SIDNEY MOORE/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
sidburgundy@gmail.com

FRANKLIN—The Applebee’s on Armory Drive in Franklin opened its doors for our veterans in a show of appreciation on Veterans Day. The restaurant put together a menu for veterans and allowed them to pick whatever entrée they wanted to eat, free of charge. This practice has been in effect for several years.

“I’ve been with Applebee’s for two years, but this is my third year participating for Veterans Day,” said John Peterson, manager. “It’s a good way that we can repay our veterans for their service to our country, and the only way we can do it as a corporation.”

Several of the veterans who visited spoke about what the day means to them.

“It’s a day when the old unit can come together and share old times and remember the sacrifices we made for the defense of this country,” said Sgt. Demetreious Mathews, Army.

“It makes one take pride in the service they’ve been through to assemble with some of the guys who share their experiences,” said Sgt. Jovan Stith, Airborne Division Army.

“It means a whole lot. I did 13 years in the Navy,” said Dale Marlin, who’s from a family of service members.

“Celebrating freedom,” said Sgt. First Class Raymond Smith, Army, on why he attends.

“It means honoring everyone who has served and worn the uniform for this country. It’s good that restaurants and companies recognize Veteran’s Day,” said Staff Sgt. Edward Pierce, Army. “And it was an honor for me to serve for 33 years.”

“This is for the men and women who served this country with honor. It makes me feel good, because everybody hasn’t been able to serve their country,” said Staff Sgt. Maryland Pope, Army.