Happy National Donut Day!

Celebrated annually on the first Friday of June (and on June 5th this year), this day honors the "Donut Lassies" of the Salvation Army who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War I. Many local shops and national chains offer free doughnuts or special deals today to celebrate. And some locations, such as the USS Midway Museum, hold special events.

Here's a quick refresher about the word's spelling. According to Merriam-Webster, "Doughnut is the original, traditional spelling. It is the preferred choice in the United Kingdom, Canada, and international English. Major authorities like the Merriam-Webster dictionary and the AP Stylebook list this as the primary or preferred spelling. Embraced by Benjamin Franklin and Noah Webster, "Donut" is the phonetic, Americanized variation. It was popularized by brands like Dunkin' Donuts in the mid-20th century, is considered more casual, and is widely accepted in the United States."

Let's take a stroll back through history and then pivot to look at today's celebrations from a marketing lens.

According to NationaDayCalendar.com, "In 1917, a group of women, often referred to as Lassie's, were sent to the front lines in France by the Salvation Army. They were directed to set up field bases near the front lines to try to boost morale among troops. The makeshift "huts" were a place where soldiers could stock up on necessities and get a small break from the fighting. Little did they know that the Salvation Army Lassie's would not only boost morale, but make history in the creation of one of the most celebrated food holidays.

The women who were working at the field bases wanted to do more than simply re-stocking troop supplies. They began making home-cooked food for the troops in hopes that the food would give them a small taste of home. During this time, the Lassies began handing out a sweet baked treat that would become known as the Salvation Army Doughnut. According to the story, doughnuts were cooked inside the helmets of the troops, dubbing them as "doughboys," which was a standard term used for donut. The Donut Lassies are said to be the reason we have National Doughnut Day today!"

And now, here are eight brands with publicized celebrations today:

DUNKIN'

According to the brand's website, "Since opening in 1950 in Quincy, Massachusetts, Dunkin' has become a go-to destination for donuts and coffee across the country. Today, as America’s largest donut and coffee brand, Dunkin' serves more than 2 billion donuts annually. At Dunkin', the love for donuts runs deep – and National Donut Day is the perfect time to go all in. As the holiday returns on Friday, June 5, the brand is delivering even more ways for donut lovers to celebrate.

Ahead of the big day, Dunkin' is kicking off the week with a limited-time Dunkin' tote bag giveaway – available with the purchase of a half dozen donuts or more on Monday, June 1st at participating Dunkin' locations, while supplies last. On National Donut Day, guests can enjoy a free donut with any beverage purchase for the 16th year in a row, alongside the return of a sweet collaboration with customizable lifestyle and accessories brand Stoney Clover Lane."

Following last year's sold-out collaboration, Dunkin' and Stoney Clover Lane created a new limited-edition collection for this year inspired by Dunkin' staples: a Dunkin' Iced Coffee Crossbody Bag ($98), a Dunkin' Donuts Small Pouch ($98), a Dunkin' Donut Pouch ($88), a Dunkin' Donuts Micro Pouch ($68), a collection of playful bag charms ($18 each), and collectible patch set ($58).

KRISPY KREME

MSN reported, "Get a free doughnut of your choice. Any doughnut, all day. No purchase necessary. This is valid for in-store customers only (not valid on online orders)."

VOODOO DOUGHNUT

MSN reported, "Fan club members will get an email for a free doughnut. Valid at all locations except Universal CityWalk and airport locations."

RANDY'S DONUTS

MSN reported, "Any guest can get a free doughnut (from the classic category) from 6 am to noon. All locations are participating except Resorts World in Las Vegas and the LAX airport."

7-ELEVEN

National Convenience and Fuel Retailing reported, "On June 5th, 7-Eleven will offer 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards members classic glazed donuts for 50 cents each, available at participating 7-Eleven, Speedway and Stripes stores nationwide. The single-day deal is for loyalty members only. The company said 7-Select Mini Donut packs are also available for $1 in honor of the celebration. The yellow cake donuts are coated in chocolate, cinnamon sugar, toasted coconut crunch or powdered sugar."

According to Brandon Brown, senior vice president, fresh foods and beverages at 7-Eleven Inc., "Sometimes the best celebrations are the simplest ones, like a fresh donut and a great deal. National Donut Day gives customers a fun reason to treat themselves, and these offers make every coffee run, snack stop, or midday break a little sweeter."

SHIPLEY DO-NUTS

MSN reported, "Shipley Do-Nuts is celebrating all month. Shipley Rewards members can get a free glazed donut with purchase every Friday in June (valid June 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th from 5 am to close)."

DUCK DONUTS

MSN reported, "Get a free cinnamon sugar doughnut when you visit Duck Donuts, in-shop only. There's no purchase necessary to get the freebie."

STAN'S DONUTS CHICAGO

According to the brand's website, on June 5th, EVERYONE gets a free chocolate-dipped donut with any purchase, but some will get extra lucky. Bite into it, and if your donut is pink, you get FREE donuts for a year! If it's green, you get free donuts for the rest of your LIFE! Every location will have ONE winner of donuts for a year."

SHARE THIS: The optimist sees the donut, the pessimist sees the hole. ~Oscar Wilde #NationalDonutDay #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Are you craving a donut yet? Well, now you know where to go to celebrate. Happy Donut Day!

Image Credits: Stan's Donuts Chicago.