Hundreds of veterans got a free dinner at the Atlantis buffet, Thursday,
It's one of many places across Northern Nevada showing appreciation for those who have served.
It is as if one was at a chow hall in a military base.
Hundreds of military veterans lined up outside this buffet at the Atlantis Hotel & Casino.
Pat McDonald is a multigenerational Navy Veteran.
"I missed the birth of three of my children. That's huge. Those are big things you [want to] be home for, but I gave that up to serve my country,” he said.
From free dinners at Buffalo Wild Wings, Olive Garden and Outback Steakhouse, to free beers at Great Basin Brewery and even a free one night hotel stay at GSR, businesses across Reno are making sure history doesn't repeat itself.
“When we came back, back in the day, it was not very pleasant,” said George Sullivan.
Sullivan, a medic who saved many lives in Vietnam, has not forgotten how he was treated after returning from the war.
"Now, people have looked back in retrospect and they've realized; when you take some time off to serve your country. It's quite an honor,” Sullivan added.
For some, it's not about free meals or getting thanked.
It is rather is a chance for veterans to talk about their experiences over meals.
"When you have people say, ‘thank you for your service,’ you don't really know how to respond because it's not something I did to get praise for,” said Tony Morin, an Iraq War Army veteran.
It is also a reminder that freedom is not free.
"We may not have lost our life, but we did sacrifice, whether it was time from our families,” McDonald added.
Some places, including GSR, will continue offering discounts to veterans.
Many other businesses also show appreciation by offering discounts to veterans throughout the year.
