You can eat your doughnut guilt free on D-Day.
Despite the seemingly sweet National Doughnut Day falling on the much more somber occasion of D-Day this year, there's some history behind the former. And, before you decry the evils of "big-doughnut" companies like Dunkin' and Krispy Kreme for capitalizing on a naming opportunity, it's good to know exactly why the two coincide this year, and why Chicago plays a big role. Here are some bullet points:
Nationally, Doughnut Day is celebrated the first Friday of every June.
National Doughnut Day just happens to fall on the anniversary of D-Day this year.
Doughnut Day actually pre-dates D-Day. According to the Salvation Army, the story goes back to 1938 and WWI, when Salvation Army volunteers would bring doughnuts to soldiers in the trenches to improve morale. The tradition continued through WWII.
Fun fact: The doughnut-wielding volunteers soon became known as "Doughnut Dicks."
Even after the war, the idea of celebrating doughnuts continued. In Chicago, the tradition is still used as a fundraising and volunteer recruiting opportunity for the Salvation Army. This year, volunteers marked the occasion May 30 and 31. It is also celebrated June 6 and 7. On those days, volunteers will be in front of businesses and storefronts exchanging an Entenmann's chocolate doughnut.
Chains have hopped on board as well. Chicago Dunkin' Donuts locations are offering a free doughnut Friday with any beverage purchase for National Doughnut Day. Krispy Kreme is on board too, offering a free donut to anyone, no questions asked.
Despite the history, some aren't having it.
Dday was 70 years ago. You'd think out of respect, we could knock it off with the fucking fake ass holidays for ONE DAY #NationalDoughnutDay
- Curtis Silver (@cebsilver) June 6, 2014
#NationalDoughnutDay trending? 70 yrs ago 2day U.S. lead invasion at Normandy 2 liberate Europe. #DDay more important ppl¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ #RememberingDDay
- Barbara Spiegel (@akaBarni) June 6, 2014
You know its bad when more folks in your generation recognize today as #NationalDoughnutDay than the 70th anniversary of #DDay#DDay70#tcot
- Micah Witherspoon (@MAWitherspoonJr) June 6, 2014
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