Local businesses honor veterans
Local businesses spent Monday honoring the brave men and woman who serve our country. Several businesses offered their appreciation with special deals for veterans. Executive Car Wash in Palm Desert offered veterans free car washes in gratitude for their service. “I think it’s a great idea, we really appreciate it,” said Allan McClure. He was joined by several other veterans who lined up to get their cars washed and share stories with each other. “It means a lot that I can come down here and see other veterans and know that this place here, Executive Car Wash is giving something back to us,” said Douglas Hibl.
The car wash was not the only location offering something special for veterans. BNP Paribas Open tournament director Steve Simon and his staff did their part to salute the servicemen and women. The tournament is offering veterans two free tickets to the Friday night session of the tournament. The night is special because it features the “Salute to Heroes,” a special ceremony to honor those who serve our country. “They’ve done so much for our country,” said Simon. “For us to say, that we’re doing something great is very hard, and humbling when you think about what they’re doing, and delivering for us. From our perspective, it’s the very least we can do.” The tickets are available to veterans until the actual session of the tournament in March, and as long as seats are open.
Veterans were also able to eat free. California Pizza Kitchen offered vets a free pizza and non-alcoholic beverage, a small token of appreciation for all their service. “It’s a great experience for me,” said Angus Desveaux. ” All of our veterans appreciate the Palm Springs restaurants that offer all this free food to veterans on Veterans Day.
Vietnam War veteran George Thurston appreciates all the free things, but it’s the appreciation from Americans young and old that means the most to him. “This mother and her two daughters, one came up that was maybe 6 years old, 7 years old, the other one a little bit older, they came up, and it just makes you feel good,” said Thurston.
