They say there’s no free lunch in life, but that adage won’t hold true Friday.

Mattie’s Pancake and Omelette Restaurant will offer free breakfast or lunch to military veterans to celebrate Veterans Day.

Owner Dale Rettke started the tradition seven years ago and has no plans to discontinue the salute to local military personnel. He’s not a veteran, but he appreciates the freedoms the military protects.

“Without those who’ve gone before, I couldn’t do what I’m doing,” Rettke said.

Friday morning, Marine Corps League Detachment 578 of Brookings will present Rettkey with a certificate of thanks for his generosity.

Personnel from the Vietnam Veterans of America and the Brookings-Harbor Redshirts also will be on hand for a ceremony at the restaurant, 15975 Highway 101.

Marine Corps League Commandant Bob Gilmore, who served three tours in Vietnam from 1963-67, said veterans appreciate a pat on the back from Mattie’s, and not just on Veterans Day.

“They do a lot of nice things for veterans throughout the year, so we wanted to honor them,” he said.

About a month ago, the Redshirts presented Mattie’s with a U.S. flag that had flown in Iraq as well as Redshirt memorabilia. The flag is displayed at the restaurant.

“He does a lot for all the veterans,” Redshirts President Sharon Hitzman said of Rettke.

Allan Stewart of the Redshirts, a 1965-67 Vietnam-era veteran, said, “You won’t find a friendlier place for breakfast or lunch (than Mattie’s). They’ve been very supportive of the Redshirts and have a collection jar and make donations on their own. They’ve been a real helper to us.”

Bill Cochran, who served in the U.S. Army from 1943-46 in England, France and Germany, agreed with Stewart.

“They’re one of the best supporters of veterans,” he said. “They’re just nice people.”

In addition to Friday’s free breakfast and lunch, veterans also will be treated to a free breakfast Sunday at the Elks Club. That event, from 8 a.m. to noon, is sponsored by the local chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America.

Non-veterans are welcome for a $5 fee.