SALEM — A day after citizens remember the fallen, a group of businesses will offer a free meal to the first 50 veterans from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday at BB Rooners in downtown Salem.

“We just wanted to do something for veterans,” Blossom Nursing & Rehab Clinical Liaison Debbie Leggett said.

The early dinner is sponsored by Blossom Nursing & Rehab, Community Hospice, Whispering Pines Village-Capital Senior Living, BB Rooners and Family Care Services representing Woods-Rettig, Van Dyke-Swaney-Rettig and Warrick-Kummer-Rettig funeral homes in Leetonia, East Palestine and Columbiana.

Any guests accompanying a veteran can purchase a meal (including drink) for $8, choosing from a menu that includes spaghetti and meatball, fish sandwich and side, grilled chicken sandwich and French fries, cheeseburger and side, BLT with House Chips, pot roast dinner, pizza with one topping or steak or chicken BB classic salad.

Leggett said BB Rooners was thrilled with the idea of participating and Blossom does many events with Community Hospice and Whispering Pines Village-Capital Senior Living. American flags and poppies will be handed out, too.

“My husband’s a veteran, that’s just dear to my heart,” Leggett said.

Keith served in the U.S. Army in Korea during the Vietnam War.

“Community Hospice is a proud participant in the WE HONOR VETERANS program. This is a national awareness program that focuses on strengthening partnerships and networking with other veteran organizations in order to enhance the care and availability of services to veterans and their families. So naturally anytime we can sponsor and support a local event we are more than happy to be there for our amazing community of veterans. In memory of many, in honor of all,” Community Hospice Community Liaison Dana Smith said.

Jarrod Kane, a funeral director with Family Care Services, serves on the board for Community Hospice, which approached the funeral homes about taking part.

Family Care Services has a close relationship with Community Hospice, and Kane’s wife, Heather, serves as Community Hospice office manager/volunteer coordinator for Columbiana County. Plus one of their own, Joe Scott, who’s worked many years for the funeral homes, is a veteran.

“Having multiple funeral home locations, we work closely with several veterans groups coordinating funeral services and military honors. As an organization, it’s important to us to be able to give back to these veterans for the sacrifices they have made. This event is another way for us to honor and thank our local veterans,” Kane said.

Whispering Pines Village Sales and Marketing Director Samantha Nutter also talked about the importance of what they’re doing.

“Whispering Pines Village is honored to be a part of this event to thank the men and women who were and are willing to sacrifice for our country. It is a privilege to help those that have served,” Nutter said.