Broken Arrow, OK – On Veterans Day, the 50s Diner opened its doors early to provide a free breakfast for veterans and their families, continuing an 11‑year tradition that owner Ryan Hamchou says demonstrates the town’s deep respect for military service.
Veterans Turn Out in Record Numbers
Hamchou reported that by 6 a.m. the diner had already served more than 100 veterans, the largest turnout he’s witnessed in years. “We started the diner 11 years ago and we do this every year to show appreciation to our veterans,” he said. “They’ve sacrificed so much for us, we owe them everything.”
Community Leaders Praise the Gesture
Brigadier General Thomas Mancino, president of the Oklahoma Military History Center board, praised the event, noting it reflects both the diner’s commitment and the broader community’s support for those who have served. “I think it’s wonderful. Ryan has been doing this for years, and you can tell by the crowd that veterans come here because they know he loves this country,” Mancino said.
Local Businesses Encouraged to Follow Suit
Hamchou emphasized that honoring veterans should be a shared responsibility among local businesses. “I believe any business here needs to share the same values. They need to respect our veterans and our seniors,” he said. “Most of our customers are veterans and they’re here every day. It’s just our way of showing some appreciation.”
Looking Ahead
As the breakfast concluded, Hamchou extended his gratitude to all service members, saying, “We’ll never forget what you did and what you’ve sacrificed. We love you, we appreciate you, and we might not know all of you, but we owe you a lot. Thank you for your service and happy Veterans Day.” The 50s Diner plans to continue the free‑breakfast tradition next year, hoping to inspire other establishments across Broken Arrow and the state of Oklahoma to recognize the sacrifices of veterans.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
