Are we doing enough to honor veterans?

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Thousands of Hoosiers took time out to honor veterans Wednesday. But some are asking - are we doing enough?

A solemn ceremony was held on the steps of the Indiana War Memorial Plaza where veterans are held high.

"All over the country people are looking for what they can do extra to help our veterans," said Daniel Wheeler, National Adjutant for the American Legion.

Those who care do the simple thing by simply showing up at the memorial or parade simply to remember.

There are upwards of 600,000 Hoosier veterans in all. Currently 3,000 are serving abroad.

24-Hour News 8 asked Hoosiers the question; do we do enough to honor our troops?

24-Hour News 8 found a couple of businesses that appear to be trying. For the ninth year, Golden Corral is honoring vets with its Military Appreciation Monday on November 16 with free meals from 5 to 9 p.m. They're also taking donations for needy vets.

"We just feel like it's very little to give back this little amount, but we've always wish we could continue to do everything as much as we can for the veterans," said Manager Kenneth Pierson.

24-Hour News 8 also found Mike's Car Wash giving out free express washes to vets this Veterans Day.

But is this more of a self-serving promotion?

24-Hour News 8’s Mike Corbin asked Vietnam Vet Dan Hackler who got his free wash.

"If it promotes a company that's okay, but I'm getting a free car wash out of it and recognition as a veteran so it doesn't get any better than that," said Hackler.

Still, some veterans at the downtown memorial said freebies don't nearly go far enough given the sacrifices they've made.

"That's just trying to make them look good in the community. So, I don't think a whole lot of it," said Lloyd Farmer a veteran.

But Mike's Car Wash said they're making the effort.

"I could see where some people might think that but it is Veteran’s Day and it's a special day for them to celebrate just like your birthday comes once a year even though you're alive everyday," said manager Dave Lawrence.

There are some 24 million total veterans in America.

Congressmen Dan Burton, Mike Pence and Andre Carson along with Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard also are among those who attended Wednesday's memorial.

 

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Free Deals for Veteran's Day

- All U.S. Veterans and active duty military personnel can eat free at every Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar(R) restaurant across the country.

- Indianapolis Zoo to admit members of the military for free and non-military family members will receive a 20% discount on admission.

- All Veterans and U.S. Military Members will get a free car wash at any Mike’s Express Car Wash on Veteran’s Day.

- Outback Steakhouse is offering a free Bloomin' Onion and beverage to all veterans and active duty military

- Texas Roadhouse in Avon is offering a free lunch to veterans who present military identification or arrive in uniform. The address is 10340 U.S. 36 E., Avon or you can call (317) 209-9352.

- Both Lowe's and The Home Depot will give veterans a 10% discount.