Editor's Note: This story was updated Nov. 4 to reflect the increased number of participants in the Grace for Vets carwash program. As of late Wednesday, there were 220 companies registered online.
More than 200 companies in 44 states and Washington, D.C., have registered online as participants in this year’s Grace for Vets professional carwash event. The program celebrates active and retired military service personnel by giving away free carwashes to veterans every Nov. 11. Started in 2004 by Cloister Wash & Lube, the Veteran’s Day promotion has grown into a national celebration, with hundreds of carwashes participating each year.
In order to receive a free carwash at a participating location, all veterans have to do is verbally tell a carwash attendant that they are a retired veteran or active in the armed forces. No proof is required because program officials want the event to run under one of the military’s guiding principles, honor.
One participating carwash is Sudsy's Car Wash in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Since opening in February, Sudsy’s has made a point to participate in numerous community events.
“The free wash is designed to show our support for our armed forces and to recognize veterans for their service,” said Vicki VanLiere, Sudsy’s co-owner. “My dad was a World War II veteran and received a Purple Heart for his sacrifice. We wanted a tangible way to show that our freedom is not free. We hope this will be an annual event at Sudsy’s, much like our free washes for moms on Mother’s Day and dads on Father’s Day.”
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