Veterans Day Freebies and More

@mfladd What's really sad is that a lot of these promotions don't require a current military ID or a copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. And since it isn't a crime to say you're a veteran (it is actually protected speech under several recent SCOTUS rulings - only wearing of articles / insignia / logo is prosecutable [see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stolen_Valor_Act_of_2013] and even that is currently being challenged in our federal courts), there will be alot of fraud occur today, that no one can really do anything about.

I applaud those companies that require proof of service - but I'd bet a lot of free haircuts, and other free or discounted services and merchandise is acquired dishonorably.

It pisses me off just as much as it makes me sorrowful.

@Pavlov The places that I have read about all say need military or VA or VFW card. But if someone misuses, that's on their karma, so I don't worry too much about it . I think that it's wonderful they are doing this. My dad is WWII vet, he's going to get pancakes : ) But sadly no buddies from that era left that are able to go along.

@mfladd I have my original stored safely, but I keep 2 digital copies on a few computers.. One straight up scan, and one with my ssn blacked out.

@Pavlov 11/11 is the one day a year I break out my field jacket and wear it. I also carry a copy of my dd214 if I plan to go anywhere for freebies. I don't know that anyone has ever checked it though.. usually the jacket is enough.

The last few years I've gone to Panera Bread for lunch (since it's near work), and Applebees for dinner (usually with a 1-2 hour wait.. but I've had good luck getting in line, then going to a store for a while, then coming back in time). This year my wife has church choir practice in the evening, so I'll have both kids to myself. I think we'll just stay home instead of dealing with the craziness of it all.

@BobOblong I think you're right - as I said in a different thread -

@BobOblong Pretty sure the observance is the Monday of the week containing 11/11, like MLK Day, Presidents' Day, and the like.
The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918 was when the Armistice went into effect, ending The Great War.

@lumpthar Nope. This is a holiday that does not get moved to Monday. It is always 11/11.

@rockblossom Huh. I didn't know that. I learned something today.

@lizbeth374 Where I live in NY both dates are being celebrated. The VA is closed today and the 11th.
Basically today is the retailers and school holiday best I can tell.

@ceagee Correction: some services are cancelled today otherwise open.

@PocketBrain I used to have a friend who kept prompting me to go to one of those places on Veteran's Day for the free stuff. I kept saying no until she asked "But why not?" I thought about it, and said: "Because I don't pimp out my military service for a handout, that's why." (I am also less than thrilled with the NFL for taking taxpayer money for those "tributes" to veterans, but that's a whole 'nuther issue.)

@rockblossom I feel the same exact way. I never went to a Veterans Day freebie while I was in (when I was actually stateside), because I was getting paid pretty well, and didn't want to take advantage of the generosity. I also prefer the random acts of genuine generosity than the structured give-away/marketing gimmicks that Veterans Day has become. Nothing against those that partake, but I've just never felt right going to these things.