It's National Veterans Day - #VeteransDay

Thank to all veterans, the ones I am blessed to know personally and all others. You deserve the greatest respect for your service.  Not only today, but everyday.

One of those great veterans was my father, Harley Leon Forrester.  He served in the U.S. Air Force in Korea during the Korean conflict.  He then joined the Air National Guard, retiring in 1992 as a master sergeant.  My father passed away in 2005, but he'll always be a hero to me.

Here is a list of a few businesses participating in promotions to thank veterans today:

Red Robin - free Red's Tavern Double Burger and bottomless Steak Fries

Ruby Tuesday - one free appetizer, up to $10 in value

Applebees - free meal from a limited menu

Great Clips - Anyone getting a haircut on November 11 will receive a free haircut card to give to a veteran. Veterans who visit the salon will receive a free haircut or free haircut card. Cards are redeemable through the end of the year.

Bob Evan - free breakfast from a limited menu all day long

Chili’s - free meal from a limited menu

IHOP - Free red, white and blue pancakes between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Meineke - Free basic oil change

California Pizza Kitchen - free entrée from a limited menu

Friendly’s - free breakfast, lunch or dinner

my dad, a veteran

TroopTree, a free private video messaging platform for the military and their loved ones surveyed 5,000 veterans, active duty military members and their immediate families to better understand the communication challenges and emotional distress faced by military members and their families during deployment. A sample of the data is below:

26% of military families volunteer or give back to manage feelings of discomfort and/or trauma while separated

86% of military families enjoy video messaging while separated vs. only 24% enjoy communicating publicly via social media

42% are most sad to miss out on children growing up while deployed

17% say frequent communication leaves them feeling stressed trying to find "safe" conversation topics

Happy Veterans Day to all, past and present, who fight for our right of freedom.

Do you know someone who has served or who is currently serving in the armed forces?  How will you be celebrating or acknowledging Veterans Day?