The Salvation Army pretty much conquers the whole country on National Donut Day, which traditionally happens on the first Friday of June each year. This year is no exception.

Why have I not known this was a thing for over 75 years? It was created by The Salvation Army in 1938 to honor members who'd served up doughnuts to soldiers during World War I. In fact, the Donut's amazing popularity is traceable back to these acts of kindness. Yes friends, DONUTS are GIFTS from ABOVE, deep-fried MANNA from HEAVEN!

Wikipedia says this about its history:

Soon after the US entrance into World War I in 1917, The Salvation Army sent a fact-finding mission to France. The mission concluded that the needs of US enlisted men could be met by canteens/social centers termed "huts" that could serve baked goods, provide writing supplies and stamps, and provide a clothes-mending service. Typically, six staff members per hut would include four female volunteers who could "mother" the boys. These huts were established by The Salvation Army in the United States near army training centers.

About 250 Salvation Army volunteers went to France. Because of the difficulties of providing freshly baked goods from huts established in abandoned buildings near to the front lines, the two Salvation Army volunteers (Ensign Margaret Sheldon and Adjutant Helen Purviance) came up with the idea of providing doughnuts. These are reported to have been an "instant hit", and "soon many soldiers were visiting The Salvation Army huts". Margaret Sheldon wrote of one busy day: "Today I made 22 pies, 300 doughnuts, 700 cups of coffee."

Soon, the women who did this work became known by the servicemen as "Doughnut Dollies". 

After reading that, I know eating a donut tomorrow, no matter how decadent, is a patriotic celebration!

Now that we've inspired you, here's where you can get your free donut:

Texas's own Shipley Do-Nuts is rockin' the freebies between 5:00 AM and Noon. You know there's one near you, I pass two on the way in to work!

Fort Hood has a Dunkin Donuts, as does Round Rock and according to the corporate website, DD is giving out a free donut with a beverage purchase. Also, you and your Snapchat friends can display their love for donuts with special Snapchat filters celebrating the holiday. The National Donut Day themed geofilters are the latest additions to Dunkin’ Donuts’ lineup of seasonally themed filters, and will be available for fans to share with friends and followers all day in or around all Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants nationwide. Also, popular Snapchatters throughout the country will 'take over' the brand’s Snapchat channel throughout the day, showcasing how they're celebrating National Donut Day in their city. (I honestly have no idea how this works, it's all foreign to me.)

If you're down in Austin, Krispy Kreme is giving one of their donuts away free to each person who asks. This is their big day.

Know any other location, especially a locally-owned one? Hit me on my link above.

Here's a video about Donut Day:

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