Route 76 Diner celebrating Thanksgiving by giving veterans free meals

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GREENFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) – A local restaurant owner is showing what he’s really thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Instead of cooking a meal at home, he’s at work, cooking free meals for veterans.

At 10:00 a.m. Thursday, veterans started coming into the Route 76 Diner in Greenfield for a Thanksgiving meal.

 Owner Omar Hamdan opened the diner earlier this month, saying he decided early on he wanted to give back.

“Having the veterans share their stores and allowing them to come in. I can’t explain how I am feeling,” says Hamdan.

Veteran Brian Evans says he’s thankful he has somewhere to go because he knows what it’s like to spend Thanksgiving alone.

“It was the longest day I ever had. It just seemed like I was an outcast. I couldn’t eat nowhere, the VA was having something, but it was nothing like this,” said Evans.

This Thanksgiving, Evans says is one of the best he’s ever had.

“I feel good. I really feel good. The food is great, my stomach is full. I couldn’t ask for a better Thanksgiving,” the veteran told CBS 58.

Evans is surrounded by his fellow veterans who he calls his brothers and sisters.

“I am with family now. This is family here,” said Evans.

The meals were served up until 1:00 p.m. on Thursday. 

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