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The following is taken from a speech by the Honorable Eric K. Shinseki, the secretary of Veterans Affairs.

“Twenty-two million living Americans today have distinguished themselves by their service in uniform. Their devotion and sacrifice have been the bedrock of our sovereignty as a Nation, our values as a people, our security as a democracy, and our offer of hope to those in other lands, who dream our dreams of ‘Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.’

“For the past 11 years, the men and women of our armed forces have stood watch in Iraq, in Afghanistan, Europe, Korea, and more than 150 other countries around the globe. More than 1.5 million Veterans have served in the combat theaters of Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Horn of Africa. Since 9/11, nearly 3 million Veterans have departed the military, having fulfilled their duty to the Nation, and become eligible for the benefits and services we offer here at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“We are often reminded that, today, less than 1% of Americans wear the uniforms of our Nation. The sum of their service to the country, however, is beyond measure. Our rights and privileges as American citizens have been their gifts to each of us. We must not take those gifts for granted.”

Pennsylvania Representative Ryan Aument included this information (below) in an email to citizens:

“Nov. 11 has been set aside as a national holiday to remember the sacrifices made by men and women to preserve our American democracy and ideals. It will be officially observed this year on Monday, Nov. 12.Originally coined Armistice Day following World War I, the national holiday was renamed ‘Veterans Day’ in 1953 by Congress. Data from 2010, the most recent information available from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, reveals that 995,135 veterans reside in the Commonwealth.

“Please take a moment to thank our veterans and active duty military members for their service and sacrifice.

“Many businesses, restaurants and family attractions offer special discounts to active, non-active and retired veterans on Veterans Day. I would encourage you to call ahead and verify the business’ offers. Below are a few benefits you will find in our area.

• Veterans Day at the Turkey Hill Experience: Free admission is offered the week of Nov. 5-11 to past and present military personnel with proper military identification. Guests of military personnel will receive a discounted rate of $7. Children will have the opportunity to color a Veterans Day card that will be sent to local veterans.
• Complimentary/discounted meals for veterans at area restaurants (with proper military ID) on Sunday, Nov. 11:
  

  	Loxley’s Restaurant: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., reservations recommended.
  	Applebee’s: Free meal all day, dine-in from limited menu only.
  	Olive Garden: Free meal from a limited menu.
  	Chili’s: Free meal, limited dine-in menu only, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Complimentary/discounted meals for veterans at area restaurants (with proper military ID) on Monday, Nov. 12:
  

  	Friendly’s: Complimentary breakfast and coffee until 11 a.m.
  	Texas Roadhouse (2317 Lincoln Hwy East): Free meal until 4 p.m.
  	Denny’s Restaurant (204 Columbia Ave.): All-you-can-eat pancake breakfast.
  	T.G.I. Friday’s (629 Park City Center): Free lunch from 11 a.m. – 2p.m.

• Click here for more Veterans Day discounts and benefits.