November 11, Veterans Day, honors men and women from all branches of the military who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Originally called Armistice Day it marks the end of World War I, which occurred on November 11, 1918 at 11:00 a.m. In 1954, the holiday in the United States was renamed Veterans Day to pay tribute to living veterans of all wars and active duty service men and women.

One day this fall, Ginger Hollingsworth, a local Birmingham, Alabama, stitcher came to Needleworks to drop-off a Christmas stocking for finishing.  I have known Ginger for over twenty years and have assisted her with needlepoint belts for her sons, stockings, and other projects for her family. The “WiFi for Warriors” T-shirt she was wearing piqued my curiosity, since I knew her sons were not currently serving in the military.  She revealed a touching story about her niece and her husband who currently serve our country.  Not only had this newly married couple moved across the country away from family, the husband had been deployed to Afghanistan.  This couple learned first-hand one of the little-known costs of serving their country: reliable and secure Wi-Fi. Although, with the help of family and friends they had Wi-Fi, they were ever mindful of the many families who could not pay for this service.

Because of their experience the family began the organization, WiFi for Warriors, to help deployed military personnel pay for an everyday necessity, Wi-Fi. Through the website and the reporting by a local television station, CBS42 news, you can learn how you can support the mission of WiFi for Warriors and active-duty families while they protect and serve our country. Depending upon location, a deployed soldier may be charged between $60-$100 per month for access to individual Wi-Fi. The goal of Wi-Fi for Warriors is to help alleviate this financial burden. You may follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Local and statewide businesses offer Veterans Day specials for veterans, active military and their families.  Even if you do not have a personal connection to the military, please consider patronizing businesses that support our military families.  Share this story among your family and friends- it can make a difference for families serving our country.

Alabama State Parks – Alabama
Free admission to the parks that charge an entrance fee or day-use area fees for Veterans.

Birmingham Zoo – Birmingham, AL
Veterans, active and retired military and their dependents will receive free admission on Monday, November 11.

California Dreaming – Spanish Fort, AL
On Monday, Nov 11 California Dreaming is honoring veterans and active duty military service members with a free entrée.

Chick-Fil-A – Birmingham, AL
All veterans and active military personnel can enjoy a complimentary chicken sandwich at Birmingham-area locations.

CharBar No. 7 – Mountain Brook, AL
Veterans can stop by any of our Char Bar locations to enjoy a burger and fries on November 11.

Montgomery Zoo – Montgomery, AL
During Veteran’s Appreciation Week, Nov. 10-16, 2019, all veterans, active duty military and their immediate family members receive a 50% discount on regular daytime admission to the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum. Be sure to bring valid military identification.

Oyster House – Gulf Shores, Spanish Fort, AL
Veterans and active duty can receive a free lunch or dinner to veterans and active military on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, 2019, from 11 AM to closing at the Gulf Shores and Mobile Causeway locations.  Please provide your military ID or wear your uniform.

The Simple Greek – Mobile, AL
11/11/19 one free gyro for veterans.

Tidbits:  Europeans wear the red poppy on November 11, Remembrance Day, while Americans wear the symbolic red poppy on Memorial Day—the last Monday in May. Whichever the country, the red poppy symbolizes the sacrifice of so many men and women who have given their lives fighting for their country.

“As of 2014, the VA estimates there were 22 million military veterans in the U.S. population. If you add their figures on veterans to the active personnel numbers mentioned above, 7.3 percent of all living Americans have served in the military at some point in their lives.” – fivethirtyeight.com