Happy Veterans Day!  Today we pay tribute to all those who serve in the U.S. Military.  Meet my vet and the man who is responsible for my birth.  My Dad, George T. Hardge Sr.

George T Hardge/Julia's Dad
George T Hardge/Julia's Dad
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He served 27 years in the US Army. Retiring as an E-8, First Sergeant a long time ago.  He could tell you the exact date I am sure.  He is 83 years old now.  I reckon I will have to go get him a Number 5 from Long John Silver’s to celebrate.

 

A number of restaurants and other places are celebrating Veterans Day with discounts and free meals for vets.  USA Today and ABC compiled this list, but remember these are participating places only so you may want to call ahead.

 

Krispy Kreme will give a free doughnut and small coffee to anyone who identifies themselves as a veteran or active duty military on Veterans Day.

 

Starbucks is offering a free, tall brewed coffee on Tuesday to all U.S. military veterans and active duty service members and their spouses.

 

Hooters, the freebie meal on Veterans Day can be worth up to $10.99, with any drink purchase. Applebee's, Chili's and California Pizza Kitchen all offer free meals from a special menu to vets and active military.

 

Golden Corral is serving free dinner buffets (with beverages) from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 17, at all restaurants, to anyone who is serving or who has served in the military. That same date, Bonanza Steakhouses also will offer free buffets for vets and active military.

 

Shoney's offers its signature All-American Burger, free, to vets or active duty military all day on Veterans Day. Or, you can head to Red Robin and get a Red's Tavern Double burger with Bottomless Steak Fries, on the house. Max & Erma's offers a free cheeseburger combo and dessert to vets and active military.

 

IHOP offers vets and active military free Red, White and Blue pancakes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Bob Evans also has all-you-can-eat hotcakes on Veterans Day for veterans and active military.

 

Restaurants owned by CraftWorks Restaurants & Breweries (including Gordon Biersch Brewery, Rock Bottom, Old Chicago Pizza and Chop House & Brewery) offer a free craft beer to active and retired military Tuesday.

 

Outback Steakhouse is honoring all active and retired military personnel with a free Bloomin' Onion and a beverage. You must show a valid military ID at participating restaurants.

 

Baskin Robbins' flavor of the month in honor of Veterans Day is First Class Camouflage Ice Cream: chocolate, salty caramel and cake flavored ice creams. The ice cream chain will donate 10 cents from ice cream scoops sold at all U.S. locations to the United Service Organizations (USO).

 

Applebee's will thank service members with a free "Thank You" meal when you dine in. Guests will need to provide proof of their service.

 

Cracker Barrel offers veterans a free Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake dessert, or if you're not a vet, if you buy the dessert or other retail items, 10 percent of all proceeds will be donated to the USO.

 

Denny’s, Tuesday, active, inactive and retired military personnel can build your own free Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. until noon at participating Denny's.

 

Red Lobster will be thanking veterans, active duty, active serving military and reservists with a free select appetizer, including the new crispy shrimp lettuce wraps or several other options. This offer is good  through Thursday, Nov. 13, at participating restaurants

 

Red Robin, veterans and active-duty service members can get a free Red's Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Fries, dine-in only, by providing a military I.D., proof of service, or wearing your uniform.

 

Chuck E. Cheese will give 20 free tokens to U.S. military vets and active-duty military through Saturday.

 

Veterans who visit Great Clips shops on Nov. 11, can either receive a free haircut — or a card for a free haircut to redeem by Dec. 31.

 

Sleep Number  is offering current and past military personnel $700 off on a Sleep Number m7 bed plus 24-month financing and free standard shipping, plus other Sleep Number military offers through Nov. 16,

 

For disabled veterans, JDog Junk Removal & Hauling locations, will offer free junk removal to disabled vets who book on Veterans Day.

 

HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY!  Enjoy your free stuff!

 

 

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