Local businesses salute country's veterans

Normally, in this space, we do a week in review. But today we'll change it a little to a week in "preview."

With Veterans Day coming up Wednesday, we ought to pause a few moments and give a special thanks to those brave men and women who have put and are putting their lives on the line for us.

I was a teenager when Vietnam was winding down, but my father, father-in-law and several uncles all served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

And, now, my son Lance is in the National Guard and we know he can be deployed to who-knows-where at a moment's notice.

So to them and to all of you who wore and wear our uniform with pride and honor, I salute you.

And some businesses are saluting veterans as well this Veterans Day.

"It's a feel-good thing" is how Wade Crawford characterizes the way Applebee's restaurants are honoring veterans. The restaurant is treating veterans and active military to free entrees on Veterans Day at the nearly 1,900 Applebee's nationwide.

"This is a way we wanted to take to thank the vets for everything they've done and do for us," said Crawford, the director of marketing for Quality Restaurant Concepts, which operates 57 Applebee's restaurants throughout the Southeast, including the Huntsville area.

To qualify, veterans must provide either a U.S. Uniform Services ID card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired ID card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), Veterans Organization Card (i.e., American Legion and VFW), photograph in uniform, wearing a uniform, a DD214 or a citation or commendation.

"It's our way of saying thank you to the men and women who keep our 'neighborhoods' safe," said Mike Archer, president of Applebee's Services. "They are America's real heroes."

Crawford said the company is expecting a large turnout at its restaurants here and across the country.

"We're expecting a strong response," he said. "We equate it with Mother's Day."

Another business that's showing its support on Veterans Day is Dollar General. All veterans, active duty military, National Guard and Reserve, and their immediate families will receive a 10 percent discount at Dollar General stores Wednesday with a Veterans Day coupon. The coupon can be found in the Nov. 1 Dollar General advertising circular in stores or just ask a Dollar General sales associate for one.

"Dollar General supports military members, veterans and their families," said Rick Dreiling, Dollar General's chair and CEO. "We are proud of their service to our country and for the sacrifices they have made to protect our freedom. Dollar General's Veterans Day discount is our way of thanking these extraordinary men and women."

So take a cue from them and thank a vet in your own way. Shake a hand, open a door, line the streets downtown for Wednesday's parade.

We shouldn't do anything less.

Times Business Editor Budd McLaughlin can be reached at budd.mclaughlin@htimes.com or 256-532-4527.