville held a Tuscola County Veterans Day Parade. Vicksburg sponsored a Veterans Day Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 12, with coffee and doughnuts served at 10:00 a.m. at the Vicksburg Community Center. White Lake VFW Post Ladies Auxiliary 4156 held its 4th annual Thanksgiving Dinner for Veterans on Saturday, November 10, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The Vietnam Veterans of America, Clinton Twp., MI, operates a support center offering various services. These include Veterans Service Officers for claims assistance, the Macomb County Veterans Food Pantry, an Honor Guard for funerals, a POW/MIA Initiative, a Speaker’s Bureau, mentors for Veteran’s Treatment Court, a Hospital Committee, the Michigan Vietnam Veteran Traveling Memorial, Point man Ministries, Al Anon support, and a scholarship program for high-school seniors. The organization also encourages taking veterans out for free meals, haircuts, discounted items, or free oil changes during the weekend.
Conclusion
In November 2012, Macomb County businesses and organizations offered a variety of free meals, discounts, and community events to honor veterans and active military personnel. These offers ranged from complimentary entrees at national restaurant chains to local food drives and memorial ceremonies. Participation generally required proof of military service, and specific dates and times applied to each promotion.
Sources
- Patch.com: Honoring Our Veterans: A Roundup of Michigan Events
- Macomb Daily: Service Circuit: Holidays offers lots of opportunities to help out
- Patch.com: Veterans Day Events, Discounts, and Giveaways
- Relevar.com: Giving Back to Veterans this Holiday Season
- Macomb Daily: Veterans and active military: Veterans Day freebies and discounts offered around Macomb
- ClickOnDetroit.com: Free pierogi to honor veterans and active military