Remember Their Sacrifice

Today is Veteran's Day. A time to reflect on what we can achieve, what we can experience, and what we can contribute due to the protectiveness that our American soldiers supply to us each and every day. If it were not for them, we would be living in a non-free country. And, to me, that is frightening.

We cannot possibly know the sacrifice that each and every soldier gives for US - that is unless we have a husband or a wife, a son or a daughter in the military - then we would know all too well about the word sacrifice.

I personally would like to thank all military families for your sacrifice - not just today but every day. You give away family milestones, you give away your time, and some ultimately give away their lives for us. No phrase could ever say "thank you" enough, but hope you take the humble phrase and know that we care and appreciate everything you and your family continue to do for us.

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Here are some special deals for anyone serving in the military and also for Veterans. Enjoy your day!

**Veterans and active duty military eat free at Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar Restaurants this Veterans Day. Show up in uniform or bring a U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave Statement, Veterans Organization Card or a photograph of yourself in uniform. Information: http://www.applebees.com/.

**Pizzeria Uno Chicago Grill invites all members of the military who show up in uniform or with a service or veteran's ID to enjoy a buy-one-get-one free entree or individual pizza on Veteran's Day. Information: http://www.unos.com/.

On Wednesday, Sam's Club stores across the country will distribute 25,000 Hugo brand canes free to military veterans in need of mobility assistance. Sam's Club membership is not required, but proof of service is. (Available while supplies last; limited quantities per store.)

Since 2004, national organization Grace For Vets has honored veterans and service personnel with free car washes on Veterans Day. Hundreds of car wash businesses participate including dozens of Connecticut business. Check http://www.graceforvets.org/ for locations.

Military brides can say "I do" to a free designer wedding gown on Veteran's Day. Camille Bridal Couture in West Hartford has joined up with Brides Across America, a national organization dedicated to providing free gowns to military brides-to-be. To qualify, brides must be engaged to be married, be on active duty in the military and have served in Iraq or Afghanistan or have a fiance on active duty in Iraq or Afghanistan. Proof of service includes military ID or copy of deployment papers or orders. (You don't have to live in the area where the giveaway is taking place. Dresses are distributed on a first-come-first serve basis.) Call Camille Bridal Couture at 860-233-1203 for information or visit http://www.bridesacrossamerica.com/.

Foxwoods Resort Casino salutes the United States military with thousands of free show tickets for "Cirque Dreams," "Holidaze Spectacular," "Hairspray," and "Legends in Concert." Tickets are available for select dates in November, December and January. All Armed Forces members, retired veterans and military families are eligible. The giveaway is being handled through the Tickets and Tours office at the Naval Submarine Base in Groton. (You'll have to show up in person and present ID to get tickets, which are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Eligible recipients can get up to four tickets per show.) For information, contact Norma Walters at 860-694-3238.Entrance to national parks, historic battlefields and forests is free on Wednesday and not just for servicemen and women.

This year, the National Park Service is waiving admission fees for all visitors in honor of Veteran's Day. Many of the sites, including Valley Forge in Pennsylvania, have special events planned to mark the occasion.

You can send free Veteran's Day e-cards at Americangreetings.com, Hallmark.com and 123Greetings.com.

And, finally, let us not forget to give the most important gift of all to our soldiers - let us give them our prayers!

Happy Veteran's Day!