As a way of saying “thanks” to our military, Brown Bear will be offering free “Bear Essential” car washes to all current or former members of the military on Veteran’s Day, Thursday, Nov. 11.

Brown Bear can be found in Auburn at 814 Auburn Way S.

The free car washes also are being extended to all spouses who have a spouse currently deployed. See www.brownbear.com for a list of participating tunnel wash locations in the Puget Sound area.

“Our organization is proud to honor veterans and service personnel,” said Brown Bear president and founder Vic Odermat, a Marine Corps veteran. “While the washes are free, we know that freedom is not. This is a way for us to show our support and gives us a unique opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to people who sacrifice for our freedom.”

Odermat said the offer will operate on an honor system and no verification or documentation is required.

Drivers should identify themselves as a current or former member of the military to the wash attendant.

Odermat started Brown Bear in Seattle in 1957 with one location at 15th Ave. West in Seattle. Through its parent company, Car Wash Enterprises, Inc., Brown Bear owns and operates a total of 41 car wash facilities in Washington State as well as a network of gas stations and convenience stores.