Eatin' free in the neighboorhood

I always like the people and companies that recognize veterans but don't pat themselves on the back for doing so. Since everyone is caught up in the election aftermath, I figure it's a good time to remind everyone that next Tuesday is Veteran's Day, and here are several thank you deals available-

Lowes: Lowe’s Companies, Inc. will offer all active, reserve,
honorably discharged, retired military personnel and their immediate
family members a 10 percent discount on in-store U.S. purchases made
during the Veterans Day holiday. The discount is available Nov. 6 –
Nov. 11. The discount is available on in-stock and special order
purchases up to $5,000. To qualify, individuals must present a valid
military ID or other proof of service. Excluded from the discount are
sales via Lowes.com, previous sales, and purchases of services or gift
cards.

Home Depot: The Home Depot(R) is offering all active duty personnel,
reservists, retired military, veterans and their families a 10 percent
discount off their purchases in honor of Veteran's Day. The offer is
valid on purchases of up to $2,000 for a maximum of $200 between
November 6 and November 12, 2008, at The Home Depot stores, The Home
Depot Design Center locations, Yardbirds and EXPO Design Center(R)
locations.

Applebee's: Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants invite all active duty
and veterans to one of 164 participating restaurants nationwide to pull
up a chair for a delicious meal and heartfelt thanks this Veterans Day.
With gratitude for their service and sacrifice, active duty and veterans
will eat free at participating locations on Veterans Day (November 11,
2008) during regular business hours.

Most vets will agree that it is the small gestures that make a big difference.

Update: only some neighborhoods eat free. Apparently the free meal is a 'test concept' and only available at the 164 Applebee's nationwide, and only two in Minnesota. Considering Applebee's boasts more than 3300 restaurants, this test only involves 4.9% of their stores.

Bummer.