Veterans Day 2013: How can YOU thank a veteran? Pick up the tab!

How can you thank a veteran on Veterans Day? If you notice a member of the military pulling out his or her wallet at a coffee shop, restaurant or perhaps even a gas station, consider stepping in and picking up the tab.

Veterans Day 2013 is being marked nationwide by businesses generously offering much-deserved freebies to servicemen and women.

But that doesn’t mean it’s all free.

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Some offers are just for lunch -- but not dinner. Some offers don’t cover the price of beverages or gratuity. Some offers don’t include the full meal -- just a specific item or two. And some offers don’t foot the bill for a veteran’s family members -- even though they sacrifice so much when a loved one serves our country.

So how about the rest of us step in?

On this Veterans Day, we propose the following: If you happen to be out and about and notice a member of the military pulling out his or her wallet, consider stepping in and picking up the rest of the bill.

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You’re most likely to find veterans and active servicemen and women enjoying themselves at local and nationwide businesses advertising Veterans Day specials.

Among them: Claim Jumper is offering a 15% discount, Red Lobster is giving away appetizers, Olive Garden is giving away entrees, Applebee’s is offering free meals, California Pizza Kitchen offers free pizza, Red Robin is picking up the tab for burgers, Starbucks is footing the bill for coffee, and lunch is gratis at Sizzler and TGI Fridays. The website Military Benefits has a running list of other offers.

Were you lucky enough to foot the bill for a serviceman or woman today? I want to hear about it: Tweet me @renelynch

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