Hundreds of military service women—planning their upcoming weddings–got an unexpected surprise on Veteran’s Day. A formalwear store in Pennsylvania gave away 120 new wedding gowns to women in the armed forces, veterans, or who are engaged to past or present servicemen–other bridal wear shops throughout the country also ran similar wedding dress giveaways.
The man behind the free wedding gown giveaway in Pennsylvania is Pete Scolieri. He and his wife own a formalwear shop in Pittsburgh and said they came up with the idea to show support for the troops.
“I don’t care if you’re a Republican, a Democrat, an independent – everybody tries to put that on their sleeve,” Scolieri told local reporters. “But it’s just a matter of hey, these guys are over there, whether they want to or not, whether they believe in the cause or not. So how can we give something to them?”
Scolieri said that one of the lucky brides-to-be was a woman who has been in the military for more than two decades. She is getting married in September and couldn’t believe the generosity shown by storeowners such as Scolieri.
“This is just fantastic,” she said.
Scolieri told a local newspaper reporter that most giveaway gowns retailed between $500 and $2,000, but one dress was listed for $5,850. In the end, Scolieri’s shop donated 100 dresses and several vendors donated 20 others.
It’s an interesting and creative approach to illustrate support for the women… and men (after all, a happy bride begets a happy groom) who unselfishly risk their lives to defend our freedoms. I have heard of food and music vendors sponsoring military couple’s receptions, but never a shop owner giving away free wedding dresses to hundreds of military brides. What a wonderful gift… and not a bad way to spend Veteran’s Day either.