Nov. 11, 1918, marked the official end of the Great War, and the war to end all wars. Hostilities were ended in Europe, and everyone went back to the business of rebuilding countries and lives. A year later, November 11 was proclaimed by President Wilson as the first commemoration of that date as Armistice Day. Here are the words he spoke on that occasion: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with the gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations ...”

World War I had been so bloody and destructive that no one really believed war could break out on such a large scale again. Unfortunately it was a short-lived belief, and many members of our armed forces have been called upon again and again since to serve their country. Some have served in these wars, while others have served during something called “peacetime,” which in reality is a term used for standing by in case of war.

One thing has remained in place from the original Armistice Day proclamation. We still honor our military veterans on November 11 of each year. This year it will be on a Sunday. On Saturday, a ceremony will be held at the Carroll County Veterans Memorial Park to honor our veterans, and the service they have given.

Recognition of veterans from the business community has been on the rise for the past several years, and peaks out during the Veterans Day time frame. Some businesses are giving discounts, free meals and free or discounted services as a way of showing thanks and appreciation to the folks who have served, and kept this country free. By their thinking, you have already paid the bill or at least have earned a discount, use it.

It is not difficult to take advantage of the offers, but you will need some kind of proof that you are a veteran. It varies, but some of the accepted documents are: DD214 copy, membership card from a service organization, veteran driver license, a recognizable picture of yourself in uniform, or you can even show up in uniform.

Not all businesses participate, but here is a listing of those who do advertise either a discount or freebies:

Free meals — Nov. 11: Applebee’s, Chili’s, Hooters, Subway (6-inch sub)

Free meals — Nov. 12: Olive Garden, Golden Corral, TGI Friday’s, Texas Roadhouse, Denney’s (all you can eat pancakes), Krispy Kreme (donut)

Store discounts — Nov. 11 or 12: Cabela’s, Home Depot, Lowes, Sportsclip, Sleep Number Beds, Sonic Carwash (free wash)

Restaurant discounts — Nov.11 or 12: Arby’s, A&W, Burger King, Carl’s Jr., Chevy’s Fresh Mex, Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Denney’s, Dunkin Donuts, IHOP, KFC, Long John Silver, McDonald’s, Panda Express, Pizza Hut, Quizno’s, Red Robin, Sonic, Taco Bell, Wendy’s,

Auto care — Nov. 11 or 12: AutoZone, Checker Auto Parts, General Motors, Jiffy Lube, Kragen Auto Parts, Meineke, NAPA Auto Parts

These offers have been announced from the companies’ headquarters, and as such, might not apply to all locations. Please verify the business location is honoring the offer by asking for it first. It would be a good idea to ask any place of business you might be shopping or dining if they have any discounts before checkout.

Again, let me remind you of the ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday. It will begin at 10 a.m. and will be worth the trip. It is our day to enjoy and remember. Don’t let it slip away. Also, if you are not presently a member of a service organizations, consider joining one. You can still serve your community.

Robinson, a Vietnam veteran and member of American Legion Post 143, writes a weekly column on veterans’ issues for the Times-Georgian.