WESTLAKE, Ohio -- TravelCenters of America said that it served complimentary meals to nearly 15,000 veterans and active duty military on July 4, 2012.
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The travel center operator invited anyone with proof of service to enjoy a free meal at any participating TA and Petro Stopping Centers sitdown restaurant nationwide. The meals were served in honor of the service and sacrifice given by so many men and women who have fought for our country and freedoms, the company said.
"We are thrilled that the event turned out to be such a resounding success," said Tom O'Brien, president and CEO of TravelCenters. "I've heard from so many employees across our locations who said they felt honored to have been able to serve veterans and active military members and to thank them for their service. The day turned out to be much more special for everyone involved than we'd ever imagined."
Employees at Iron Skillet, Country Pride and other full-service, homestyle restaurants within TA and Petro Stopping Centers decorated restaurants in red, white and blue, donned patriotic costumes and t-shirts and served cakes frosted to resemble the American flag.
The day was filled with stories and memories, combined with an enormous sense of pride in America and its service men and women. One guest drove an antique army truck to the Iron Skillet in Effingham, Ill., after he drove it in the local parade.
Another guest at the Country Pride in Saginaw, Mich., shared with restaurant staff his feelings of hearing that his enlistment while in the Korean War had been extended an additional nine months.
Employees at the Country Pride at TA Binghamton, N.Y., set a table for the fallen soldier. "Those who have served and those currently serving in the uniformed services of the United States are ever mindful that the sweetness of enduring peace has always been tainted by the bitterness of personal sacrifice. They are compelled to never forget that while we enjoy our daily pleasures, others have endured or may be still enduring the agonies of pain and internment. We call our attention to this small table which occupies a place of dignity and honor. The table cloth is white for the purity of their intentions. The single rose in a vase signifies the blood they may have shed for our freedom. The slice of lemon signifies their bitter fate. The salt reminds us of the many countless tears of families as they wait. The glass inverted as they can't drink with us tonight. The chair is empty since they are not here. Let us not forget the sacrifices of those and their families," read the sign.
TravelCenters of America LLC, based in Westlake, Ohio, is a leading travel center business in 41 states and Canada operating under the TA and Petro Stopping Centers brands. With 240 locations off interstate highway exits, TA and Petro offer customers diesel and gasoline fueling services, nearly 500 full-service and quick-service restaurants, 24-hour convenience stores, heavy-truck maintenance services, RoadSquad emergency roadside service, electronic communication (WiFi) and many other services, all within large, high-traffic facilities.
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