DICKSON CITY -- On Veterans Day, vets and active duty military members got to chow down for free at some restaurants.
Red Robin in Dickson City offered free burgers and free fries.
"I want to thank all the merchants in this area that are acknowledging, all the people acknowledging Veterans Day. Thank you very much. When we came home from Vietnam, we felt like we were the discarded society, but now through knowledge of what went on and everything, the Vietnam veteran is respected, all veterans are respected," said veteran Don Wilmot of Sterling.
Starbucks, Longhorn Steakhouse and Applebees had deals and discounts for Veterans Day, too.
JCPenny offered a shopping discount for veterans, a way of saying thanks for their service.
"Veterans Day is one of my favorite holidays. I served 12 years with this Army and I enjoyed it. Very good experience. Met many, many good people in the military, plus traveled halfway around the world. It's an honor to serve this country," said veteran Robert Walters of Wilkes-Barre.
Those who are serving or have served their country said the business freebies and deals were nice.
But, most of all, they are grateful to be alive and share time with people they care about.
"I think it's a great opportunity for us to come out and for them to show their gratitude to us. We do what we do because, I know in my case, I just love doing it," said SFC Andrew Stevens of Springville.