The chief executive officers have decided they will each wear gear from the winning military aid society and post a message on social media thanking donors.

The winner will be crowned at the end.

“Let’s face it, the real winners will be the service members, retirees and families that we all serve,” said retired Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright, chief executive officer for Air Force Aid Society, in an announcement of the first-ever competition. To donate to one of the military relief societies in this competition, visit Battle4BraggingRights.com

All four military relief societies — Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Air Force Aid Society, Army Emergency Relief and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance — are four-star Charity Navigator-rated nonprofit organizations. The four are congressionally sanctioned, and their offices are usually located on military installations. They provide grants and interest-free loans, to help service members and their families in need. They provide a variety of programs and services, such as emergency relief, disaster assistance, financial assistance, scholarships and other support.

Giving Tuesday started in 2012 as a global day of giving, with a mission of inspiring people to support causes most important to them.

Lockheed Martin has offered to match every #Battle4BraggingRights gift made on #Giving Tuesday, up to the first $1 million.

Sailors and Marines love a good fight, said retired Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Robert R. Ruark, president and chief executive officer of Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, in a Facebook video about the challenge. “This is a good fight because everybody wins.”

Retired Army Lt. Gen. Raymond Mason, director of Army Emergency Relief, said all the relief societies “share a deep need to help those who serve and their families.” And although this is a competition, “we’re all on the same team,” Wright said.

And while the Coast Guard is the smallest service aside from Space Force, the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance “is going to win this,” said retired Rear Adm. Cari Thomas, CEO of CGMA, in her challenge.

“We are the hard nucleus about which the Navy forms in times of war.”

And now, there’s Carey Hart — former motocrosser and current spokesman for the brand, owner of two custom Indians, and the guy who’s set to share his riding skills as well as his Good Ride fund-raising platform with US troops based overseas.

This May 19 and 20, in celebration of Armed Forces Day, Hart will be at Army Garrison Stuttgart, Germany. The Good Ride Salutes USAG Stuttgart will honor U.S. soldiers with an Armed Forces Day ride from Stuttgart through the picturesque Black Forest and German countryside. Afterward, there’s a good-old barbecue and live music, with the Good Ride experience available to a community of more than 20,000 active military and their families.

Hart is all in.

“I’ve always held an immense sense of respect and gratitude for our troops, and that’s why I’ve made the military, both active and veteran, the focus of Good Ride’s efforts since Day One,” Hart said. “I couldn’t be more proud and excited to bring Good Ride directly to our active troops overseas.”

In support of Good Ride Salutes USAG Stuttgart, Indian Motorcycle is also running a test-ride promotion to raise up to $30,000 for the Infinite Hero Foundation. As the main beneficiary of Hart’s Good Ride Rally, Infinite Hero funds programs that offer accessibility to effective treatments for military heroes and their families dealing with service-related injuries.

For every test ride completed at an Indian dealership in May, Indian will donate $20. Riders can schedule a ride at indianmotorcycle.com and also donate to Hart’s Good Ride — a 501(c)(3) charity — at goodriderally.com.

Of course, Indian isn’t the only manufacturer honoring the military; Harley-Davidson also provides special stateside military financing including no down payment, reduced rates, and flexible term options specifically for active-duty military personnel.

Another promotion allows spouses of current and former military personnel and first responders to take the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy New Rider Course for just $99. Click here for more info.

BMW, Honda, and Kawasaki are also currently offering military discounts; see their websites for details.

This piece originally appeared at Hot Bike.

May is a month when many businesses offer discounts to show their appreciation for military service. We’re maintaining a running list and will be updating it all month long, so check back for deals offered by restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues, retail establishments and other businesses. If we’re missing any, email Senior Reporter Karen Jowers at kjowers@militarytimes.com.

Take note: Some of these establishments offer deals year-round. Once you find your deal, check out our “before you go” advice at the bottom of the page to maximize your experience.

RETAIL

Brooklyn Bedding: The manufacturer of custom mattresses recently launched a year-round nationwide 25 percent military discount program on any sleep product, including mattresses and electric adjustable bases. The discount is offered online (click the Troop ID button at checkout) and at their retail stores (show military ID or work with an associate for verification through ID.me at checkout.) The discount includes free shipping on all orders. Those eligible are active-duty and National Guard members, veterans, spouses and dependents.

Commissaries: Sidewalk sales are being offered at varying times at commissaries worldwide through May 31. Every commissary will have an outdoor sidewalk sale, offering discounts and deals above the regular commissary savings.

For information about your local commissary’s sidewalk sales, head here. A number of military exchanges will hold sales events in conjunction with commissaries.

GovX: This shopping site, open to current and former military members and first responders, is offering additional discounts throughout the month, with deals updating every 48 hours. Brands such as Vortex Optics, Under Armour, Oakley, Benchmade, Garmin, Ray-Ban, 5.11 Tactical, Hydro Flask, Grunt Style and others are included through out the month. The month ends with a five-day “blowout” sale.

A number of Major League Baseball teams have partnered to provide bonuses for GovX members; any member who buys baseball tickets by May 14 will have a chance to win free tickets plus extra perks (such as autographed items and/or watching batting practice from the field) for a future game. The list of teams can be found here. Membership in GovX is free for those eligible.

Harley-Davidson: Current and former military personnel and their spouses can take the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy New Rider Course for $99. Register and sign up for an eligible course that ends on or before Sept. 30.

Home Depot: All veterans receive a 10 percent discount on in-store purchases on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day. But those who are currently serving in the military, or retired, or disabled veterans ― and their dependents ― are eligible for a 10 percent discount on in-store purchases every day. There are certain limitations.

Lowe’s: To get a 10 percent year-round discount, active duty, retirees and veterans should sign up online for the MyLowe’s card, Lowe’s personal shopping card (not a credit card). Spouses and dependents up to age 18 also qualify, as the discount for the household is linked to the MyLowe’s card. It applies to online purchases, too. There are certain limitations.

[Lowe’s expands, changes its military discount program]

Sherwin-Williams: Military and veterans can get an additional 10 percent discount at Sherwin-Williams retail stores during May, on top of the year-round 15 percent military discount. Customers must show proof of service; veterans without a military ID should call ahead to their local store to find out what proof is needed.

RESTAURANTS

Beer Park:Year-round 10 percent military discount at the Paris Las Vegas restaurant; also a free Budweiser draft beer with military ID through the day on Tuesday, May 1.

Chuck E. Cheese: Active duty, Guard, reserve and retired members and their dependents qualify for two special offers year round. Alpha: large, one-topping pizza, four drinks and 45 play points for $28.99 (regularly $40); or Bravo: two large 1-topping pizzas, four drinks and 100 play points for $46.99 (regularly $69). Ask about the military offers and show the military ID or dependent ID card to get either deal.

Cabo Wabo Cantina: Active military and veterans receive a 20 percent discount off all menu item purchases, with military ID at this Las Vegas restaurant. Veterans contact the restaurant ahead to determine what proof of service is needed.

Fort Willow: The Chicago restaurant offers a free “Big Bite” sandwich for active duty and retired military personnel each Wednesday throughout May.

Freed’s Bakery: Active military and veterans receive a free Freed’s signature cupcake from Tuesday, May 1 through Tuesday, May 8, with military ID. In addition, throughout May, they can receive a 10 percent discount on all desserts at this Las Vegas bakery, which is featured on Food Network’s “Vegas Cakes.” Veterans should contact the bakery ahead to find out what proof of service is accepted.

Houlihan’s: Active military with a military ID receive 15 percent discount on food purchase, now year-round.

Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant: Veterans and active-duty military service members who present a valid military ID will receive a 20-percent discount on Tuesday, May 1, and a 10 percent discount throughout the month of May, at this Las Vegas restaurant. Veterans contact the restaurant ahead to determine what proof of service they’ll accept.

Therapy Las Vegas: Military, active members and veterans with a valid military ID receive a 10 percent discount off their entire bill, and all menu items are included. Veterans should contact the restaurant ahead of time to determine what proof of service they’ll accept.

HOTELS

Hilton: Participating hotels, including the extended-stay brands ― Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites ― are offering a 10 percent discount to all active, reserve and retired service members and their spouses and families, for leisure stays. The offer is valid throughout the year. Call the customer center at 800-446-6677 and request the Military Family Rate or Plan Code “MFR/PGMFR1”. You must present your current military ID card at check-in.

MGM Resorts International: Military members, veterans and their families are eligible for year-round discounts at certain locations through the Military & Veterans Program, or MVP. It offers a 10 percent discounts on rooms at 17 resorts around the country, and a 10 percent discount on certain food and beverage purchases at select restaurants, bars and dining destinations. A 25 percent spa discount is available at 12 of the resorts. Some additional discount programs are offered in May, such as a free ticket to the 10:30 p.m. May 9 Military Appreciation Month performance of the adult revue Fantasy at the Las Vegas Luxor Hotel and Casino.

Red Roof Inn: Offers a 10 percent discount to all veterans all year. Offers are subject to availability at participating properties and some hotels may have blackout dates. Use VP code 606732 when booking online or when calling 800-RED-ROOF (800-733-7663).

Westgate Resorts: Military members receive 10 percent off the best available rate year-round.

RECREATION

American Century Championship: Military and veterans can reserve free tickets for the 29th annual American Century Championship, which takes place July 10-15 in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Those qualified can reserve one free ticket and one free guest ticket for each day of the celebrity golf tournament.

The offer is valid only with online registration before the event. When redeeming the ticket at the tournement, a DoD ID or photo ID is required along with ticket voucher.

Blue Star Museums:This annual program offers free admission to participating museums around the country during the summer, for active-duty, Guard and reserve personnel and up to five family members, The 2018 program begins May 26 and ends Sept. 3. It’s a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Defense Department, and more than 2,000 museums across the country.

The link above includes a searchable-by-state list of participating museums, and is updated as more sign on. Retirees and veterans should check with their museum of interest to see if it offers any reduced or special rates.

Kings Dominion: Free admission to military and veterans, and discounted tickets for their families, on Memorial Day weekend (May 26-28) at this Virginia theme park. Show military ID or DD-214 at the front gate.

The rest of the year, active and retired military can get discounts on single day general admission tickets; up to six tickets can be purchased at the gate with a valid military ID.

Kings Island: Free admission to military and veterans and discounted tickets for up to six family members ($34 per ticket) on Memorial Day weekend (May 25-28) at this Ohio amusement and water park. Present valid military ID at the park. (Veterans check ahead of time to see what proof of service is needed.)

National Park Service: Active-duty military members and their dependents are eligible for a free military annual pass to any national park that usually charges a fee.

The Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium: Year-round, active and reserve military members with a valid military ID can receive free general admission tickets and a 50 percent discount for up to three family members in the same transaction, available at the admissions booth. Military discounts not available on Wednesdays at the zoo; at the aquarium, they are not available on summer Fridays after 4 p.m. or on fall Fridays after 3 p.m.

Tickets and tours:These offices, which are part of installations’ morale, welfare and recreation programs, offer a variety of discounts exclusive to the military community for local and national entertainment and recreational activities, many of which can only be obtained at these offices, Check with your local office, which you can find via Military OneSource’s installation directory at the bottom of its homepage.

Vail Resorts:Active and retired military and their dependents are eligible for the $99 Military Epic Pass for the 2018-2019 ski season, an almost 90 percent discount on the regular $899 price of their Epic Pass for unlimited and unrestricted access to the company’s 14 owned and operated ski resorts. Veterans and their adult dependents can buy an Epic Pass for $499, a 40 percent discount. Veterans’ children passes are $269. Detailed information about the discount and registering is here.

Valleyfair: Active, reserve or retired military members can receive free admission into this Minnesota park during Memorial Day, Military Appreciation Days and July 4 with proof of service. Tickets can only be purchased at the ticket booth on the day of the visit. At other times, Valleyfair offers a discounted admission price of $32.

Vet Tix: Military and veterans can receive free tickets year-round to various family programs, concerts, sporting events and performing arts, as tickets are donated to this nonprofit. Families can attend events for a handling fee of less than $20, compared to an average cost of $400 for a family of four, according to Vet Tix. Since its founding in 2008, Vet Tix has distributed more than 4 million tickets.

Xavier Mortimer’s Magical Dream: Active and retired military with a military ID can see this show free at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1 at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino’s Sin City Theatre in Las Vegas. In addition, throughout May, there’s a buy-one, get-one free ticket deal for veterans and active-duty service members. Xavier Mortimer’s Magical Dream is at 7 p.m. from Saturday through Thursday, with tickets starting at $49 for general admission and $69 for VIP, excluding tax and box office fees.

XCYCLE/XENXEN Las Vegas: Active duty and veterans receive a 50 percent off all class packages at both the high-end cycle studio and yoga boutique. Military members are invited to participate in the complimentary and specialty ‘Battle Ride’ at XCYCLE on May 6 at 12:15 p.m.

SERVICES

Verizon: Military and veterans can get a 15 percent monthly discount all year on the Go Unlimited and Beyond Unlimited, or a 15 percent discount off other plans’ monthly account service fee. They also offer a 25 percent discount on certain accessories when buying them online through My Verizon.

T-Mobile: New permanent discount program, T-Mobile ONE Military, for military, veterans and their families, and veteran-owned small businesses. The first line is $55 a month with AutoPay, normally $70. After that, the lines are discounted 50 percent, with the second line at $25, and $10 per line for the third through sixth lines. Also, through May 31, anyone on the T-Mobile One Military plan can get a Samsung Galaxy S9, S9+ or S8 Active at half the regular price. Visit T-Mobile stores nationwide or call 800-TMobile (800-866-2453).

[Check out T-Mobile’s new military discount]

Before you go….

• Check the fine print, and call the participating organization to be sure the offer is available at the time you plan on arriving.
• Let the host, cashier, attendant or other relevant employee know up front that you want the discount or deal.
• “Free” isn’t always completely free. A free meal doesn’t always come with a drink, for instance. Be prepared to pay for extras (and to tip). Most restaurants require patrons to dine in if they want the deal.
• Call ahead to local establishments to be sure they are aware of, and are participating in, national chain programs. Confirm availability and what type of ID is required.
• Not all offers apply to veterans of all stripes. Be sure you are eligible and you have the appropriate ID/paperwork.
• Not all discounts apply to the entire party. Be sure you’re clear whether family members or guests are covered in the discount.
• Always check with your local installation’s tickets and tours office before making plans for travel and visiting local attractions. They work with local and national companies to offer discounts on a variety of hotels and attractions, and many of these deals are available only through that installation office.
• It doesn’t hurt to ask a company whether they offer a military discount before you book a reservation or order from your waitress. But don’t act like you expect it.

As a child I often heard my father, who lived through those tumultuous times, quote its familiar opening lines:

In Flanders fields/The poppies blow/Between the crosses/Row on row

The author was the Canadian doctor, soldier, author and artist John McCrae. Born in Ontario in 1872 and educated in public schools, he was only 15 when he joined the local militia, which was commanded by his father. He started out as a bugler.

Later, he won a scholarship to the University of Toronto, where he earned his bachelor’s degree and went on to study medicine. Graduating at the top of his class, he did his residency at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

Throughout his schooling, McCrae kept his ties with the military and advanced to the rank of lieutenant in his hometown militia. He also was a member of the Toronto militia, The Queen’s Own Rifles, and became its commander and a captain.

Besides writing poetry, McCrae was the author of scientific articles, medical textbooks and short stories. Throughout his life he made numerous, beautiful sketches of what he saw.

After his medical training, he was awarded a fellowship at McGill University but postponed enrolling to serve his country in the Boer War. He went to South Africa in 1900 as commander of D Battery of the Royal Canadian Artillery. Though he felt it was important to serve, he left the war disturbed by the poor treatment of the sick and wounded.

McCrae returned to Canada in 1905 and then took a position at the University of Vermont teaching pathology. Years later, when World War I broke out, he enlisted. In the fall of 1914, he was made brigade surgeon with the rank of major, second in command, and was sent to Belgium. Most Canadians and Brits entered Europe across the English Channel into the Flanders region of Belgium.

McCrae’s job was almost impossible. Some 5,000 men would die in just a short time. McCrae would later write, “I wish I could embody on paper some of the varied sensations of that seventeen days. … Seventeen days of Hades! At the end of the first day if anyone had told us we had to spend seventeen days there, we would have folded our hands and said it could not have been done.”

The death of a young friend, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer of Ottawa, was particularly difficult. On May 2, 1915, Helmer was killed when a shell burst at his feet. Because no chaplain was available, McCrae performed the burial ceremony for his friend and countryman.

Though there are several different accounts of how Helmer’s death inspired the poem, this is the one probably told most often. The day after burying his friend, McCrae sat on the back of an ambulance and poured out his grief on paper. Sergeant Major Cyril Allison, who was nearby as he wrote, later said, “The poem was exactly an exact description of the scene in front of us both. He used the word blow in that line because the poppies actually were being blown that morning by a gentle east wind. It never occurred to me at that time that it would ever be published. It seemed to me just an exact description of the scene.”

McCrae later threw away his poem, but fortunately it was retrieved by Lieutenant Colonel Edward Morrison, a former newspaper editor. Morrison sent it to several London publications, and it was published by Punch magazine on December 8, 1915.

WHY POPPIES?

Gardening experts tell us that poppies grow and thrive only in soil that is frequently disturbed. When McCrae wrote his poem, the tumult of battle had uprooted the whole front. Poppies were in bloom all over the Flanders landscape.

Like the blood spilled from thousands of soldiers, this poppy was red. The red corn poppy (Papaver rheoeas) was native to Europe and also was prominent in the Napoleonic Wars.

“In Flanders Fields” became an instant favorite all over the world. It was particularly popular in Canada and the U.S. Ads featuring lines from it helped raise $400 million for the war effort in Canada alone.

His poem went on to achieve immortality, appearing on Canadian $10 bills and a 1968 commemorative stamp. It inspired songs by Canadian composers Michael Roberts and Jon Brooks and the American John Philip Sousa. Proceeds from the sale of poppies were used to benefit disabled veterans.

In the United States, Moina Michael, a Georgia teacher and YMCA volunteer, was so taken with the poem that she wrote a poem in response titled “We Shall Keep the Faith.” It began:

Oh! you who sleep in Flanders Fields,

Sleep sweet — to rise anew!

We caught the torch you threw

And holding high, we keep the Faith

With All who died.

Michael resolved to make the poppy a reminder of McCrae and millions of others who lost their lives in war. She mounted a long campaign that led the American Legion to adopt the red poppy in 1920 as its symbol of remembrance.

McCrae did not live to see all this. In 1918 McCrae had been named consulting surgeon for the entire British army, but the war had left him weary and unhealthy. Late in January 1918 he developed pneumonia and meningitis. He died on January 28 and was buried with full military honors at Wimereux, France, where poppies grow.

Editor’s note: This piece was originally published by MHQ: The Quarterly Journal of Military History, in 2011. For more on MHQ and other HistoryNet publications, go here.