Our veterans have sacrificed so much for us. They’ve given up their homes, their families, their comfort, and their safety to fight for our freedom. They protect us so we can sleep peacefully at night, free from fear. While veterans do get some benefits, like small discounts and perks, these are just a fraction of what they’ve given.
Unfortunately, some people don’t understand how much veterans truly sacrifice. One day, a young veteran walked up to the counter at a fast food restaurant, ready to order a meal. After placing his order, he asked, “Do you offer a military discount?” What happened next took him completely by surprise.
A woman standing behind him in line spoke up, her voice sharp. “You’re being rude asking for a discount,” she said. “You’re acting like you’re entitled to special treatment just because you were in the military.”
The young soldier was probably taken aback at first, but instead of staying silent, he spoke up. He wasn’t going to let her words slide.
“It’s not a privilege, it’s a discount,” he said, looking at her with steady eyes. “A privilege is being able to go home. To go home to your family every night. To go home in a free country.”
He paused, letting his words sink in, then added, “Some people give up their privileges so people like you can enjoy them.”
The woman fell silent, clearly embarrassed by his response. But the story didn’t end there. As the veteran was about to pay for his meal, a young woman who had been in line stepped forward and said, “I’ll pay for his meal.” But it didn’t stop there. The store manager, who had been watching the whole scene unfold, stepped in and said, “No need. The meal is on us.”
The young veteran walked out of the restaurant with his head held high, knowing that not everyone was like the woman who had spoken to him. Hopefully, that woman learned an important lesson that day: Veterans deserve our respect, not judgment.
Do you support our veterans? Share your thoughts in the comments!
