Before I delve into my Veterans Day theme, allow me to offer thanks beyond the call of duty to all those companies who support our military veterans annually. And throughout the year as well!
Two restaurant chains, with multiple Illinois locations, I highly recommend veterans visit on Veterans Day. The first is Texas Roadhouse. Yes, vets are given a free meal. Just drive up to any location, be handed a coupon and use it later. Up to a few months later! Texas Roadhouse has 10 locations in Illinois.
The second is a restaurant I only recently discovered. It’s Mission Barbecue! I signed up for their Vets VIP Club and their Birthday club—both with free offers. And get this…at NOON each day, patrons are asked to stand and sing the National Anthem! Woo Doggies!! Mission BBQ has five locations in Illinois.
Look up the websites online to get locations for both restaurants. And vets, also check out military.com for their annual list titled, 2026 Veterans Day Free Meals and Restaurant Deals and Discounts.
This year, I plan to be wearing my brand new U.S. Air Force Veteran sweatshirt! (A birthday gift) I’ve also been asked to give the closing prayer again for the Veterans Appreciation Day program at Parkview Christian Academy in Yorkville, Illinois. I’m honored to do this.
If you’re looking for Veterans Day heroes, consider Thomas “Tommy” Gwynn! He holds the record for the most Purple Hearts awarded to a U.S. service member. Tommy received 12 Purple Hearts (7 from World War II and 5 from the Korean War).
A number of soldiers have earned multiple Purpose Hearts. Originally called the Badge of Military Merit by Army General George Washington—it is the oldest military award and one of the most prestigious that the U.S. bestows upon its service members. Known as “the medal nobody wants,” it honors those who were wounded or killed in combat. Army and Marine soldiers have received the most Purple Hearts.
Interestingly, it’s not the most significant of medals awarded in the military. The Medal of Honor is the highest medal given to combat veterans. Recipients are recognized for acts of extraordinary valor. Next are the Service Crosses which represent the second-highest level of military decorations for valor. They honor extraordinary acts of heroism in action against an enemy. Each branch of service has its own distinguished cross.
We live in an age where the horrors of war can be visualized. Photographs, videos, and movies show us the pain and suffering. Aside from the actual pictures from war zones, certain movies do a better job of portraying the costs of suffering and death. But also the courageous acts!
In an article titled, “The Most Accurate War Movies of All Time” you can learn about the brutality on the big screen. Or in your living room. Not for the squeamish.
Here are two films from the list:
One I’d never heard of was Come and See released in 1985. It’s described as “among the greatest movies ever made.” But also, “you won’t want to watch it more than once. It’s simply that disturbing.” This is particularly true of its depiction of war crimes carried out by Germany during its occupation of Belarus—“singled out as the most shocking—and, tragically, historically accurate—aspect of the film.”
The movie Saving Private Ryan came out in 1998. The landmark opening sequence took four weeks to film. It cost $12 million to shoot, and 1,500 background actors. This Steven Spielberg World War II epic is regarded as “one of the greatest movies ever made.” It earned $482 million at the box office and won five of the 11 Oscars for which it was nominated. Veterans were reported weeping during and after viewing Saving Private Ryan. One even remarked that “the only thing that was missing was the smell.”
Yes, war IS hell. Or certainly feels like it.
Our veterans who’ve pushed through it deserve well beyond medals, free meals, or “thank you for your service.” But say it anyway. Say it to anyone who has served honorably for the cause of freedom.
Look up John 15:13. Let it soak in this Veterans Day.
