Like most of us, you probably heard about the veteran’s discount. Many restaurants offer a cheaper meal option or a similar deal for those who served in the military. The idea is that members of the armed services gain some privileges in the county from their service to the country. Although it’s nothing too extreme, it’s a small sign of appreciation to pay a little less for a cheeseburger. This is still a tradition we usually associate with businesses that are smaller.
Recently, one KFC store in Gallipolis, Ohio decided to get in on the action as well.
The store in question drew reactions online when it posted the sign in its window.
The official store policy was that if a uniformed police officer comes in, regardless of the time or the date, they would be able to eat for free. The idea, of course, was to offer a token of gratitude to officers in the area by offering them a discount on chicken. Needless to say, the new policy got the little store some attention online.
A Facebook page called Ohio Going Blue posted the image to much discussion.
Although the post got over 10,000 likes and 6,000 shares, some people had different opinions.
Some commenters wondered whether or not it was necessary to give police officers free food and drinks. Others commented that they were officers themselves and would turn down free food if offered because they didn’t want unique treatment. Chiming in, the admins on the Facebook page said:
“This is a positive post, but some of you can’t see the bigger picture. As an officer, I do not go into any establishment expecting/wanting ANYTHING to be free or let alone even a discount, wether I’m in uniform or not, and I can tell you other officers feel the same way. We don’t like “special treatment”. The fact is that KFC is acknowledging law enforcement, which is why this was posted. To those who stated that other first responders should also be acknowledged. My answer? ABSOLUTELY.”
Although the sign has certainly earned some discussion, the restaurant has said it will stay in the window.
Ultimately, this simple sign serves as a salute to the local officers who put their lives in harm’s way, and lets them know that their efforts are appreciated.