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This morning I decided to take my family out to breakfast for Veterans Day. Locally, many restaurants offer discounts or even free entrees to veterans in honor of their service. Near my home is an IHOP so I went online to check for any Veterans Day discount on their Facebook page. I didn't find any advertised Veterans Day deals, but what I did find was discouraging.
Hundreds of people were complaining that IHOP was disrespecting veterans because they were not offering a Veterans Day discount. Over and over I read some variation on pledges to never eating at IHOP again, claims of un-American or unpatriotic behavior on IHOP's part, or calls for boycotting them. This is all aside from the fact that most IHOPs offer a 10% discount to military everyday of the year.
To me it all seemed like a whole lot of unprofessional entitlement whining from people claiming to be veterans. I am ashamed that fellow veterans could act so childish. It makes me feel honored when I am recognized for my service, but I joined an all volunteer Army and I don't feel anyone owes me anything extra. The attitude of entitlement does not look good in uniform and ruins the gratitude the public shows us on a regular basis.
So what are your thoughts? Should veterans feel disrespected because they are not offered free or discounted meals for their service?
Hundreds of people were complaining that IHOP was disrespecting veterans because they were not offering a Veterans Day discount. Over and over I read some variation on pledges to never eating at IHOP again, claims of un-American or unpatriotic behavior on IHOP's part, or calls for boycotting them. This is all aside from the fact that most IHOPs offer a 10% discount to military everyday of the year.
To me it all seemed like a whole lot of unprofessional entitlement whining from people claiming to be veterans. I am ashamed that fellow veterans could act so childish. It makes me feel honored when I am recognized for my service, but I joined an all volunteer Army and I don't feel anyone owes me anything extra. The attitude of entitlement does not look good in uniform and ruins the gratitude the public shows us on a regular basis.
So what are your thoughts? Should veterans feel disrespected because they are not offered free or discounted meals for their service?
Veterans Day
Military service
Social Media
Professionalism
Entitlements
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 190
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If a business wants to offer military discounts or special deals on Veteran's Day that is their decision; it is certainly not an entitlement to those who have worn the uniform. If they want to do so, great. If they don't, fine too. It doesn't make them un-American or anti-military.<div><br></div><div>I am bothered by any sense of entitlement especially when it comes from those who are supposed to model selfless service. I deserve a free meal? I deserve 10% off? Absolutely not! I chose to serve my country in this way ... no one should feel obligated to serve me because of that.<div><br></div><div>An excellent opinion piece was recently published by The Atlantic about this topic. It addresses this idea that we are somehow better than those who have not served and should be treated special for the rest of our lives. The conclusion of the piece is worded well: "Veterans Day can become a time when we look forward - and not simply take nostalgic glances into the past, where we foolishly see ourselves as having been the best we'll ever be." I would add: nor should it be a day where we expect free stuff and everyone we meet to bow down before us in thanks and admiration.</div></div><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://cdn.theatlantic.com/static/newsroom/img/mt/2013/11/veteranlarge/lead_large.jpg?mw3sq7"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2013/11/help-veterans-by-taking-them-off-the-pedestal/281316/">Help Veterans by Taking Them Off the Pedestal</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">A former infantryman in Iraq reflects on how the culture of military service has changed since World War II. Unhelpful attitudes from civilians and veterans alike, he says, are making it difficult for...</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>
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SFC Marcus Belt
PO3 Donald Murphy - I dig ALL that. My entire point is that no one owes me a "military" discount.
In fact, if a person wants to totally ignore my service, that's part of the freedom that I provide, and I cannot then get a case of the lemon booty when someone chooses to exercise that freedom.
In fact, if a person wants to totally ignore my service, that's part of the freedom that I provide, and I cannot then get a case of the lemon booty when someone chooses to exercise that freedom.
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SPC Randy Torgerson
SFC Marcus Belt - Just a reminder, no one here ever said anything about being owed a discount let alone owed a thank you. We're just talking about the appreciation or discounts that some businesses provide to veterans. And I think I speak for everyone when I say "thank you businesses". I think we should just leave it at that.
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HN Kathleen M Peck
WOW lots of opinions. I'm glad we live in a country where opinions are allowed and it's ok to express them.
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LTC Andrew Addison
HN Kathleen M Peck - I love it! We have the freedom to comment and express our opinion. That's what a civilized free society is all about.
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<p>I believe that if a business wants to offer a discount or a free service to veterans or military personnel, then that is the decision of that business owner. If that is something that provides that business owner with a sense of service to our nation or its defenders, then that is fine. </p><p> </p><p>If we as service members or veterans "expect" that sort of service, that is very disheartening. I know many people who wear or have worn the uniform who like myself, are a little embarrassed with discounts or free meals. It falls under the same category with me as folks saying "thanks" on Veterans Day.</p><p> </p><p>I would suggest that we just say "thank you" for whatever discount is there, provide a great tip, and move out. </p>
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SSgt Boyd Herrst
A restaurant in our area makes huge contributions to our Post.. for that I am greatful they do that.. (if there's a Veteran funeral dinner they send over a centerpiece and a couple pans of casserole which are very good.. The Bakery sends a cake.. cookies.. McDonald's sends a huge thermos of orange drink.. without being asked.. that's a fantastic gratuity to us for what we do.. so I give them my business for what they do for us.. a shoe store by us donated several pairs of post men's shoes Which are seamless around the top like Military shoes..
so they get my business when it comes time for new shoes for Activities that require military style footwear for the uniform.. (we go over, get sized and get them). They also helped us outfit a family that had a bad fire as did a Meijer store in our area. So in turn they get my business ...
so they get my business when it comes time for new shoes for Activities that require military style footwear for the uniform.. (we go over, get sized and get them). They also helped us outfit a family that had a bad fire as did a Meijer store in our area. So in turn they get my business ...
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SSgt Boyd Herrst
What I like seeing is those establishments that offer: buy a truly needy veteran a meal and get 30% off.
That comes out to 15% each for both...
there are ways to Vet that needy Veteran to avoid scams.. maybe he has a recent shelter Token from Salvation Army.. on another note one could go into Salvation Army and buy s book of chits and when a homeless person asked for a handout, instead of giving change which may go for a bottle, give them a chit and they get a meal, a.shower and a bed for the night.. I know they'd rather have the money.. but the chit is worth more than that. It's been a while so would have to chemicals k to see if SA is still doing that...
That comes out to 15% each for both...
there are ways to Vet that needy Veteran to avoid scams.. maybe he has a recent shelter Token from Salvation Army.. on another note one could go into Salvation Army and buy s book of chits and when a homeless person asked for a handout, instead of giving change which may go for a bottle, give them a chit and they get a meal, a.shower and a bed for the night.. I know they'd rather have the money.. but the chit is worth more than that. It's been a while so would have to chemicals k to see if SA is still doing that...
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SPC Randy Torgerson
SSgt Boyd Herrst - "there are ways to Vet that needy Veteran to avoid scams." What scams? I think this conversation is about people who are vets and can identify themselves properly. I think any "real" veteran should get the discount if one is being offered. Don't make it complicated. Senior citizen discounts are for all senior citizens, not just handicapped ones or stroke victims, etc..... If a business offers a veterans discount good for them. There are hundreds of ways businesses offer discounts. No one is gaming the system just because they are a healthy veteran. Are wealthy senior citizens supposed to pay full price on senior discounted meals?
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I for one don't go out of my way to get a free meal on Veteran's Day, if I happen to eat out that day and the restaurant offer a free meal or discount then I'll take it. I tend not to eat out on V day because I assume those places would be packed.
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SFC John Allesch
Lt., I agree with you Sir. I'm not looking for a free or reduced priced meal. Should the facility give me one, the I leave a tip to the wait staff person for at LEAST the cost of MY meal. My reward for my service is/was given to me by God. He allowed me to return from Combat alive. Praise to God.
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SSgt (Join to see)
I go out and get the meal but I give the server my normal tip amount plus what the meal would have cost if it was not free to thank them for their service.
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CPT (Join to see)
SFC John Allesch That is exactly how I feel and SSgt (Join to see) that is also a great idea but I while I am still serving and living in a military with lots of veterans who I think deserve it more than I.
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