Veterans Day, which became a national holiday in 1938, is a day to recognize the contributions of the nation’s veterans.
In a proclamation, President Joe Biden said:
To those who serve and those that serve alongside them – their families and caregivers – we owe a debt we can never fully repay. During National Veterans and Military Families Month, we recognize and thank them for their indispensable contributions and immeasurable sacrifices in support of our national security. As we approach this season of thanksgiving, we send our gratitude to millions of service members, veterans, military families, caregivers, and survivors who have served and continue to serve our Nation.
Information on veterans
In 2017, there were more than 19.9 million veterans, which represented 6.2 percent of the population in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Other facts and figures on veterans are:
- Nearly all veterans had health insurance in every month, 94.9 percent, with coverage through a variety of public and private health insurance sources.
- Among veterans with a mortgage, about one-third, 32.1 percent, have a loan secured through the Veterans Administration.
- The median monthly value of school-related expenses covered by the GI Bill was $1,547.
- Nearly 3.9 million veterans, 19.5 percent, received disability compensation payments, almost 1.5 million veterans, 7.3 percent, received military retirement benefits and more than 600,000 veterans received pension payments.
- There were about 450,000 “survivor” households receiving VA or military benefits in Survey of Income and Program Participation survey – meaning a household without a veteran that received benefits. Recipients of survivor benefits can include a veteran’s spouse, children, or parents.
Peace
For those who are thinking about peace on Veteran’s Day, see the website of Veterans for Peace. The organization rings bells 11 times on Armistice/Veterans Day instead of shooting guns.
Welfare of veterans
For those thinking about the welfare of veterans today, see Veterans for Common Sense, a veterans’ advocacy organization. It says that Veteran’s Day offers the opportunity to raise awareness about the mental health needs of service members, veterans, and families.
Free and low-cost items for veterans
For free and low cost items for Veterans Day, see this list from ABC News:
Applebee’s
Veterans and active-duty service members can receive a complimentary full-size entrée from an exclusive dine-in menu on Thursday. The restaurant is also offering $5 off any menu item ordered for dine-in, to-go or delivery within three weeks.
California Pizza Kitchen
The restaurant chain is offering a complimentary entree and beverage to veterans and active U.S. Military Members on Thursday. They can also receive a buy-one-get-one-free card redeemable through Sunday, Nov. 20.
Chili’s
Veterans and military members who dine-in can receive a free meal from a select menu on Thursday.
Denny’s
The diner-style restaurant chain is offering a complimentary Build Your Own Grand Slam to all active and inactive military members on Thursday.
Dunkin’
Veterans and service members can receive a complimentary doughnut of their choice on Thursday at participating restaurants.
Great Clips
Veterans and active-duty service members can get a free haircut or receive a voucher for a free cut redeemable through Friday, Dec. 10.
Hard Rock Café
All North American Hard Rock Cafes are offering free steak burgers to active and retired service members on Thursday.
Krispy Kreme
All veterans can receive a free small coffee and doughnut of choice at participating locations Thursday.
Little Caesars
The pizza chain is offering a free HOT-N-READY lunch combo, which includes four slices of pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi product, to all veterans and active-duty service members from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday.
National Parks
Anyone, veteran or not, can visit National Park Service sites for free on Thursday.
Red Lobster
Veterans and military members who dine-in can choose a free appetizer or dessert from a special menu on Thursday.
Starbucks
Veterans, service members, and military spouses will be served a free tall hot brewed coffee on Thursday at participating stores.
Walgreens
Veterans, military members, and their families will receive 20 percent off eligible items at Walgreens and Duane Reade drugstores nationwide Thursday through Sunday.
Wendy’s
Those who have served or are currently serving in the military can receive a free breakfast from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Thursday at participating locations.
White Castle
All veterans and military members can receive a free combo meal on Thursday.
This post first appeared on The Survive And Thrive Boomer Guide, please read the originial post: here
