In honor of the 100th anniversary of National Donut Day, the Salvation Army is teaming up with the Grand Junction VA Medical Center making it possible for people to share a donut and coffee with a veteran.

National Doughnut Day (or Donut Day) is an annual event held on the first Friday in June (this year, June 2) to commemorate the Salvation Army's part in serving donuts to the soldiers fighting in World War I.

The women, called 'Doughnut Girls' or 'Donut Lassies' were special ambassadors for the Salvation Army. Their primary mission was to provide spiritual and emotional support, encouragement, and a family connection to the troops fighting in France.

In an effort to give the soldiers a special treat, two of the Salvation Army volunteers, Ensign Margaret Sheldon and Adjutant Helen Purviance started frying donuts to distribute to the troops. These snacks are said to have boosted morale and became popular with the troops.

Chicago was the first city in the United States to celebrate Salvation Army National Donut Day in 1938. The event was a way of raising money to assist those in need during the Great Depression. Now, the event is a way of recognizing and thanking all veterans for their service

The National Donut Day celebration in Grand Junction is Friday, June 2 from 9 a.m. until noon at the VA Medical Center front entrance. The event is free and open to the public. It is a terrific way to meet, visit, and thank local veterans for their unselfish service to the US.

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