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Veteran?s Day, which became a national holiday in 1938, is a day to recognize the contributions of the nation?s veterans.

In a proclamation, Pres. Barack Obama said:

In war and in peace, their service has been selfless and their accomplishments have been extraordinary. Even after our veterans take off the uniform, they never stop serving. Many apply the skills and experience they developed on the battlefield to a life of service here at home.

In the United States, there were 21.5 millions military veterans in 2011, 9.2 million of whom were 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

In addition, 17.2 million were non-Hispanic white, 1.6 million were women, 2.3 million were black, 1.2 million were Hispanic, 264,695 were Asian, 153,223 were American Indian or Alaska Native, and 27,469 were Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander.

For those who are thinking about peace on Veteran?s Day, see the website of Veterans for Peace. The organization rings bells 11 times on Armistice/Veterans Day instead of shooting guns.

The Greater Seattle Chapter of Veterans for Peace received permission to march in the Annual Veterans Day Parade there.

For those thinking about the welfare of veterans today, see Veterans for Common Sense, a veterans? advocacy organization. It says that Veteran?s Day offers the opportunity to raise awareness about the mental health needs of service members, veterans, and families.

And, on a lighter side, some businesses across the country are offering free items and discounts in honor of the men and women who have served this country. Check this out if you?re a veteran, active-duty or retired military personnel.

Kiplinger.com offers this list of businesses honoring the military, including:

• Applebee?s will be offering a free meal to military members.

• Olive Garden will say thanks with a free entr?e for veterans and active military.

• U.S. National Parks will waive fees at more than 100 parks November 11 through 13.

• Knotts Berry Farm offers free admission for veterans and active military and one guest through Nov. 24.

• Big Lots will offer those with a military ID 10 percent off their purchase.

To find out what other businesses are offering free items to men and women who are serving or who have served in the military, visit: http://www.kiplinger.com/columns/kiptips/archives/veterans-day-2011-freebies.html.

If the offer is from a company with stores through the country, be sure to check to see if it?s providing the free item or discount in your community.

Best wishes on Veteran?s Day.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Source: http://boomersurvive-thriveguide.typepad.com/the_survive_and_thrive_bo/2012/11/veterans-day-information-on-presidential-proclamation-veterans-groups-and-free-items-for-vets.html

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