COEUR d'ALENE - Eric Soles and Scarlet Kelso are reaching out to the community to honor local veterans.

The fifth annual Vernon Baker Memorial Day Lunch for veterans will be held on Monday.

Only active duty military and prior military service members, regardless of protected veteran status, are eligible to eat for free with proof of military service required. Last year, 173 veterans were fed a free meal.

Monetary donations, which will be given to the participating restaurants to help defray the cost, are still being sought. About $275 has been raised so far.

Tax-deductible donations can be made out to VFW Post 889 with "Veterans Lunch" in the memo and mailed to event organizers Eric Soles at 211 E. Coeur d'Alene Ave., Suite 104, Coeur d'Alene, ID, 83814 or Scarlet Kelso at 3518 N. Government Way, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815.

The following restaurants have volunteered to open their doors on Memorial day to offer a free meal to veterans: Capone's Pub & Grill (Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls and Hayden locations) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Michael D's Eatery from 8 a.m. to noon and Fedora Pub and Grille from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

To RSVP for a free meal or for additional information please call Eric Soles/Julie Bailey at 667-1539 or Scarlet Kelso/Patti Leach at 667-8284.