On Nov. 11 numerous ceremonies and parades across the country will pay tribute to military veterans. And while Veterans Day is to honor service men and women that day, one restaurant chain makes it a point to honor these heroes every day of the year.
The walls of Mission BBQ, covered with photos, commendations, medals, letters, and articles that tell the stories of soldiers and military families, are a reminder of the sacrifice of those who fought and gave their lives for this country. Additionally, a special tribute to these individuals takes place at noon each day with a pledge to the American flag that is a focal point in its restaurants.
The Maryland-based establishment, which opened its first restaurant on Sept. 11, 2011, now has more than 140 locations in 20 states with two restaurants in Jacksonville.
Lydia Fenton, a Coast Guard veteran and manager in the store’s westside location, began what she refers to as her journey with the organization as a dining room server. “Working as a server was special because it gave me a chance to talk to our veterans and hear their stories firsthand, she said. “Working here is a real honor for me.”
As a veteran, Fenton says she would like to see more attention given to the Nov. 11 observance. “I don’t think people realize the full scope of what veterans have done for this country, she said. “We do what we can here at Mission BBQ to remind everyone of the importance of all of our veterans.”
Others echo the same feeling as Fenton. Several patrons who frequent the establishment say they appreciate what the Mission BBQ does to promote patriotism, and they would like to see more from schools and organizations in the way of educating youth about service to the country. “When we get further away from being conflict in this country, we tend to forget what service to our country means,” said Marine Corps veteran Michael Bourre’. “I would love to see more youth at our high schools visiting our local bases and learning about career opportunities in the service.”
Marine Corps veteran Rusty Park agreed that there needs to be more education about Veteran’s Day. “We need more education in the way of media attention,” he said. “So many lost their lives and are missing in action, so attention on Vets should be every day.”
Army veteran Ronald Coleman said he would like to see all young men go into the service for at least two years. “This would strengthen our military, and certainly bring more recognition to the importance of what veterans do for this country.”
Mission BBQ also recognizes the efforts of public servants who put their lives on the line every day for this country. In doing so, the company has joined with several organizations and foundations to support military, police, firefighters, and other first responders. The organizations listed below are supported by Mission BBQ.
The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation: Leads the effort to plan, fund, and build a memorial at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. gwotmemorialfoundation.org
Wreaths Across America: A day set aside to remember fallen U.S. veterans by placing wreaths on their graves and saying the names of the fallen. https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/
Honor Flight Network: Transports American veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials dedicated to honoring those who have served and sacrificed for our country. http://www.honorflight.org/
USO:Strives to strengthenAmerica’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. The USO is a private non-profit organization. uso.org
Special Operations Warrior Foundation:Supports the families of fallen and wounded Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps special operations personnel by guaranteeing a fully funded post-secondary education to every child of the fallen and providing immediate financial grants to severely wounded. http://specialops.org/
Navy Seal Foundation: The Navy SEAL Foundation is committed to supporting U.S. Navy SEALs, their community and families by empowering and assisting them through challenges and triumphs. http://www.navysealfoundation.org/
Semper Fi & America’s Fund: Provides immediate financial assistance and lifetime support to combat wounded, critically ill and catastrophically injured members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. http://www.thefund.org/
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation: A nationwide effort designed to honor and remember the nation’s fallen firefighters. http://www.firehero.org/
Concerns of Police Survivors: Designed to provide resources to families and co-workers of police officers killed in the line of duty. This organization also offers training and assistance to law enforcement agencies nationwide on how to respond to the tragic loss of a member of the law enforcement profession. https://www.concernsofpolicesurvivors.org/
CIA Officers Memorial Foundation: This organization supports the well-being and educational needs of children and spouses of all fallen CIA officers. https://www.ciamemorialfoundation.org/
The History of Veterans Day:
This day of remembrance began at the end of World War I when an armistice (cease-fire) was declared on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. In 1954, it was officially designated as a holiday to honor all veterans by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. For over 100 years, Nov. 11 has been set aside to recognize and appreciate the military service of veterans from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
