Businesses honor military on Veterans Day
Published 6:33 pm Thursday, November 10, 2016
As Americans take a moment today to honor their veterans, some local businesses are doing their part to say thank you.
At the Inn on Bath Creek, owners Maree and Dale Benson offered veterans a free night’s stay Thursday, as part of the B&Bs for Vets program.
Started by West Virginia innkeeper Kathleen Panek, the program encourages inns across the country to offer free stays for former or active military members in honor of Veterans Day.
“I don’t think enough is done for our veterans,” Maree Benson said. “I don’t think enough people remember them.”
She said her husband, Dale, spent a 30-year career in the Navy, so honoring those who served is important to them.
Once news got out about a free night at the Inn on Bath Creek, Benson said the rooms were booked full almost two weeks ago.
“We could fill this place 20 times over,” she said of the response. “Huge response, phenomenal. I’m shocked.”
Friday morning, the Bensons are also hosting a breakfast for the veterans in the surrounding community, and Maree Benson said the inn was expecting a good group.
The goal is to honor American veterans all over the country and also right at home, she said.
Great Clips in Washington is also getting in on the action.
Friday, veterans can get free haircuts at Great Clips, and those who know a veteran can take voucher cards to pass along. The cards can be redeemed through the rest of this year.
Part of the “You Can Thank a Veteran” initiative, the company estimates that it has provided free haircuts for more than 500,000 active or retired veterans, according to a press release.
“Many of us know at least one veteran, even if we don’t know much about their service,” stated Heather Pearce-Shew, owner of Great Clips in Washington and wife of a an Army veteran. “This Veterans Day, consider asking a veteran about their service — how long they served, what job they had and what their service meant to them. Thank that veteran with a free haircut card to express your recognition and appreciation for their service.”
“We’re delighted to do it,” Benson said. “We’re delighted to honor the veterans.”