According to ‘holidayinsights.com, the first Friday in June is National Donut (originally spelled doughnut) Day, which is not to honor Dunkin’ Donuts or Krispy Kreme, but was declared to honor the Salvation Army ‘lassies’ of WWI. (However, Krispy Kreme is rumored to be giving out one free donut to everyone who stops in.)
The original Salvation Army Doughnut was first served by Salvation Army in 1917. During WWI, Salvation Army “lassies” were sent to the front lines of Europe. These brave volunteers made home-cooked foods, and provided a morale boost to the troops. Often the doughnuts were cooked in oil inside of the metal helmet of an American soldier. The American infantrymen were commonly called doughboys. Salvation Army lassies were the only women outside of military personnel allowed to visit the frontlines. Lt. Colonel Helen Purviance is considered the Salvation Army’s “first doughnut girl.”
https://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/June/doughnutday.htm
Val says
what about Dunkin doughnuts in town, are they giving out “freebies”?
Richard Wessel says
Dunkin Donuts is giving away a free donut with the purchase of a beverage. .